Spanish La Liga
2017-12-23 - Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Football: Spanish La Liga
23rd December 2017 – Kickoff 12:00
Introduction:
Even though Barcelona is leading Real Madrid by some 11 points in the standings, the clash between these two teams also known as the El Clasico is always special with the Catalan side having played a match more due to Real Madrid's involvement in the World Club Cup which they won.
Real Madrid has lost twice this season while, Barcelona is still unbeaten this season. Real Madrid has progressed to the Champions League knockout stage as well as the Cup and they have also beat Barcelona early this season in the Super Cup.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid knows how important this match is and they cannot afford to lose this match at all. If they lose this match then Barcelona will definitely run away with the La Liga title it is as simple as that. Real Madrid has 11 points behind, but they have played a game less, so if they win that game then it is 8 points behind. That game is against Leganes and it is not a foregone conclusion as they have slipped up against some of the underdogs this season.
They have failed to win in the last two derbies with Barcelona and they also failed to score against Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid. But the good news is that in the last five matches they only conceded against Malaga. They also managed to beat Sevilla by 5-0 in their last match at home and they have won the last five out of their last six games.
Then when they played in the World Club Cup, they emerged as Champions. Now you can be assured that they do not want to lose to Barcelona at home for the third time in a row!
FC Barcelona
Barcelona knows they have an eleven points gap and there is no pressure on them coming into this El Clasico before the La Liga goes into a break. They also lead Atletico Madrid by six points and have an eight points gap over Valencia in third spot.
Interestingly the last time they suffered defeat was against today's opponents Real Madrid and that came in the Super Cup. They do not get beaten in the three competitions they play other then gettings draws.
A few rounds ago they managed a draw with Celta Vigo which they can only blame themselves. After that they made three wins in a row and confirmed their spot in the last 16 of the Champions League by finishing top of the group. In those three games they also did not concede any goals. Together with Atletico Madrid they have the best defence in the championships as well as the best attack. They are missing Umtiti, but it is not felt in their game yet. They are also without Deulofeu and P.Alcacer, but Messi and Suarez will start this match.
Past Meetings:
Real Madrid has lost to Barcelona in the last two times they hosted them in the La Liga.
The Pick:
Take Total Goals Over 3.5
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Real Madrid 3-2 FC Barcelona
