Real Madrid v Barcelona – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Real Madrid host Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday night. Los Blancos are eight points clear of the Blaugrana in the title race and can all but seal the La Liga crown with a win. Madrid have won three of the last four clashes vs Barca, scoring 10 goals.

Real Madrid Form

Carlo Ancelotti’s side have only lost two matches all season and just once in La Liga. They’re into the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League and have a great chance of winning the double. They dropped league points in three draws before a 1-1 draw vs RB Leipzig to seal a Champions League quarter-final spot.

Madrid refocused domestically with a 4-0 home win vs Celta Vigo, a 4-2 win at Osasuna, and a 2-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao. The crazy 3-3 home draw vs Man City followed. Despite plenty of rotation, they won 1-0 at Mallorca last week. In midweek, a 1-1 draw at Man City was followed by a win on penalties. Los Blancos were outshot 33-8 in the victory.

Real Madrid Team News

Carlo Ancelotti is without injured goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender David Alaba due to injuries. Aurélien Tchouaméni served a suspension in midweek and will return to the XI, potentially alongside Antonio Rudiger at centre back.

Eder Militao is not yet ready to start after a serious knee injury and could again play just a few minutes from the bench. Luka Modric and Brahim Diaz are potential options to start if fresh legs are needed in midfield.

Real Madrid Motivation

Madrid went to extra time in midweek so fatigue may be a factor. They will want to win to seal La Liga before facing Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.

A draw would not be a disaster, and this is a must-not-lose match for Los Blancos.

Barcelona Form

Barcelona’s loss in midweek brought to an end a run of 13 matches without defeat. Since Xavi announced his departure, they had won ten and drawn three of 13 matches in all competitions. A 3-1 home win over Napoli sealed a 4-2 aggregate success in the Champions League last-16. They immediately went to Atletico Madrid and ruthlessly won 3-0.

A 1-0 win vs Las Palmas kept the La Liga race alive before going to Paris and winning 3-2 vs PSG. A 1-0 win at Cadiz with nine players rested saw them keep the gap to Real Madrid. In midweek, a red card at 1-0 up saw the tie turn, and Xavi’s side were beaten 4-1 by full time as PSG outshot them 21-7.

Barcelona Team News

Barcelona will have Sergi Roberto and Andreas Christensen available again in midfield after European suspensions. The latter’s availability may see Pedri drop to the bench after a recent injury.

Gavi and Alejandro Balde will play no part due to long-term injuries. Ronald Araujo will start despite his costly red card in midweek. Joao Felix will hope for more minutes after scoring at Cadiz.

Barcelona Motivation

Barcelona’s season could peter out with a loss here. They need to try to win to keep any real title hopes alive by cutting the gap to five points.

A draw would at least give them some very vague hope for the rest of the campaign.

Key Stats

Real Madrid have lost just 2 matches all season (1 loss in the last 38)

Real Madrid are unbeaten in 16 matches

Barcelona have lost 3 of their last 4 matches vs Real Madrid, conceding 10 goals

Barcelona have lost just once in 15 matches (11 wins, 3 draws

Barcelona have kept 6 clean sheets in their last 9 matches

Verdict

This match sees two sides who have come off big European matches. Madrid could be carrying some fatigue against a team with an extra day of rest. For that reason, Xavi’s side may escape with a draw here.

Best Bet: Draw at 3.80

Alternative Bet: Real Madrid win/draw double chance + Under 3.5 goals at 2.15

Goalscorer Tip: Vinicius Jr. to score anytime at 2.15

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis