Real Madrid and Barcelona Square off in a Trophy Deciding El Classico
Published April 23, 2017 by Florin P
Barcelona clings on its faint hopes to win La Liga, as it starts as the underdog in critical match against Real Madrid (7:45 p.m UK Time).
Barcelona had multiple opportunities to close the gap separating them from their archrivals. However, each time Real Madrid slipped, they did even worse and now they still trail the leaders by three points. Their rivals also have a game in hand, so the future looks bleak for the former champions. The first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals was a complete disaster and the return match was also difficult.
Dismal Performance on the Road for Barcelona
Barcelona hasn’t won consecutive games away from home since February and prevailed just once in March and once again in April. Their defeats were humiliating, especially the ones at the hands of Malaga and La Coruna. The lopsided defeat against Juventus highlighted their limitations and inability to exercise pressure against a top team.
After failing to pull off another Champions League miracle, players are disappointed and have low expectations from this fixture. Some of them will be motivated by the timeless rivalry with Real Madrid, but overall enthusiasm is nonexistent. Dark times are ahead and players know it, so we can expect to see resignation at least from some of them in this match.
One Point is Enough for Real Madrid
The home side will play without pressure, knowing that even a draw will still keep them at the top of the standings. It is refreshing for the players to know that they have the upper hand and that the outcome of this match isn’t exactly decisive. Even so, they will come out firing on all cylinders, as victory over Barcelona is priceless under any circumstances.
Punters should side with the in-form team and bet on Real Madrid to win this home fixture, while taking advantage of the even odds offered by bet365 Sports. Barcelona has proved over and over again that on the road it is far less dangerous and tends to concede plenty of goals.
