Real Madrid v Barcelona is probably the biggest game in club football, with two of the most glamorous and successful sides in the world and several of the best players doing battle in a game with various political undertones.
This is the first Clasico of the season and yet more spice is added by the fact that Luis Suarez should make his competitive bow for Barcelona following his suspension for biting Italian Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup. If you have plans for Saturday night, change them, because we’re talking fantasy football here, with Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi for the Catalans and Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale for the side from the Spanish capital.
Last term this match ended 4-3 to Barca and with an average of four goals per game over the last three La Liga seasons we’re confident the neutrals won’t be disappointed. Whilst some big fixtures often flatter to deceive, this one rarely disappoints.
The home side have won their last five league games, notching 25 goals in the process and are priced at odds of 13/10 with Bet365 here. The stalemate, a result that has happened quite infrequently between this pair in modern times, is available at 14/5 with Sky Bet whilst Messi and co can be backed at 19/10 with Ladbrokes.
Given Barca have won on four of their last six visits to the Bernabeu (in the league), drawing one, many are sure to be tempted by those odds, especially as Luis Enrique’s men are currently top of the league and boast a fine defensive record. However, we’re inclined to think the bookies have got this right and we certainly feel the home side are worthy favourites to repeat their win of 2013.
That said, whilst this game really could go either way, one thing that seems a safer bet is goals and lots – and lots – of them and that is where our betting tips will focus for this exciting contest.
Real Madrid v Barcelona Betting Tips
- Both Teams to Score – Odds of 4/9 with BetVictor may look short but this really is a banker due to the attacking talent on display and the open football this fixture demands. BTTS has come in on the last seven Liga meetings between these rivals so pile into this.
- Real Madrid to Win and BTTS – As said, we think Madrid will win but how can a defence that has conceded nine goals in eight games hope to contain Messi and co? They can’t, so snap up odds of 11/4 with Bet365.
- Over 3.5 Goals – Over 3.5 goals is priced at 11/8 with BetVictor and with seven of the last 15 league meetings seeing four goals or more we like the look of those odds. Moreover, five of Madrid’s eight games this term have gone that way too so 11/8 looks a steal.