Bookmakers have slashed the odds on Real Madrid to make it three Champions League wins in-a-row, but OddsMonkey can also see that they are fearing an English success too.

The draw for the group stages was made on Monte Carlo on Thursday and Europe’s finest found out who they would be facing, and some were happier than others.

One of the most pleased was no doubt holders Real Madrid – looking to become the first team since Bayern Munich in 1976 to become the first team to win the European Cup three times-in-a-row – were placed in a group alongside Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham and Cypriot side APOEL.

“Real have been cut to 10/3 generally, which makes them clear favourites and that has come in from 4/1 – they are the best team in this tournament – little doubt about it, and their odds will only get shorter from this point in our opinion,” said OddsMonkey spokesman Ricky Pedley.

“Away from Real and the Bookmakers are truly fearing some English success. With five teams in contention, it does look more than likely,” added Pedley.

“Man United have been handed a hugely favourable group and their odds have been slashed to 9/1 having been as big as 14/1 before the draw.

“Generally it is a low as 9/4 for an English winner and 7/1 for an all Premier League final, but betting on which English side is going to go furthest looks very interesting – with the two Manchester clubs as low as 9/4.

“From what we can see the Bookmakers are fearing Real and the English, pre-tournament certainly looks a good time to get on.”

Champions League winner odds:
10/3 Real Madrid
7/1 Bayern Munich
7/1 Barcelona
7/1 PSG
9/1 Manchester United
10/1 Manchester City
14/1 Chelsea
14/1 Juventus
16/1 Atletico Madrid
18/1 Liverpool
28/1 Napoli
33/1 Dortmund
33/1 Tottenham
40/1 Bar