The biggest game in La Liga takes place this weekend, as the second El Clasico of the season takes place. It can’t be understated how huge this weekend’s fixture is for Real Madrid and Barcelona, as both Spanish giants are within touching distance of the league-leaders as we enter the final month of the season.
Barcelona’s Season So Far
If you would have asked Barcelona fans six weeks ago whether they could win the league title this season, the answer would have been a simple no. However, the Catalonian giants have recovered from a stuttering start, which saw them win just three league games between October and early December. Ronald Koeman’s change in tactics has had an immediate response, with Barcelona winning 13 of their previous 14 fixtures. The only game that they have dropped points in came in the form of a shock 1-1 draw at home against Cadiz.
The Catalonian giants haven’t dropped a single point away from home since their 2-1 defeat against Cadiz back on the 5th December. Barcelona come into the El Clasico having picked up 65 points from 29 games this season. Their 1-0 win last time out against Real Valladolid have closed the gap at the top of the league to just a point, which means that victory in Madrid could take them top of the league for the first time this season.
Real Madrid’s Season So Far
Real Madrid’s aspirations of winning the league title this season are also still alive, as they trail their city rivals by three points coming into the fixture. Real also didn’t get off to the best of starts in La Liga this season, and were fourth heading into December after winning just five of their opening ten games. Their form since the turn of the year has been much improved, as they have won nine of their 12 games in 2021.
They have won their last three coming into El Clasico, but draws against Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid at the start of March means that there is still work to be done. Real’s home form may be a slight concern ahead of the fixture, as they have suffered three of their four defeats this term with home advantage. However, confidence in the camp will be high after a dominant performance in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal clash with Liverpool.
El Clasico Head To Head
Barcelona hold the advantage in the overall record between the sides, as they have won 115 times, while Real Madrid have won 97 times. Madrid have enjoyed success in the most recent meetings between the sides, as they have won the last two. That includes the 3-1 success that they achieved earlier in the season at the Nou Camp. On that occasion, Federico Valverde, Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric scored the goals for Madrid.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona Prediction
Barcelona come into the match as the 1.95 favourites with BetXChange to claim the win. The recent form would suggest that Barcelona have the advantage, but it is very difficult to separate the sides, as defeat for either would almost certainly end their title challenge. The fact that neither side will want to lose means that we see the most likely outcome being a draw.
Tip: The draw at 2.27 with BetXChange.
