Ace Football previews the La Liga clash between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, and offers the latest betting tips, line-ups, odds, and team news.
The 182nd Clasico in La Liga between bitter foes FC Barcelona and Real Madrid takes place on Saturday afternoon, with both teams out to bounce back from defeats last time out.
Victory for either side in Catalonia could make a telling effect on the outcome of this season’s title race. Just three points separate them in the league standings. Although Barcelona, who are down in ninth compared to Real Madrid’s third, boast a game in hand. Therefore, the visitors really have it all to lose on this one.
Recent history, however, doesn’t favor them in this aspect. While Los Blancos won 2-0 in their previous encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu last March, they haven’t claimed victory at Camp Nou since 2016.
Either way, a tight and cagey affair is likely to be bestowed upon us in the Catalonian capital.
FC Barcelona Form & Stats
Two wins, one draw, and one defeat in their opening four games has left Barcelona ninth in LaLiga. At this stage of the season, however, they won’t be too downhearted. Especially as only four points lie between them and leaders Real Sociedad, who have played two more matches.
Life under Ronald Koeman got off to a perfect start by securing back-to-back victories over Villarreal and Celta Vigo. However, it’s now been two games since Barca won in the league following a 1-1 draw against Sevilla and last weekend’s 1-0 loss at Getafe.
The setback in Madrid, though, appeared to kick some life back into the Blaugrana last Tuesday. They romped to a 5-1 win over Ferencvaros in their Champions League opener, with Lionel Messi, Ansu Fati, Philippe Coutinho, Pedri, and Ousmane Dembele all on target.
Now Koeman must prepare for his biggest challenge yet in facing Real Madrid. The Dutchman hasn’t given much away on his game plan, but confirmed he won’t prioritize experience for the big showdown. Sergino Dest, therefore, may keep his spot at left-back ahead of the returning Jordi Alba.
Key Team Stats
- Undefeated in 32 of their last 33 league home games (W28 D4).
- Have drawn three of their last four home games against Real Madrid in all competitions.
- Under 2.5 goals in their last three games against Real Madrid in all competitions.
- Averaged 0.87 expected goals in their last three league games.
Real Madrid Form & Stats
Zinedine Zidane’s side head to Camp Nou on the back of two shock home defeats in a row. The newly-promoted Cadiz sprung the first surprise on them by grabbing a 1-0 win last weekend. Then came the coronavirus-hit Shakhtar Donetsk, who stunned them 3-2 in their midweek Champions League opener.
These losses have left Real Madrid in a bit of a make-or-break situation for Saturday’s Clasico. Victory could very well kick-start their campaign, but defeat would leave them in terrible shape for the Champions League trip to Borussia Monchengladbach next week.
Sergio Ramos’ return to the squad could provide a timely boost to the visitors’ defense. The skipper missed the midweek defeat to Shakhtar after sustaining an injury against Cadiz, but appears set to return to the line-up.
Key Team Stats
- Undefeated in their last eight away league games (W6 D2).
- Under 2.5 goals in their last three league games.
- Won 73 of their 181 league games against Barcelona (D36 L72).
Team News
FC Barcelona: Marc-Andre ter Stegen & Samuel Umtiti (out).
Real Madrid: Eden Hazard, Dani Carvajal, & Martin Odegaard (all out). Alvaro Odriozola & Mariano Diaz (both doubts).
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top performers in last five matches
Head-To-Head Record
Head-To-Head League Stats
First Team To Score
Match Facts
Betting Tips
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