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The first El Classico of the season is on this weekend when Real Madrid host Barcelona in a La Liga fixture. Outside the UEFA Champions League final, this is the most watched club football fixture in the world, with a worldwide audience in the hundreds of millions. With Real Madrid and Barcelona currently first and second in La Liga, separated by three points, this fixture shouldn't disappoint. Added to the mix is the fact that Real Madrid and Barcelona have been involved in games with over 2.5 goals 79% and 73% of the time, respectively, this season.
Both sides enter this fixture in strong form. Real Madrid have won their last six games, while Barcelona have won five of the last six. As well as holding a three point advantage, Real Madrid have a game in hand on Barcelona, in what has been an excellent start to the season for them. Cristiano Ronaldo has been in fantastic form, scoring 17 goals in 14 league appearances this season. Added to that tally are 12 goals from Gonzalo Higuaín and 7 from Karim Benzema. In all, Real Madrid have scored 49 goals in just 14 league fixtures.
Barcelona aren't short of goal scorers themselves. Messi has found the back of the net 17 times in 15 games, however Barcelona haven't quite been at their trademark best, with one loss and four draws so far this season.
Real Madrid don't need reminding that they haven't beaten Barcelona since 2008, but they will back themselves here. In his first El Classico Mourinho attempted to have Real Madrid out-pass Barcelona, but were comprehensively defeated 5-0. He has since learned from the defeat, drawing four of their next six meetings.
One interesting stat is that 6 of the last 9 goals that Barcelona have scored against Real Madrid have come from Messi. He is at 2.30 odds to score again, while Ronaldo is at 2.20 odds.
Below are the latest odds (subject to change):
Both sides enter this fixture in strong form. Real Madrid have won their last six games, while Barcelona have won five of the last six. As well as holding a three point advantage, Real Madrid have a game in hand on Barcelona, in what has been an excellent start to the season for them. Cristiano Ronaldo has been in fantastic form, scoring 17 goals in 14 league appearances this season. Added to that tally are 12 goals from Gonzalo Higuaín and 7 from Karim Benzema. In all, Real Madrid have scored 49 goals in just 14 league fixtures.
Barcelona aren't short of goal scorers themselves. Messi has found the back of the net 17 times in 15 games, however Barcelona haven't quite been at their trademark best, with one loss and four draws so far this season.
Real Madrid don't need reminding that they haven't beaten Barcelona since 2008, but they will back themselves here. In his first El Classico Mourinho attempted to have Real Madrid out-pass Barcelona, but were comprehensively defeated 5-0. He has since learned from the defeat, drawing four of their next six meetings.
One interesting stat is that 6 of the last 9 goals that Barcelona have scored against Real Madrid have come from Messi. He is at 2.30 odds to score again, while Ronaldo is at 2.20 odds.
Below are the latest odds (subject to change):