2016 El Clásico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid Betting Tips
Spanish powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid clash at the Camp Nou on Saturday night with contrasting forms and hopes highlighting their approach to the game. Barcelona currently head the La Liga on 76 points after 30 games, while their opponents are a further 10 points behind. A win for the hosts will put daylight between the two giants, all but ending the title hopes of Madrid.
Barcelona has been in excellent form this season, swatting aside teams with great ease. The fact that no team over the last 39 matches could defeat the Blaugrana is a testimony to their approach. The trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar is a nightmare to any defensive line-up.
The international break ended with bad news for Barcelona as they lost defender Jeremy Mathieu for the rest of the season. Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets didn’t play in the weekend which should keep them fresh. Messi missed starting the first El Clasico of the season and would be eager to score against his favorite side.
Barcelona is in hunt for another treble, but for Madrid it has been another disappointing domestic campaign. Zinedine Zidane is yet to convince critics of his managerial abilities, but they have won their last four league matches. They do, however, have history going against them, having won only two of their last six encounters against Barcelona.
Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale were absent from international duty which could be a blessing in disguise for Madrid. Club captain Sergio Ramos also returned from Spain duty early, with an injury which may not stop him from starting for Los Blancos.
The reverse fixture saw Barcelona run out 4-0 victors, but this time around the score could be a lot closer. The hosts winning with a margin of 2 goals or more looks a safer bet at odds of $2.10 (CrownBet). Messi likes playing Madrid and could be a goal scorer or an assist provider. Back Suarez to find the back of the net anytime at odds of $1.72 (CrownBet). Same is the case with Ronaldo who could be anytime goal scorer for Madrid at odds of $2.33 (CrownBet).
The game will see the hosts pay a special tribute to the recently passed away Nou Camp legend Johan Cruyff. The applause in 14th minute will mark a tribute to the legend and will definitely be an emotional night for the Blaugrana faithful. Can Messi and co. mark the occasion with a win against their arch rivals? Or will their focus be blighted by the next week’s Champions league quarter-final against Atletico Madrid? Looks like a wonderful El Clasico is awaiting all of us!
