Spurs in to 18/1 to be surprise Champions League victors
Published:Tottenham will not be the first team in recent years to make a shock appearance in the later stages of the Champions League, but based on their victory over Werder Bremen, they have the required quality to win the tournament.
Since the turn of the century, the likes PSV Eindhoven, Villarreal and most recently Lyon last season have unexpectedly reached the last four of the Champions League, while Monaco lost in the final to another surprise package in Porto in 2004.
These performances of so-called minor Champions League contenders should be an inspiration to Spurs and the ease in which they brushed aside Bremen suggests that they may be more serious challengers than many people considered at the start of the season.
Before beginning their Group A campaign Tottenham’s betting odds were 33/1 to win the Champions League, but this has since been cut to 18/1 after guaranteeing their spot in the knockout stages of the competition with a game to spare.
However, how far they progress in the Champions League is likely to be largely dependent on whether they can win Group A.
A victory away at FC Twente or matching the result of Inter Milan in their clash with Bremen will be enough to ensure this and will give them a far easier assignment in the last 16 of the tournament.
As things currently stand, the worst Spurs could expect is a tie with AC Milan, but far easier showdowns with FC Copenhagen or Lyon could also be drawn, which would mean the avoid the biggest guns for another round.
But finishing below Inter in Group A would result in almost certainly facing one of Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Real Madrid in the second round.
A £10 bet on Spurs to win the Champions League would ensure winnings of £180. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.
