Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Preview and Predictions

Real Madrid vs Barcelona
Spanish La Liga
Date: Sunday, 23rd April 2017
Kick-off at 19:45 UK / 20:45 CET
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid).

The momentum is with Real Madrid when they host their biggest domestic rivals for the Spanish La Liga clash on Sunday evening.

The teams are coming on the back of contrasting moods in a match that could influence the title decider. Real Madrid successfully overcame their opponents in the Champions League to book their place in the semi-finals, while Barcelona were knocked out in agonizing fashion. We also witnessed two different body languages from players in the mid-week. Zidane’s team looked confident and positive whereas Messi and co were rather tired.

The form guide also suggest that Los Blancos have the upper hand. The Blancos were beaten just once in their last 19 matches in all competitions. Moreover, they have made it a habit of making comebacks from losing positions.

Meantime, the Blaugrana dropped points in 3 of their last 4 games. Away from home, they lost 4 of their last 6 games. Against top teams like PSG and Juventus, they conceded heavily without scoring.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Head-to-head Stats

This will be the 174th El Clasico in Spanish first division, Real have a slim lead in the h2h with 72 wins as against Barca’s 68 wins, with 33 matches ending in draws.

The reverse fixture of the current season at Camp Nou was a 1-1 draw.

Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 in their last visit to Bernabeu.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Prediction

It is not very often in recent seasons that Madrid get to start an El Clasico as favourites, even in matches played at Santiago Bernabeu. Can they live up to the expectations? Let’s hear that from our analysts.

Aron Wright

If Barcelona had defeated Juve on mid-week, this could have been a different proportion. It is very clear that Enrique’s men are very low on confidence, which is further worse in away games. Madrid have an incredible scoring record at home this season. I won’t be surprised if they make a complete mockery of their biggest rivals.

Milos Kovacevic

Barcelona must go all in at Santiago Bernabeu in order to stay in the race for the title. Los Blancos are flying high after beating Bayern Munich while the Catalonians are certainly in a slump after the poor performance at Camp Nou against Juve. We will probably witness a high-scoring affair on Sunday, with the slight advantage for the hosts since Neymar is suspended.

Get all the football previews and betting tips from Milos Kovacevic.

Vito Moretti

Real Madrid are three points above, they have a game in hand, entering the match with a huge psychological advantage and high team spirits. What else could Zinedine Zidane possibly ask for? Los Blancos have not been favorites against the arch-rivals in a while and it will be very interesting to see how the role will suit them.

You can find all Football Betting Tips from Vito Moretti on this page.

Kenneth Offor

Real Madrid are the better side between the two teams considering their recent outings, the pressure seems to be more on Barcelona.

The Los Blancos have lost once in 29 games since after their loss to Barcelona last season at Bernabeu they have gone on to win 24 home games. It is safer to back Real Madrid to win while both teams get a share of the goal scoring.

Find all articles and previews by Kenneth here.

Jack Torrance

Real Madrid will know that a win over their fierce rivals will in theory hand them the title even if mathematically it isn’t quite over yet in Spain. For Barcelona, a victory over Madrid would for now at least be a significant recovery after a dreadful week that has seen the club dumped out of the Champions League after they lost to Juventus 3-0 on aggregate.
In short, the momentum is with Real Madrid who are chasing their first La Liga title since 2012.

You can check the weekly Ligue 1 predictions and tips from Jack Torrance on his page.

Michelle Bonsu

It seems like a lifetime ago that Real Madrid were thrashed 4-0 by Barcelona in the last Clasico at their home ground. Since then Los Blancos have lost just one out of their last 29 league home games, whilst winning 24. Barcelona, meanwhile, have lost seven times on the road in all competitions; and still be reeling after failing to score in 180 minutes against Juve in the UCL.

This Clasico looks set to go in Real Madrid’s favor, which could also decide the league title.

You can find Michelle’s Serie A match previews here.

Mathew Balales

Barcelona will be fuming after being knockout of the Champions League to Juventus mid-week so expect a strong performance. Real Madrid are in great form after beating Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Despite different forms, it doesn’t matter in these matches and another close match looks likely. Real Madrid and Barcelona will score goals but it will end in a draw.

Find all articles and A-League match previews from Mathew in his page.

Kiril Hristov

I believe Madrid must be careful. They will be a bit overconfident after they reached the semis of the CL while Barcelona will be hunting for blood. They will travel to Madrid determined and motivated.

And is there a better way to finish a week in Sunday evening than watching El Clasico with a beer in hand?