The Matchday 35 clash in La Liga between Barcelona and Real Madrid will take place on May 11 at the Olympic Stadium Lluís Companys. Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Barcelona
The Catalans approach El Clasico with a streak of four consecutive league victories, each by a one-goal margin. In their last outing, the team secured a modest 2-1 away win against Valladolid. Notably, head coach Hans Flick fielded a second-string lineup in that game, as the club was preparing for the return leg in the Champions League. Barcelona continues to lead La Liga, holding a four-point advantage over Real Madrid. Additionally, the team has significantly outpaced all rivals in goals scored this season in La Liga, with 91 compared to Madrid's 69.
- Barcelona's unbeaten run in the league stands at 15 matches (13 wins and 2 draws).
- The team has scored at least two goals in 7 of their last 10 La Liga matches.
- Barcelona has won the second half in 12 of their last 14 La Liga games.
Predicted lineup for Barcelona (4-4-2)
Marc-André ter Stegen – Gerard Martin, Andreas Christensen, Hector Fort, Ronald Araújo – Fermín López, Dani Rodríguez, Pedri, Gavi – Pau Víctor, Ansu Fati.
Due to injuries, midfielders Dani Rodríguez, Marc Casado, and Marc Bernal, as well as defenders Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde, are sidelined. Notably, forward Robert Lewandowski has returned to fitness after an injury.
Real Madrid
The capital club has also won their last four league matches, each by a narrow margin. They initially defeated Alaves, Athletic, and Getafe with identical 1-0 scores and overcame Celta Vigo 3-2 in their last home match. Additionally, Madrid has secured seven wins in their last eight La Liga encounters, losing only to Valencia (1-2). Despite these impressive results, Carlo Ancelotti's side remains in second place, trailing Barcelona by four points.
- In their last 13 La Liga matches, Madrid has only won once by more than a one-goal margin.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 12 of Real Madrid's last 14 La Liga games.
- The team has not scored in the second half in their last six away league matches.
Predicted lineup for Real Madrid (4-4-2)
Thibaut Courtois – Lucas Vázquez, Raúl Asensio, Fran García, Aurélien Tchouaméni – Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham – Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior.
Due to injuries, defenders David Alaba, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Carvajal, along with midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, are unavailable. Defender Antonio Rüdiger is suspended for six matches and is also out for two months due to injury.
Referee
Alejandro José Hernández Hernández (Spain)
Matches – 17 (La Liga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 94;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.5;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 35%.
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: Match Prediction
This will be the fourth El Clasico of the season. In the first league encounter, the Catalans surprisingly defeated their rivals 4-0 on their turf. Barcelona then thrashed Madrid again in the Spanish Super Cup final (5-2). In late April, Real Madrid lost in the Copa del Rey final (2-2, extra time 0-1). It seems this fierce rivalry will once again be a high-scoring affair.
Barcelona will be coming off a Champions League match that ended 3-3 in regular time, followed by a 0-1 loss in extra time. Despite their European exit and accumulated fatigue, Barcelona will approach El Clasico fully prepared, aiming to at least avoid defeat against Madrid. Even a draw would be satisfactory for the hosts, as a four-point lead with three matches remaining would maximize their chances of winning La Liga.
Barcelona has not lost a single league match this calendar year. At home, the Catalans have recorded 8 wins and 1 draw in their last nine league games. I am confident the hosts will earn points in the upcoming match. Additionally, Madrid faces significant defensive injuries, while Barcelona's top scorer Robert Lewandowski has returned. Therefore, my prediction: 1X and Total over 2.5 goals
