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No matter where you look, UEFA Champions League Final betting had Barcelona and Manchester United even. Like most bookies, Sportingbet.com listed the two teams odds of winning with nearly the identical number. At press time the two teams would pay out US$155 for every US$100 bet.
"At times, Barcelona has moved up a half point over Man United at Sportingbet," Gambling911.com's own Alistair Prescott observed.
Already by Tuesday, Gambling911 was noting a steady stream of betting on this heavily hyped showdown.
Most of the bets online will be placed on Manchester United since the United Kingdom has more Internet gamblers than any other country outside the United States, not to mention they wager fanatically on their home teams and stars.
At press time, the most bets were coming in on Man United, followed by half time/full time scoring, whether Manchester United would lift the cup, and if Cristiano Ronaldo would be the first goalscorer.
Manchester United will have completed a quadruple haul of trophies or Barcelona a treble when the Champions League final finishes on Wednesday, the Reuters News agency points out.
"Coaches Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola have given their final news conferences, the teams have held their last training sessions and the world awaits a dream final between two of the biggest clubs in Europe."
About 30,000 Man United fans were expected to fly to Rome in support of their team.
According to the BBC, Manchester Airport is expecting 20,000 fans to fly on its 44 services to Rome on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Managers say it will be their busiest period of the year and extra staff have been put on shift.
Managing director Andrew Cornish said: "It's obviously great news for Manchester United that they've reached the final but it's also excellent news for Manchester Airport and for the region as a whole.
"We are expecting to be very busy as the fans fly in and out and we will, of course, bring in extra staff to help speed the fans through as efficiently as possible.
"We will be working closely with the airlines to meet the demand for flights and are committed to making the fans' journey as simple and enjoyable as possible."
Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com
