Champions League post-draw betting update

The Champions League draw has thrown out some mouth-watering clashes in the first knockout stage. Probably the tie of the round is Inter Milan vs Chelsea, which will see Jose Mourinho return to the club where he won two Premiership titles. Manchester United also got a tough draw with the news that they will play AC Milan in their first knockout match. This will see David Beckham return to his former club for the first time since he left Manchester to play for Real Madrid.

Current champions Barcelona, who are currently in Abu Dhabi contesting the Club World Championship, face an easier match against German side Stuttgart. Real Madrid play Lyon, which will see Karim Benzema bidding to knock his former club out. The other French side remaining in the competition had an easier draw, with Bordeaux facing Olympiakos.

Arsenal will be pleased with their draw, and will face Porto, while Bayern Munich will meet Fiorentina. The last match is between Sevilla and CSKA Moscow.

Barcelona are heavier favourites following their favourable draw, and are now 10/3 to successfully defend their title. Chelsea are second favourites at 5/2, while Real Madrid are at 11/2. Manchester United have drifted to 9/1, just ahead of Arsenal who are at 10/1. Sevilla have shortened dramatically and are now at 14/1, while Bayern Munich and Inter are both at 20/1.

AC Milan and Bordeaux are both at 28/1, before a big jump to Fiorentina and Lyon, who are both at 50/1. Porto are at 66/1, while CSKA, Stuttgart and Olympiakos are all at 125/1.

On the top goalscorer market, Cristiano Ronaldo is still a heavy favourite at 6/5. He currently has six goals, with his closest rivals being Edin Dzeko, who is no longer in the competition, Milos Krasic of CSKA, and Michael Owen of Manchester United. They all have four goals. Last year`s winner Lionel Messi is at 9/1, with the Chelsea partnership of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka at 10/1 and 14/1 respectively.

Champions League outright betting odds