(Getty)
El Clasico returns to Camp Nou on Saturday, as Barcelona host Real Madrid looking to creep back into the La Liga standings. Barcelona are a -115 favorite to win according to Bovada, with Madrid valued at +270 and the draw +320.
It’s the 173rd La Liga meeting between these teams, with Madrid leading the series 72-68. When these teams met in April, Madrid scored two goals in the final 30 minutes to snatch a 2-1 victory at Camp Nou.
Camp Nou is considered a fortress for Barcelona, but the team has struggled at home this season. They’ve only won two of their last five league games at home, most recently disappointing fans in a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad.
With an average of over 3.3 goals per Clasico, the “both teams to score” bet is an expensive bet. “Yes” is priced all the way up to -250, while the opposite is priced at +175.
Real Madrid have scored in every match they have played this season. Their 36 goals lead La Liga, and their +25 goal differential is also best in Spain.
The biggest key to this Clasico will be the return of Andres Iniesta. The Barcelona captain is the best passer on the planet, and Barcelona have struggled while the midfielder spent five weeks sidelined with a knee injury.
El Clasico always delivers, and the world’s best players will put on a show on Saturday. The flashy strikers will get the camera time, but the winning team will be the one that plays better at the back. Real Madrid has been a better defensive team all season, and they’ll likely be the ones dictating play. That being said, I’ll never bet on Barcelona to lose at Camp Nou.
Heavy’s Pick: 2-2 draw Best Bet: Messi & Ronaldo both score +300
Find out how to watch this match in Spanish at AhoraMismo.com: