Barcelona will look to recover from their UEFA Champions League semi-final heartbreak against Inter as they host Real Madrid in a Sunday LaLiga clash at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. This Clásico could have a major say in where the league title ends up.
Real Madrid (3.40) are still hanging on in the race for top spot in Spain. Barcelona (1.98) are in top spot with 79 points from 34 games, while Real Madrid are second with 75 from 34. It will be almost impossible for Real Madrid to catch Barcelona if the hosts win the Clásico, but if Los Blancos pull off a victory, they will be within one point of the Blaugrana.
Barcelona Look to Extend Clásico Winning Run
Barcelona have won all three Clásicos against Real Madrid so far this season. They beat their fierce rivals 4-0 in LaLiga in October at the Bernabéu. Hansi Flick’s side followed that up with a 5-2 win in the Supercopa de España in January.
Most recently, on 26 April, Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-2 in the final of the Copa del Rey. Pedri opened the scoring for Barcelona in the 28th minute. However, quickfire goals in the 70th and 77th minutes respectively from Kylian Mbappé and Aurelien Tchouameni put Real Madrid 2-1 up. With Barcelona on the brink, Ferran Torres equalised in the 84th minute to send the game to extra time.
Jules Koundé scored the winner in the 116th minute, and tempers flared in the closing minutes. Antonio Rüdiger was ultimately slapped with a six-match suspension for yelling and attempting to throw ice at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.
It was a disastrous outing for Real Madrid. If one counts the pre-season friendly between the sides in August, which Barcelona won 2-1, then Flick’s men have won the last four Clásicos and have an opportunity to make it five on home soil.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Last Clásico?
This could be the last ever Clásico for Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti. Currently in his second stint at Real Madrid, he has won two LaLiga titles and three UEFA Champions League crowns across the two. However, he is widely reported to be on the verge of dismissal. At 65 years old, it is unlikely he will be in the dugout for another Clásico.
Ancelotti has nine wins and 10 defeats against Barcelona in El Clásico. This could be one final opportunity to not only even the score but also put his side in a much better position to retain the LaLiga title, so that he can exit on a high.
Conclusion
Barcelona are full of confidence after four straight wins over Real Madrid, including pre-season. They hold the advantage in the LaLiga title race and could deal a decisive blow with another victory.
Flick’s men know a win would take them seven points clear with only three games left to play. Barcelona have shown resilience under pressure, particularly in their Copa del Rey triumph over Real Madrid.
Koundé’s extra-time winner in that final was another reminder of their fighting spirit and determination. Real Madrid are wounded and desperate, but they still have the talent to upset Barcelona’s plans.
Ancelotti may be coaching his final Clásico and will want to go out with pride restored. Barcelona seek dominance, Madrid seeks redemption — Sunday’s clash is poised to shape the title race. A draw (4.20) could be the option that offers the best value for soccer betting enthusiasts.
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