Man Utd avoid Greek tragedy as CL glory odds are slashed

Manchester United fans have not had much to cheer about this season, but their second leg Champions League victory over Olympiakos in the last 16 was a reminder that the English giants are not ready to sleep just yet.

After losing 2-0 in a horrifically lifeless first leg in Greece, Coral gave the Red Devils odds of just 40/1 to win the European competition. However, a fantastic hat-trick by a spurred-on Robin van Persie saw them through to the quarter finals by winning 3-0 on the night.

United are still outside chances at 20/1, despite their odds being exactly halved, but poor domestic form (they are currently seventh in the Premier League) has not stopped English clubs in the past from winning the Champions League.

Both Chelsea and Liverpool finished outside the top four and were given no hope winning Europe’s elite competition – but ended up lifting the trophy anyway – so David Moyes will take confidence from that.

Coral don’t fancy United’s chances of progressing far, however, as they are odds-on at 8/15 to get knocked out at the quarter-finals stage against their yet to be announced opponents. A 9/4 price says they’ll be eliminated form the semis, while they are 9/1 shots to be beaten finalists.

Premier League leaders Chelsea (2/1 to win the English top flight) have been given a slightly better chance of progression to the next stage, but are still odds-on at 8/11 to get knocked out in the quarters. You can go with Coral at 11/5 for Jose Mourinho’s men to exit the competition in the semi-finals and 7/1 to finish runners-up.

The Blues comfortably beat their last 16 opposition Galatasaray 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of the tie, to win 3-1 on aggregate. Back them at 10/1 (fourth-favourites) to go all the way to win their second Champions League crown.

Bayern Munich remain the team to beat in this year’s tournament with odds of 15/8 to be the first club since AC Milan in the 1989/90 season to defend the European Cup. The Germans saw off Arsenal 3-1 over their last 16 tie.

La Liga side Real Madrid are looking the best bet to claim their 10th competitions title with odds of 4/1 (third-favourite), as they destroyed Schalke 9-2 on aggregate and possess Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.