The weekend is going to bit lit up by this El Clasico which comes before Spain goes into its winter break. This is an important clash as well because Real Madrid needs the win to close the eleven point gap which they find themselves having to league leaders Barcelona. So on the flip side of that, this could be a huge three points at the Bernabeu for Barca if they can go and get the win there as it would secure them a great cushion at the top before the break. Barcelona are 2/1 underdogs for their trip though, with Real Madrid at 11/10.
La Liga Primera – Saturday 23rd December – 12:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 3 at William Hill |
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Real Madrid
BarcelonaReal Madrid Form:
Real Madrid had some shaky home form at the start of the season, but have since recovered very well to put a five-match winning streak together at the Bernabeu in the league. They have scored at least two goals in each of those five wins as well, and at least three in each of their last four there. The notable difference is that their defence has really gotten into shape recently in having picked up four clean sheets in their last five played. So that could play its part in this going under 3.5 goals.
This isn’t a game that the hosts can afford to lose at all. Madrid have averaged 2.4 goals per game at home this season and they haven’t found themselves behind at the break in any home fixture. They are, however, six points worse off than they were in last season’s campaign and have some big ground to make up. Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have finally found his scoring boots and is an 8/11 anytime goalscorer favourite.
Barcelona Form:
Barcelona have remained unbeaten across the course of this La Liga season so far and away from home they have produced a W6 D2 record from eight games. The two draws that Barcelona were held to on their travels were at Atletico Madrid and Valencia, two for the current top three, so that could be a decent indicator for this tough road game.
Barcelona have been pretty consistent in front of goal this season having scored at least two goals in all but two of their last games this season but they have only managed more than two, in just two of their last nine league games. So it’s efficiency over out and out flair for them. They have taken a clean sheet in 62% of their away games, conceding just the three times on their travels. Avoiding defeat could simply be the order of the day for them.
Head to Head News:
This is one of the most anticipated games anywhere in the world. Real Madrid won both Super Cup legs against Barcelona back in August and in the last six league meetings against their rivals they have only gone W2 D1 L3. So Barcelona just have the upper hand slightly there and Barca won 3-2 in this corresponding fixture at the Bernabeu last season, extending them to back to back wins there.
Top Betting Tips:
The draw looks a decent wager in this one and that’s because neither will want to lose this game. Barcelona would be happy enough with a draw to hold their position at the top over their rivals, and while the pressure is on Madrid to produce three points, they are facing a Barcelona side who are really hard to break down at the moment. A 1-1 draw could be right on the money.