Champions League Betting: United in strong position after draw

Champions League / Maxliu / 24 February 2009 / 1 Comments

Advantage United after San Siro stalemate, Van Persie makes Roma pay the penalty, Henry saves Barca with vital strike and honours even in Spanish capital thriller.

Manchester United are [1.58] to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League after they dominated the first leg of their last 16 tie against Inter Milan at San Siro.

The European champions created numerous chances in the first half but failed to make the breakthrough. Ryan Giggs, who was influential in midfield again, squandered the best chance when he went through on goal but saw his shot saved from close range by Julio Cesar.

Jose Mourinho's side were more determined after the break, carving out chances and keeping United pinned in their own half for sustained periods. United soaked up the pressure though, making a number penetrating attacks. However, with Dimitar Berbatov operating as a lone striker they were unable to find a finishing touch and had to be content with the draw - which traded at [3.35].

United are now [5.8] to win the Champions League.

Arsenal were also in commanding form, outplaying Roma at the Emirates Stadium. But like United, Arsene Wenger's side struggled to find the finishing touch and had to rely on a first-half Robin Van Persie penalty for a 1-0 win which stands them in good stead to make the next round. The Gunners are [1.49] to qualify.

Champions League favourites Barcelona were given an early fright when Lyon took the lead in France through Juninho's excellent free-kick. The Ligue 1 leaders controlled the game and could have scored more with Karim Benzema again alerting Europe's biggest clubs to his considerable talents. However, Barcelona hit back in the second half through Thierry Henry and are now [1.17] to win the tie with Lyon as high as [6.4]. The Catalan club are [3.8] to win the Champions League 2009.

In the Spanish capital, Atletico Madrid and FC Porto were absorbed in a thrilling 2-2 draw which leaves the Portuguese as [1.43] favourites to make it to the last eight.