Greek Tragedy for reds

Milan are 8/1 to defend their Champions League crown next season, according to Ladbrokes.

And the Harrow-based firm make Liverpool 10/1 to go one better next term. A repeat of the Athens final is a 40/1 chance.

Ladbrokes spokesman, Nick Weinberg, said:” The Milan win was a shocker. The patriotic punt on Liverpool failed to materialise and a number of our big players came on for Ancelotti’s men.

“The Italians convincing victory over Manchester United did us no favours as it prompted a huge gamble on the eventual winners.

“Inzaghi’s opener, 8/1, went for us as that market was dominated by support for Kaka and Liverpool’s usual suspects.”

The Rossoneri’s win was a great result for one Ladbrokes telephone customer who staked £55,000 on Milan lifting the trophy 10 days ago.

The new kings of Europe had been as big as 16/1 for the crown at the turn of the year.

Bookies are 7/4 about an English side winning the 2007/08 competition.

LATEST BETTING

Champions League 2008

Winner

Chelsea                 5/1
Man Utd                 7/1
Barcelona                 7/1
Real Madrid                 8/1
Milan                         8/1
Inter                         10/1
Liverpool                 10/1
Lyon                         10/1
Sevilla                         14/1
Arsenal                 16/1
Valencia                 16/1
Roma                         25/1