Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: It’s El Clásico O’ Clock

March 19, 2022

Benson Chikezie, Senior Author

The biggest match in European club football is here again, as Real Madrid host eternal rivals Barcelona in the Santiago Bernabèu for a crunch El Clásico tie, the first in 2022. The game is scheduled to kick off at 01:30 IST on the 21st of March, 2022, and promises to be a cracking encounter between two sides brimming with confidence.

Fresh from their Champions League exploits against PSG, Real Madrid continued their charge to the La Liga title with a 3-0 trouncing of Mallorca. Barcelona played a 0-0 draw against Galatasaray in the Europa League and followed it up with a 4-0 thrashing of Osasuna. Barca travel to Turkey for the return leg of their Europa League Playoff tie before they head to the Bernabèu to face Real Madrid. Who will come out on top in Europe’s most talked-about game?

Teams Status

Take a look at the form and team news from Madrid and Barcelona:

Real Madrid Form and Team News

Real Madrid are in cruise control at the moment, and with 5 straight wins in all competitions, they have every right to be. Ancelotti’s men are 10 points ahead of 2nd-placed Sevilla at the summit of La Liga and are playing their best football at the moment.

With 20 wins, 6bdraws, and 2 losses, Real have managed 66 points out of a possible 84, scoring 59 goals and conceding 21. Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric, and several Real Madrid regulars are in great form presently, giving the team confidence in games. Benzema and Vini Jnr have 36 goals between them in the league, and 17 assists, in what has been a marquee season for both forwards.

For their team news, Real Madrid may not be able to call upon the services of Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy, who are doubts to feature at the Bernabèu against Barcelona.

Barcelona Form and Team News

Barcelona’s revival under Xavi is remarkable by all standards. After suffering a disgraceful Champions League exit, the Blaugrana have picked up form and have been further boosted by their January signings in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres, and Adama Traore. They have not lost a game in the league since December, winning 8 and drawing 4 of those 12 games.

They have risen to 3rd position, 4 points behind Sevilla, and 15 points behind Real Madrid, having played a game less. The Blaugrana continue to improve, making their encounter with Madrid even more interesting. With 4 straight wins in the league, they have an identical record as Real in their last 5 games. Memphis Depay remains their top scorer with 10 goals and 2 assists.

For suspensions and player availability, Samuel Umtiti, Sergi Roberto, Alex Balde, Ez Abde will miss the El Clásico, with Ansu Fati a doubt to return early enough from injury.

What Do the Sportsbooks Say?

Real Madrid	Draw	Barcelona
2.16	3.82	3.42
2.12	3.65	3.25
2.15	3.80	3.50

The El Clásico is always difficult to call, especially in recent times. However, the sportsbooks have called this one in favor of Real Madrid, with the Paripesa sportsbook placing Madrid to win at 2.16 odds. A draw and a win for Barca are placed at 3.82 and 3.42 odds, respectively, on the same sportsbook.

The odds on Sportsbet.io are marginally different, although Madrid are still the favorites to win at 2.12 odds, a draw at 3.65 odds, and Barca to win at 3.25 odds. The Parimatch sportsbook places the odds for the home team to win at 2.15, a draw at 3.80, and an away win at 3.50.

Tipster’s Angle

Real have won 4 of their last 5 league games, the same as Barcelona, and they both go into this match in excellent form in the league. Interestingly, Real Madrid have won 4 of their last 5 home games, with 1 draw, and Barcelona have won 4 of their last 5 away games, with 1 draw.

Real have dominated the El Clásico recently, winning the last 5 meetings. Although, in the last 5 meetings at the Bernabèu, Barcelona have won thrice. This is a thrilling fixture, no doubt, and here are our tips for the match:

Tip: Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.69

Perhaps a lofty expectation, but expecting over 2 goals from this El Clásico is not entirely misguided. Six of the last 10 El Clásicos have ended with more than two goals, with 4 of those in the last 5 meetings.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have recorded results with over 2 goals in 4 of their last 5 games in all competitions, so we expect another such result in this fixture. Over 2.5 goals is available on the Melbet sportsbook at 1.69 odds.

Tip: Either Team To Win @ 1.308

Only two of the last ten El Clásico fixtures ended in draws, and the last five have all been won by one side. Madrid will want to wrap up the league in style and do their rivals over yet again, while Barcelona continue to push to seal their Champions League spot, at least. We expect one side to ride to the occasion and emerge victorious from this fixture. Either team to win is available on Paripesa at 1.308 odds.

Conclusion

An El Clásico between an in-form Real Madrid and a Barcelona side who are also in great form is not one we have had for some time now. We expect an open game, with great attacking football from both teams.

Benson Chikezie

22:34, 19 Mar 2022

Senior Author

Benson Chikezie

Senior Author

22:34, 19 Mar 2022

Benson Chikezie is a Nigerian-based writer with many years of experience in the sports betting industry. He is a digital marketer by profession. Benson has written many sports related contents for various websites.