I placed a €5,000 bet on a Champions League match – A bet that felt heavy from the very first whistle

The moment the referee blew the opening whistle, I realised how different €5,000 feels when you’re in the stadium, watching it hang by a thread.

But where am I?
I’m at the San Siro stadium in Milan.
The match is Inter vs Liverpool in the Champions League.

My bet of the day was clear:

Under 2.5 goals at odds of 2.30 (13/10)

There were no accumulators or side bets… and there was no margin for error.

The opening minutes: Liverpool take control

From the start, Liverpool set the tempo. They played directly, moved the ball quickly and delivered early crosses. For anyone holding an Under 2.5 bet, that’s always the first warning sign.

Inter were conceding possession but tried to stay compact at the back and avoid clear-cut chances, which they managed to do to some extent.

An early blow for Inter

In the 11th minute, Inter lost Hakan Çalhanoğlu to injury. That was a serious issue, as he’s the player who provides balance in midfield and controls the tempo for the away side. Losing him was bound to tilt the game.

Not long after, his absence became noticeable. Inter started losing midfield battles, and Liverpool were given even more freedom to shoot from distance.

Konaté, the corner and VAR

Liverpool kept pressing and won a corner. Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a perfect ball, Konaté rose highest and headed it in… a nightmare moment for me and for the tens of thousands of Inter fans at San Siro.

At that point, it looked like my bet was slipping away before half-time.
But then came the VAR check.

After more than two minutes of tense waiting, the goal was disallowed!
The score stayed 0:0!

That was the first moment I felt this match might follow my bet, although the sense of relief didn’t last long.

Inter wake up

After the disallowed goal, Inter started to respond. Their attacks weren’t particularly clean, but they involved plenty of crosses and long-range shots.

Every one of those attempts carried a risk, because even a deflection could have changed everything or opened the game up to more goals. Fortunately, the accuracy just wasn’t there.

End of the first half

As the break approached, Inter began to look more confident. Their combinations became more purposeful, and Liverpool’s defence started to feel the pressure.

Shortly before half-time, the hosts created another dangerous moment, which again ended without a goal.

The half-time score was 0:0, but the match was far from over.

The second half awaits

After the first 45 minutes, one thing was clear: this bet would be decided by individual moments. One goal could change everything, and the tension was only going to increase.

The second half would show whether Under 2.5 goals at odds of 2.30 (13/10) had been the right call.

Why Under 2.5 goals?

This bet wasn’t emotional, and it wasn’t placed because of the odds. It was based on specific factors that rarely align so clearly.

First, Liverpool’s form and squad. The team have struggled badly in attack this season. Two of their most expensive signings, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, costing close to €250 million combined, have just two goals between them. That’s not the kind of output that suggests goals in a big European match.

Second, squad issues. Liverpool were without Gakpo, Frimpong, Chiesa and Salah for this game. Curtis Jones started on the wing, which clearly showed how limited their attacking options were.

Third, Inter’s style. The Italians had the best defensive record in the competition up to that point. They play compactly, patiently, and rarely allow open spaces against strong opponents.

And finally, the market. The public money was on the Over, which automatically pushed the price on Under 2.5 higher. At 2.30 (13/10), the value was above the real probability, making it a logical long-term bet.

All factors are identified together with our analysts, with whom we work on each of our subscription plans available on our website.

The start of the second half

The second half began the same way the first ended – with tension. Liverpool were first to apply pressure, looking for direct attacks and crosses into the box.

Inter, however, looked better organised defensively and didn’t allow clear chances.

Shots from distance

As time went on, Inter started shooting more frequently from range. Every shot was a test for my slip, because with attempts like these, all it takes is one perfect strike to turn everything upside down.

Liverpool responded with quick counter-attacks, but lacked a final touch.

The match enters its decisive phase

The final twenty minutes were the most dangerous for the bet. The tempo dropped, but concentration in both defences also began to crack.

Both teams showed a willingness to take risks, which meant one thing only – a single goal could change the entire picture.

Penalty!?

In the 88th minute, a moment arrived that could have changed everything. There was contact in the box, initially waved away by the referee, but after a VAR review, a penalty was awarded to the visitors in red.

Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up. The strike was precise, the goalkeeper had no chance, and Liverpool took the lead at 0:1.

There was almost no time left, and the match was heading towards its conclusion.

The final whistle and the outcome

No second goal followed. The match ended 0:1, and my bet was a winner!

Under 2.5 goals at 2.30 (13/10)
Stake: €5,000
Net profit: €6,500

This wasn’t luck. It was the result of correctly reading the context, the line-ups and the market movement – exactly what we do on a daily basis in our subscription plans, available on our website Betinum.com/en