We are two rounds in to the 2023/24 Champions League and already we see some clear patterns forming across the eight groups.
It’s Europe’s premier club competition and is certainly living up to its name, and the early Champions League 2023 results have seen the heavyweights flexing their muscles while a new entrant has made a big splash and a famous old name is floundering on zero points.
Six-pointers:
The big guns have made a blistering start to the 2023/24 campaign, and the four teams which have won both games are primed to go very deep into the competition, according to the latest Champions League 2023 betting odds.
At SBOTOP odds of 3.10, Manchester City are the clear favourites, and they kicked off their campaign with a 3-1 win over Red Star Belgrade, coming back from a goal down as Julian Alvarez scored a brace.
The Argentine striker also scored the key second goal as the Sky Blues won 3-1 away to RB Leipzig, and they lead Group G.
Meanwhile, top of Group A is FC Bayern, second favourites to win the competition at odds of 5.50.
They started their campaign with a 4-3 win over Manchester United and followed it up with a 2-1 win away to FC Copenhagen, coming back from a goal down as Jamal Musiala levelled, and Mathys Tel scored a late winner.
Real Madrid, third favourites at odds of 8.00, have taken control of Group C but have had to work hard, beating Union Berlin 1-0 and then edging a five-goal thriller away to Napoli.
Los Blancos haven’t been entirely convincing, but in Jude Bellingham they have a real gem.
And to make up the Fab Four, we have Xavi’s Barcelona who top Group H thanks to a 5-0 win at home to Antwerp and then a 1-0 victory away to Porto.
At odds of 11.00 to win the tournament, Barcelona are currently fifth favourites with Arsenal in fourth position at a price of 10.00.
Bright starters:
New boys Newcastle United have made a great start to the competition, and they lead Group F on four points. This is the toughest group in the tournament with Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Borussia Dortmund making up the numbers, and Eddie Howe’s team has shown already they belong, drawing away to Milan and then beating Paris in the performance of the tournament so far.
In the battle of the oil-rich clubs, the Magpies were slick as PSG hit the skids and took a mighty battering. A packed St. James’ Park was in dreamland as Miguel Almiron set them on the way to a 4—1 win, and they are probably still celebrating now.
Another honourable mention goes to RC Lens, who top Group B on four points. The Ligue 1 side started with a 1-1 draw away to Sevilla, and they followed that up with a 2-1 victory over highly fancied Arsenal. Elye Wahi completed the comeback for the French side after Gabriel Jesus had given the Gunners an early lead.
Early strugglers:
You have to feel a little sorry for Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund who are in that Group of Death, and they have made the worst start of the four, sitting bottom of Group F with a single point.
Die Schwarzgelben gave it a good go away to PSG, taking 14 shots at the Paris goal and only conceding three on target. But they lost 2-0 as Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi struck in the second half, so they left the Parc des Princes empty handed.
BVB had a chance to recover with a home game against Milan. But this time, they had another 18 shots and had to settle for a goalless draw.
If you think that’s bad, then spare a thought for Manchester United fans who have watched their team lose to both FC Bayern and then at home to Galatasaray.
The Red Devils were flattered by the scoreline in Bavaria as Casemiro scored two late goals to make it respectable, but they weren’t so fortunate at home to the Turks, losing 3-2.
This time, Casemiro was sent off and Mauro Icardi missed a penalty for Galatasaray before scoring the winner.
Manchester United’s new striker Rasmus Hojlund scored twice, but that is scant consolation for Erik ten Hag as his pointless side sits bottom of Group A.
So that’s the story so far folks, and Europe’s flagship competition is back on in two weeks time. There are plenty of mouthwatering ties to look forward to on the 24th and 25th October, and I’m looking out for Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund and Galatasaray vs FC Bayern.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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