The result of Sunday’s derby between Real Madrid and Barcelona looks set to have a big impact on the title race as well as the top-four battle.
Although Los Blancos find themselves ten points clear of second-place Sevilla, Julen Lopetegui’s side look destined to take the title race down to the wire.
🔋 FULL F⚽️CUS 🔋 pic.twitter.com/CZW5gxGxtI— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 17, 2022
🔋 FULL F⚽️CUS 🔋 pic.twitter.com/CZW5gxGxtI
As for Barcelona, they sit third – level with fourth-place Atletico Madrid on 51 points. They are also two points inside the top four with a game in hand over their rivals.
Not only have Real Madrid won each of their last four La Liga games, but they have also avoided defeat in each of their previous eight.
When you look at the bigger picture, Los Blancos have lost just one of their past 20 league games. As a result, they are on course to regain the title.
With 59 goals to their name, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are the top scorers in the division. Better still, they boast the second-best defensive record.
Remarkably, Karim Benzema (32 goals, 13 assists) and Vinicius Junior (17 goals, 14 assists) have racked up a whopping 76 goals involvements between them this season.
Still, Barcelona will be confident of halting Real Madrid’s momentum. Why? Because the Catalans come into El Clasico on a 12-matche unbeaten streak in the La Liga.
Xavi’s men have won each of their last four league games. On top of that, they have secured six victories in their previous seven.
It is also worth noting that Barca have lost just one of their past 17 La Liga clashes, picking up ten wins and six draws along the way.
The Catalans look set to miss out on a top-four finish earlier in the campaign, but they are now on course to secure Champions League football for next season.
Head-to-head: Barcelona have failed to win any of their last five La Liga meetings with Real Madrid, suffering four losses in the process.
Each of the past three league meetings have produced over 2.5 goals, with both teams scoring on every occasion.
Team news: Real Madrid’s injury list has shortened recently. As it stands, Eder Militao is Los Blancos’ only doubt for Sunday’s clash.
Unfortunately for Barca, their lengthy injury list includes Sergi Roberto, Samuel Umtiti, Ansu Fati, Alex Balde and Ez Abde.
Although Real Madrid find themselves 15 points clear of Barcelona, Xavi’s men are on a seemingly unstoppable run right now.
With that in mind, Forebet predicts that Real Madrid and Barcelona will play out a high-scoring draw on Sunday.