Betfair Official Blog

Betfacts

Sunday's highlights: United shocked by Alves double

Click here to view market

Joe Dyer reports on a dramatic day for the champions in the Premier League while it's bye-bye Barnsley in the Cup

They may struggle against 'lesser' clubs but Middlesbrough have a habit of messing up the big boys' best laid plans.

After Arsenal, Manchester United were the latest club to trip up when expected to win in the north east.

Granted United bagged a point where the Londoners lost, but they went about it the hard way.

A 10th minute Ronaldo goal teased out the short-price backers who were willing to take a low of [1.17] on a win for the champions.

But Alfonso Alves - Middlesbrough's record signing - decided to break his scoring duck in fine fashion, banging in two either side of the half to shock just about everyone really.

So, from a high of [38.0], Boro were now favourites and eventually reached a low of [1.66] on the exchange. Of course, that was the point when United equalised through Wayne Rooney.

Despite both teams continuing to attack, there were no more goals which will have delighted anyone taking a high of [8.6] on the draw or [38.0] on the final score of 2-2.

Manchester United have eased to [1.39] for the title following the result.

* * *

Backed at [1000.0] on Betfair to win the FA Cup, Cardiff are now one win from glory after beating Barnsley 1-0 in the second semi-final today.

After scoring early Cardiff never rose above [2.42] on the exchange. Under 1.5 goals was matched at 7.6 following the Blubirds' eighth minute goal.

Barnsley produced some stunning results for Betfair customers throughout this year's competition - they were matched in-running at [180.0] to defeat Liverpool during their Anfield clash and were pre-match [16.5] shots to beat Chelsea.