Real Madrid v Barcelona Copa del Rey Betting Odds & Preview – 18.01.12

We really can’t get enough of the El Clasico, as the two Spanish giants Real Madrid v Barcelona betting takes centre stage on Wednesday night in the Copa del Rey. This is the first leg of the quarter finals, held at the Bernabeu and of course we can look at all sorts of rivalry and history between these two. Firstly there was the recent league match, in which Barcelona played pretty much a perfect tactical game at the Bernabeu to beat Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid 3-1 with Alexis Sanchez, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas wrapping up the crucial three points. However, Barcelona are still trailing Real Madrid at the top of La Liga by five points, as the two giants battle it out, so the ball is very much still in Madrid’s court there. Between them, out of 36 league matches combined, they have only lost three matches all season between them. It looked as if a shift of power and confidence was going to swing back to Barcelona after that league win, but with Barcelona dropping points away at Esponyol, it is Real Madrid who have stretched their legs at the top, rattling off three straight wins after that home defeat. The scoring power of these two sides are phenomenal. Overall, Madrid are averaging 3.5 goals per game in the league (4.25 at home) while Barcelona are ticking along at 3.05 goals per game (4.3 at home). Naturally the two main protagonists in all of this, is Ballon D’Or winner Lionel Messi banging in 19 goals for Barca, and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo bettering that with 21 goals for the season. The bigger difference between the two sides this season, is that while Barcelona have a better defence, Real Madrid have a good support system up front to support Ronaldo, with Gabriel Higuain and Karim Benzema both weighing in with double figures.

So will Madrid have learned from their most recent meeting? You will remember that it was Real Madrid who won last year’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, when Cristiano Ronaldo netted an extra time winner. There is not going to be a case of putting out weakened sides of course for this one, as Real Madrid will want to get back at their Catalan rivals, and Barcelona will know it. However, for all of Real Madrid’s pace setting work this season, they still have a pretty poor record against Barcelona and that should be a factor in your Real Madrid v Barcelona Copa del Rey betting. Madrid have taken just one victory (in last year’s cup final) against Barcelona in the last twelve matches against their rivals. In that run, Madrid have suffered eight defeats, so definitely current form in the head to head meeting is firmly with Barcelona, who again proved in the recent La Liga meeting that they are a champion side for a reason. That man Lionel Messi will probably have to be watched, as he has netted on six of the last seven matches at the Bernabeu for Barcelona. So the stage is set for another mouth watering El Clasico meeting on Wednesday night. Who will draw first blood? Will Barcelona show their true champions qualities again Jose Mourinho’s men? Or will Pep Guardiola look for some securing to take back to the Nou Camp for the second clash of this giant clash? This will be the ninth El Clasico in just over twelve months and frankly we love it. They should meet at least once a month. Expect drama. Expect fireworks. Expect goals? Real Madrid may have home advantage but that has not counted for much in recent times against Barcelona, and it is the Catalans who go into the match as favourites in the El Clasico 2012 betting.

Real Madrid v Barcelona Copa del Rey Betting Odds
Real Madrid to win: 7/4 at Bet365
Draw: 12/5 at VC Bet
Barcelona to win: 13/8 at BetFred

First Goalscorer Odds
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi 9/2 at BetFred

Will there be goals galore again with the two high scoring Spanish giants or will some caution be shown ahead of the second leg? Well, as with all football betting on their site, popular online bookmaker Bet365 offer some 0-0 insurance on your betting. Place a Correct Score, Half Time/Full Time or Scorecast bet on any match listed at Bet365, and if the game ends in a 0-0 Bore Draw, then the bookie will refund your lost stakes on those markets. Great football betting coverage from Bet365, who also provide a superbly generous welcome bonus offer. The bookie offer up to £200 in free bets for new customers registering an account. Bet365 will match the value of your first deposit on a new account with a 100% bonus, meaning that you can get up to £200 worth of free bets!