Barcelona v Real Madrid La Liga Betting Tips December 3rd 2016
Posted by: Mitko Atanasov in Dec, 2016

Tip #1: Back Barcelona to win @ 1.82 with bet365.com
Tip #2: Back Barcelona &Under 3.5 Goals @ 3.25 with bet365.com
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Barcelona v Real Madrid La Liga Betting Tips: Match Preview
Barcelona
Barcelona have the chance to close the six-point gap at the top of La Liga. Anything other than a victory will leave Barca having to depend on Real Madrid dropping points in the coming weeks. Playing at home in the Camp Nou is an advantage that Luis Enrique’s team cannot afford to squander.
The Catalans have looked more vulnerable this season, having already lost to Alavés and Celta Vigo. What has also set them back has been their consecutive draws against Málaga and Real Sociedad, while Real Madrid are yet to taste defeat in the league this season.
From an attacking standpoint, Barcelona are still potent and deadly, but the balance of the side has been lacking in the games when they dropped points. In midfield, Barcelona have struggled to control proceedings like they have done in recent seasons, which has invited pressure onto a defence that is ill-equipped with it.
Gerard Piqué has been out injured at times, which has been extremely tough for Barca to cope with, as they lack depth below the Spanish international. Javier Mascherano has played well alongside Piqué, but the Argentinian remains a converted defensive midfielder. Beyond them, Barca have defenders who do not measure up to the equivalents in the Real first XI.
Real Madrid
Zinedine Zidane is also beloved as a manager after leading Real Madrid to an 11th Champions League trophy, but the Frenchman has to deliver a La Liga crown now. Barca and Atlético Madrid have combined to win the last four seasons, so it will be five seasons without Spain’s biggest trophy if Los Merengues fail.
Comparatively, Real Madrid have a better defence than Barca, while both sides have quality options midfield, with Real having stronger depth in numbers. However, Barca have the better depth in their front line, as Real are currently coping with a long-term injury to Gareth Bale.
As a result, Real are now more reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo than ever. The Portuguese international will turn 32 years old in February, but still has the ability and physicality to lead La Liga’s scoring chart with 10 goals. There is a case that Leo Messi have more than nine goals if hadn’t been injured, but Ronaldo has still seized the opportunity.
Barca will be keenly aware of Ronaldo’s threat, so Real must have an alternative option or else they will be at risk of being one-dimensional in their attacks. Karim Benzema is only scored four goals in 10 league appearances, which simply isn’t good enough for a team of this all-round quality.
Verdict
Barcelona’s defence has gotten healthier in recent weeks, which will help them in facing the evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains Real Madrid’s greatest asset. Leo Messi is Barcelona’s world-class alternative, but he has the benefit of playing alongside Neymar and Luis Suárez who also demand major attention from defenders.
Barcelona lost El Clasico 2-1 at the Camp Nou last season, but they are the more likely winners this time around at 1.85 with bet365.
Tip #1: Back Barcelona to win @ 1.82 with bet365.com
Tip #2: Back Barcelona &Under 3.5 Goals @ 3.25 with bet365.com
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