Real Madrid vs Barcelona
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Real Madrid will host Barcelona in the second leg of the Spanish Cup, Copa del Ray. The game will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on February 27th. The first leg between two great rivals ended in a 1-1 draw. Both sides will try to advance by winning this match, although a 0-0 draw is leading Madrid further, while Barca wouldn’t be unsatisfied with any other draw in which they would score two or more goals.
Barcelona won 3 of their last 4 visits to the Bernabeu in all competitions
Real have scored at least 1 goal in their last 10 matches across all competitions
This is the first meeting at Santiago Bernabeu between Real and Barcelona this week. Although national championship is more important competition, we would say this match is the bigger one, as Barca are pretty much in control of their destiny in the championship. For this match things are quite clear from the hosts' perspective, Madrid need a win or a 0-0 draw in order to advance further.
Real drew at Camp Nou 1-1 and this doesn't seem as a bad result, but they have reasons to be unhappy. At that time Solari's Real were in great form, while Leo Messi was only fit enough to be named on the bench.
Right now, Madrid are in less convincing shape. On Sunday they beat Levante 2-1 in Valencia, but they were really fortunate to win with two VAR awarded penalties, one of which was highly questionable. Prior to this win they lost at home to Girona and beat Ajax in Amsterdam in a game where they were also very fortunate. If they want to beat Barcelona in the second leg of this cup tie, they will have to find much higher level of play.
Fortunately, Solari doesn't have any serious problems ahead of this match, but we can expect Keylor Navas back on goal.
Barcelona were 2-1 down in Sevilla this Saturday, but yet another hattrick from Leo Messi helped them to claim 17th league win. Barcelona are now seven points clear of Atletico and nine of Real Madrid, so pretty much they depend only about themselves in a battle for title. It is worth mentioning that Luis Suarez also ended his goal drought at the weekend.
We already mentioned Barcelona's troubles ahead of the first leg, so the Catalans basically need a win in Madrid. In theory they will go through even with a draw in which they score two or more goals. It is never easy to win at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Barca led by Leo Messi are definitely capable of this achievement.
Barcelona had some minor crisis two-three weeks ago, but if we judge them by the second half performance at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium this weekend, then fans shouldn't be worried.
Arthur is only injury concern for the visitors, and except for him Barcelona are pretty much at full strength.
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona Betting Odds and Predictions
Real have certain advantage from the first leg, but Barca have a good recent record at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Catalans won 3 of their last 4 visits to the Bernabeu in all competitions. If we take into consideration current form and firepower which Barca posses than there is logic in backing Barcelona on Asian handicap +0. Judging by the odds Barcelona are favored in this clash and we can agree with this opinion, but we decided not to back straightforward their victory, as we can get 1,83 on Barca +0, and we think there is value in such odds.
Also, we can suggest couple of side bets. First of all in derbies between Real and Barcelona goals are always expected. Still, odds for over 2,5 goals are pretty low, so maybe it wouldn't be bad to wait some time and try some goal bets in live betting.
And then there is Leo Messi. The Argentinean striker scored 25 goals in 23 league appearances this season, and added 2 cup goals (in 3 appearances) and 6 Champions League goals (in 5 appearances). So, it is not big surprise if we tell you to back Leo Messi to score.
Editor's Pick
Barcelona +0 @1,83
