Barcelona's impressive 2-0 final win is still fresh in the memory, but 2009/10 Champions League outright betting is already available, with the long process of pre-qualification well underway. The first round began as early as June 30, and has now reached the playoff stage which will give ten teams their chance to sit among the big boys in the group phase starting mid-September. Five Teams Already Have One Boot in Group Stages
After the first legs of the 2009/10 Champions League Playoffs - an additional layer added to the qualification process this season - five teams already have one boot firmly in the Group Stages. Perennial French Champions, Lyon, thumped Anderlecht 5-1 in France, so barring a miracle, Claude Puel's side will progress. Likewise, FC Zurich's 3-0 away win to Ventspils should have guaranteed their status in the pool phase. Arsenal, Stuttgart and Olympiacos all won 2-0 on the road, putting them in very strong positions ahead of next week's second leg matches.
There are however, plenty of tight games remaining.. Fiorentina grabbed a 2-2 away to Sporting Lisbon setting up an intriguing second leg, while Atletico Madrid fought for a 3-2 victory in Greece against Panathinaikos which puts their noses in front.
2009/10 Champions League Betting. Competition Format :
First Qualifying Round (June 30-July 1)
Second Qualifying Round (July 14-22)
Third Qualifying Round (July 28-August 5)
Playoffs (August 18-26)
Group Stage (September 15-December 9)
Round of 16 (February 16-March 17)
Quarter-finals (March 30-April 7)
Semi-finals (April 20-28)
Final (Madrid, Spain - May 5)
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