Prediction: Real Madrid vs Barcelona

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Unibet

With all eyes from across Europe falling on the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu this weekend, Real Madrid will host Barcelona in Sunday’s El Classico showdown.

Real Madrid

Starting with the hosts, managing to mount a stunning Champions League turnaround against PSG earlier in the month, there is no doubt that Real Madrid are riding quite the wave. Eventually landing a 3-1 win against the French giants on home soil, Los Blancos were also last seen on domestic duties laying down another marker. Storming their way to a thumping 3-0 victory away at Mallorca, all signs are pointing towards Carlo Ancelotti’s side claiming another La Liga title this season. Opening up Sunday’s El Classico holding a commanding 10-point buffer over Sevilla, the former Everton boss has seen his side win each of their last five matchups across all formats. With the mood in their camp appearing at a red-hot high, Madrid also have one attacking MVP enjoying a remarkable campaign at the Bernabéu. Once again bagging a brace against Mallorca last time out, French striker Karim Benzema has racked up eight goals on Los Blancos’ five-match winning run.

Team News

Despite picking up a calf injury against Mallorca last time out, Madrid remain hopeful that Benzema will be able to play some part on Sunday night.

However, suffering an adductor tear last weekend, French defender Ferland Mendy will not feature here and faces a spell on the sidelines.

Barcelona

As for the visitors, eventually coming past Galatasaray thanks to a 2-1 win on Thursday evening, Barcelona managed to book their spot in the quarter-finals of this year’s Europa League. While Xavi’s side might have endured a disappointing campaign at the Nou Camp this season, the Spanish giants are enjoying a welcomed purple patch. Last seen on domestic duties claiming a thumping 4-0 victory against Osasuna on home soil, they are in the midst of an 11-match unbeaten run across all formats, a run that stems back to January 20th. Simply with their sights set on clinching another top-four finish this year, Xavi also has his own attacking talisman making an immediate impact. Once again finding the net out in Turkey, former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has now racked up seven goals in as many appearances for the Catalonia giants. However, holding a worrying record against their bitter rivals, Barca will still know that they face a tough task on Sunday night.

Team News

The duo of Ferran Torres and Adama Traore are once again expected to join Aubameyang in attack on Sunday night. This means that French winger Ousmane Dembélé will likely have to settle for a spot on the bench.

Missing out on Thursday evening, veteran defender Dani Alves can make his return on domestic duties here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off in the Copa del Rey semi-finals back in January, Real Madrid picked up a 3-2 win in extra-time.
• Likewise, Los Blancos have won each of their previous five meeting against Sunday’s guests across all formats.
• Karim Benzema have racked up eight goals in Madrid’s five-match winning run.
• Likewise, Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has bagged seven goals in as many appearances.
• Barcelona are unbeaten in each of their previous 11 matchups across all formats, a run that stems back to January 20th.

Conclusion

With both sides booking their spot in the quarter-finals of Europe’s top-two tournaments this month, neutrals will be hoping for a hugely enjoyable affair on Sunday night. In a contest that famously produces plenty of controversy, there is no doubt that Real Madrid will be boosted by a rather rampant record against their bitter rivals. Claiming a thrilling 3-2 extra-time win against Barcelona in the Cope del Rey semi-finals back in January, Los Blancos have won each of their last five meetings. However, watching Xavi’s side storm their way on an eye-catching 11-match unbeaten run, the Catalonia giants are enjoying a recent purple patch. With all eyes falling on the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu this weekend, it should also be noted that their last four showdowns have finished with both teams finding the net.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Unibet