The Matchday 35 clash in La Liga between Barcelona and Real Madrid will take place on May 11 at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium. 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 the last round, the team secured a modest away win over Valladolid with a 2-1 scoreline. It's worth noting that head coach Hans Flick fielded a second-string lineup in that game, as the club was preparing for the second leg of the Champions League. Barcelona continues to lead La Liga, holding a 4-point advantage over Real Madrid. Additionally, the team has scored significantly more goals than any other competitor in the current La Liga season – 91 (compared to Madrid's 69 goals).
- Barcelona's unbeaten run in the league stands at 15 matches (13 wins and 2 draws).
- Barcelona has scored at least two goals in 7 of their last 10 La Liga games.
- The team has won the second half in 12 of their last 14 La Liga fixtures.
Predicted lineup for Barcelona (4-4-2)
Marc-André ter Stegen – Gerard Martin, Andreas Christensen, Hector Fort, Ronald Araujo – Fermin Lopez, Dani Rodriguez, Pedri, Gavi – Pau Victor, Ansu Fati.
Due to injuries, midfielders Dani Rodriguez, Pablo Torre, and Marc Bernal, as well as defender Jules Kounde, are out of action. Notably, forward Robert Lewandowski has returned to fitness after recovering from an injury.
Real Madrid
The capital club also secured victories in their last four league matches, all by narrow margins. The team first overcame Alaves, Athletic, and Getafe with identical 1-0 scores, and in the last round, they defeated Celta 3-2 at home. Additionally, Madrid has won seven of their last eight La Liga matches, losing only to Valencia (1-2). Despite these impressive results, Carlo Ancelotti's side remains in second place, trailing the Catalans by 4 points.
- In 13 previous La Liga games, Madrid has only won by more than one goal once.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 12 of Real Madrid's last 14 La Liga matches.
- The team has failed to score in the second half in six previous away league games.
Predicted lineup for Real Madrid (4-4-2)
Thibaut Courtois – Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asensio, Fran Garcia, Aurelien Tchouameni – Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham – Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior.
Due to injuries, defenders David Alaba, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Carvajal, as well as midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, are unavailable. Defender Antonio Rudiger is suspended for six matches and is also out for two months due to injury.
Referee
Alejandro Jose Hernandez Hernandez (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%.
Prediction for Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
This will be the fourth El Clasico of the season. In the first league meeting, the Catalans surprisingly defeated their rivals 4-0 on their home turf. Barcelona then again thrashed Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final (5-2). At the end of April, Real also lost in the Copa del Rey final (2-2, extra time 0-1). Judging by past encounters, this clash of fierce rivals is likely to be another high-scoring affair.
The Catalans will come into this game after a Champions League match, which, like the first leg, ended 3-3 in regulation time, with the team eventually losing in extra time (0-1). Despite their exit from European competition and accumulated fatigue, Barcelona will approach El Clasico fully prepared, aiming at least not to lose to Madrid. Even a draw would suit the hosts, as a 4-point lead with three rounds to go would significantly boost their chances of winning La Liga.
This calendar year, Barcelona has not lost a single La Liga match. At home, the Catalans have 8 wins and 1 draw in their last nine league games. I am confident the hosts will secure points in the upcoming match. Moreover, Madrid has significant defensive injuries, while Barcelona's main striker Robert Lewandowski is back in action. Therefore, my prediction is 1X and Total over 2.5 goals.
