What “Under 0.5 Goals” Means
In Over/Under goals betting, the bookmaker sets a line (like 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, etc.) and you predict whether the total number of goals in the match will be over or under that line.
- Under 0.5 Goals = you are betting that there will be NO goals at all in the entire match.
- In other words, the only winning scoreline for this bet is 0-0.
- Any goal (even just one) makes the bet lose.
Think of it as a bet on a goalless draw.
Settlement of “Under 0.5 Goals”
| Final Score | Total Goals | Bet Result |
|---|---|---|
| 0-0 | 0 | Win |
| 1-0 | 1 | Lose |
| 0-1 | 1 | Lose |
| 2-0 | 2 | Lose |
| 1-1 | 2 | Lose |
- It’s that strict. Only a 0-0 draws wins.
Example with a Team
Let’s take Atletico Madrid (a team known historically for tight, defensive games under Diego Simeone).
Match:
Atletico Madrid vs. Getafe
Bookmaker’s odds:
- Over 0.5 Goals: 1.10 (very low, because almost all matches have at least one goal)
- Under 0.5 Goals: 8.00 (very high, because 0-0 is rare)
If you bet ₦1,000 on Under 0.5 Goals:
- The match must end 0-0 for you to win.
- If it ends 0-0, you win ₦8,000 total (₦7,000 profit).
- If any goal is scored, you lose your ₦1,000 stake.
Realistic Scenarios
- Defensive Derby: Sometimes in tight local derbies (like Everton vs Liverpool in the past) where both teams are cautious, the odds for 0-0 may be attractive.
- Second Leg Knockout: In some tournaments where a team only needs a draw to advance, 0-0 can happen more frequently.
But still, 0-0 is rare. Across Europe’s top 5 leagues, only about 7–8% of games end 0-0 in a season.
Betting Tips for Under 0.5 Goals
- Look for Defensive Teams:
Teams with low scoring averages (both scored & conceded) are best candidates — e.g., Atletico Madrid (La Liga), Getafe (La Liga), Sheffield United (championship-style). - Check Head-to-Head History:
If their past meetings are low scoring or have had 0-0 draws, that increases your chances. - Game Importance:
Dead rubber matches or teams playing for a draw sometimes end 0-0. - Weather & Pitch Conditions:
Heavy rain or poor pitch conditions can reduce goal chances. - Wait for In-Play Opportunities:
Instead of pre-match, watch the game live. If the first 30–40 minutes are goalless and very few chances, live “Under 0.5 Goals” odds may still be attractive.
Difference from “Over 0.5 Goals”
- Over 0.5 Goals: Betting on at least 1 goal (wins if it ends 1-0, 2-0, 1-1 etc.).
- Under 0.5 Goals: Betting on no goals at all (only 0-0 wins).
Quick Summary Table
| Bet Type | What You’re Predicting | Common Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Over 0.5 Goals | At least 1 goal | Wins in 90%+ matches |
| Under 0.5 Goals | 0 goals exactly | Wins in 7–10% matches |
Would you like me to also break down “Under 0.5 Goals in the first half or second half” (a slightly less risky version)?
It’s a popular variation with higher hit rates.