Barcelona vs Real Madrid Odds: Madrid to dominate in El Clasico

Our next meeting of the El Clasico presents itself in the form of a Spanish Super Cup Semi, as Barcelona take on Real Madrid in the King Fahd Stadium.

Barcelona currently occupy sixth place in La Liga, accumulating 32 points from 20 games after a very poor start to the season. They have improved under new boss Xavi since his takeover, but were held to a 1-1 draw away to Granada this past weekend, meaning they are a staggering 17 points behind their fierce rivals Real Madrid.

Ancelotti's men are sat comfortably in 1st position in La Liga, and come into this game full of confidence as they dispatched Valencia 4-1 on Saturday. Los Blancos are favourites to win the Super Cup at 11/8, with the winner of this tie set to play either Bilbao or Atletico Madrid in Sunday's final.

New signing Ferran Torres is available to feature for Barcelona after he was successfully registered this week. However, Xavi will be without Frenkie De Jong, Eric Garcia and Sergi Roberto who are all sidelined with injures.

Ancelotti will be without just Gareth Bale and Mariano Diaz who have not travelled with the squad due to knocks.

Real Madrid come into this game as 9/10 favourites which is understandable, but a price I can easily stay away from. The Betfair shot line for Los Blancos has certainly caught my eye.

Madrid are averaging 16.8 shots per game in La Liga this season, ranking them 1st in the division. Barcelona are only averaging 9.8 shots per game against, but this average increases when they play away from home soil. Granada managed 14 in their 1-1 draw on the weekend, and when you consider Real Madrid have hit this line in 6 of the previous 7 meetings with Barca, you would expect the favourites to go close again here.

Card prices are understandably short for this fixture, but one player who does stand out is 38 year old veteran Dani Alves – 365 are offering 2/1 for him to be cautioned.

With this bet 7/5 in most places, I’m happy to take on this bet for a few reasons. The Brazilian defender has never been shy of a card, especially not in this fixture. Across his decorated career, Alves picked up 13 yellows vs Real Madrid from 42 games.

If Alves is to start his 3rd consecutive game, he should oppose Vinicius Jr wether it be from RM or Right back. The tricky Brazilian winger is Madrids most fouled player (2.3pg) and should fancy his chances vs an ageing Dani Alves down that left flank.

2022 P/L: -1.5pts