Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Betting Odds & Prediction

(Featured image: Alamy Images)

Written by: James O'Brien

Real Madrid host FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend in the latest instalment of the iconic El Clasico. 

The two Spanish-giants have already faced one another twice this season, with Madrid coming out on top in both occasions. Kick-off is set for 8pm UK time.

Recent Form

Real Madrid

Los Blancos come into this match in high confidence after securing a Champions League semi-final place over reigning champions Manchester City. This dramatic affair saw both teams draw level on aggregate at 4-4 over two legs and extra time. The match eventually went to penalties where goalkeeper Adriy Lunin made two great saves to allow Real Madrid to get one step closer to their 15th Champions League title. 

Carlo Ancelotti’s side currently sit first place in La Liga and eight points above their opponents this weekend, having only lost once in the league so far. Jude Bellingham has been a force to reckon with, with the midfielder placing second in the top goal scorers this season. Brazilian duo Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo are also in hot form, with both attackers acquiring two goals in their previous three La Liga games. 

Real Madrid are still yet to lose a game at home this season and have only drawn twice on home soil so far. When playing at home, Madrid average a solid expected goals (xG) tally of 2.2 and have scored an average of 2.47 goals. Defensively they have been remarkable, maintaining a 60% clean sheet record at home, and averaging just 0.84 expected goals against (xGA). They've somehow exceeded this figure, conceding an average of just 0.47 goals so far. 

They will be without the services of Vinicius and Dani Carvajal after both players sustained injuries against Manchester City. Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba will both also remain out of the squad for this fixture. 

FC Barcelona

Barcelona will be disappointed after being knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain midweek. Despite coming into the second leg a goal ahead, Ronald Araujo received an early red card leaving his side weakened with over an hour remaining in the match. PSG duly took advantage of the extra man and, through a Kylian Mbappe brace, secured their place in the next round. 

Xavi’s side sit in second place in La Liga, eight points behind their arch rivals in first. Striker Robert Lewandowski has been an important player for Barcelona this season, currently standing as their top goal scorer and assister in La Liga.

When away from home, Barcelona boast a 60% winning rate and have averaged an xG of 1.63, which they have narrowly overperformed by scoring 1.87 goals a game. Defensively, they have been stronger away from home with an xGA of 1.2, which they've bettered by conceding an average of only one goal per game. 

Alex Balde and Gavi are the only players on the side-lines, with both players potentially being out for the season.

Prediction

Barcelona have won seven of their last eight in La Liga but have already fell short of the mark twice against their rivals this year. Madrid, meanwhile, are on a roll and are on course to secure their 36th La Liga title. Riding on the coattails of their European success midweek, OddsNow back the home side to make it a hat-trick of wins over their nemeses this weekend. 

OddsNow's Pick: Real Madrid to win (10/11 @ BetGoodwin)

 

Previous Next