Real Madrid host Barcelona for the 2nd time in 3 days as they seek to avenge a 0-3 defeat in the Copa Del Rey Semi Final on Wednesday.
Real Madrid are currently 3rd in the league and if they want any shot at winning the league then it’s safe to say that this is a must win game for them as they trail their rivals Barcelona by 9 points and if they don’t cut the gap it’s probably over for Madrid in the title race.
Barcelona, as mentioned are the league leaders right now, they’re 7 points above 2nd placed Atletico and if they were to take a win at the Bernabeu they would take a HUGE step towards the league title for sure.
Real Madrid have been in good form overall if you were to take away that 0-3 defeat to Barca, other than the loss to Girona, Madrid have picked up 18 points from last 21 in La Liga including picking up wins against Atletico and Sevilla.
Barcelona have seemingly gotten back on track themselves, after a few unexpected draws, they’ve picked up back to back big wins at Sevilla 2-4 and as mentioned at Real Madrid 0-3 to reach the Copa Del Rey Final. Barcelona will definitely be coming into this game full of confidence and on good morale.
Real Madrid this season have been solid defensively at the Bernabeu in the league, only conceding 7 goals which is tied best in La Liga, keeping 6 clean sheets in 12 home games in the league. Madrid will be hoping that their defending gets back to normal in front of their fans and they stop Barca’s deadly attack.
Barcelona themselves are a very good away team, they have the best record in La Liga on their travels with 8W 3D 1L and have the tied best defensive record in the league away from home with just 10 conceded goals.
Karim Benzema is still the man to watch for Real, his link up play and goal scoring will be essential for Real Madrid if they were to get revenge in this game. Midfield battle is another key, the likes of Kroos Modric and Casemiro all got to turn up for the Madridistas.
Messi and Suarez duo is the one to watch for Barca. Messi of course, the best player in the world this season, absolutely sensational although hasn’t made a statement in any Classicos yet this season, he’s definitely primed to have a masterclass while Suarez well he’s coming off a Copa Semi where he scored a brace meaning he’s in form right now coming to the Bernabeu and will be eager to inflict more pain on Madrid fans for sure.
Overall this season in 3 H2H meetings, Barcelona have dominated Real Madrid. Combined Barca are 8-1 against Real in goals scored/allowed with 5-1, 0-3 wins and a 1-1 draw. Luis Suarez has been the standout player in these 3 Classicos this season.
Barcelona have been enjoying their travels to the Bernabeu lately, they’ve won in 4 of last 5 visits there with both of their last 2 visits coming 0-3. Barcelona have won 3 consecutive La Liga games at the Bernabeu by scores 0-4, 2-3, 0-3. They don’t seem to just beat Real, but have been destroying them and scoring goals at the Bernabeu against them for fun.
Barcelona are tipped as bookies favourites to win this game to no surprise. However, despite the 0-3 win on Wednesday, the odds are pretty similar here to the previous meeting. Barcelona are offered to win at 2.45, while Real are 2.75. Draw is priced at 3.75. Odds based on Unibet.
Team News
Real Madrid: Raphael Varane is expected to play despite a dangerous cut on Wednesday while Marcos Llorente is doubtful. Everyone else are available to play.
Barcelona: There are no fresh injury concerns for Barcelona, expect the strongest possible line-up out there. Arthur could return aswell.
Betting Stats
Real Madrid have only manager to cover 8.3% of their total goal overs at home (1-11). That is worst in La Liga.
Real Madrid have only covered 16.7% of their total 1st half overs at home (2-10).
Real Madrid average 1.83 bookings per game at home (22 bookings in 12 games)
Karim Benzema is Madrid’s top scorer at home with 4 goals at the Bernabeu in La Liga.
Real Madrid have only covered 33.3% of their Handicaps at home (4-1-7).
Real Madrid have only covered 33.3% of their 1st half Handicaps at home (4-2-6).
Barcelona have only covered 33.3% of their total goal overs away from home (4-8).
Barcelona have covered 50% of their total 1st half goal overs away from home (6-6).
Barcelona average 1.92 bookings per game away from home (23 bookings in 12 games).
Lionel Messi is Barcelona’s top scorer away from home with 11 away goals. Suarez is 2nd with 7 away goals in the league.
Barcelona have only covered 33.3% of their Handicaps away from home (4-8).
Barcelona have covered 41.7% of their 1st half Handicaps away from home (5-7).
KICK OFF – 2nd March 2019 – 7:45pm UK Time
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