2022-23 LaLiga week 9 preview: Real Madrid vs Barcelona
This is it boys, this is war!
The premier rivalry in professional sports is once again in the forefront. Real Madrid host FC Barcelona in this week’s LaLiga. White versus blue; whose side are you?
Overview
Both teams are virtually on equal footing, goal difference being the only thing that separates them at LaLiga. However, things are different when it comes to their results outside of Spain.
Real Madrid settled on a 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in the return UEFA Champions League leg. Despite that outcome, they are still in a better position in their group compared to Barcelona.
The Blaugrana have produced a measly point in their last three UCL fixtures. They need to step up and secure positive results in their remaining schedule if they do not want to be at the UEFA Europa League for the second consecutive season.
Stats
To recap what has been a busy month, Los Blancos dropped their first points in the domestic league to start October. They recovered the following week, Éder Militão’s goal edging Getafe, 1-0.
On the other hand, Barça found themselves on top after week 7 when they defeated Mallorca, thanks to Robert Lewandowski’s conversion. A win or draw at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu would retain the status quo.
Looking at the finer details, Barcelona have kept a clean sheet in five of their last seven away matches against Real Madrid in all competitions. This statistic might play a factor on how the upcoming game would turn out.
However, Ronald Araújo, one of the goalscores in the 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid back in March is out recuperating from surgery. So, there is also that.
Recent form (last five matches)
Real Madrid
drew with Shakhtar Donetsk, 1-1
defeated Getafe, 1-0
defeated Shakhtar Donetsk, 2-1
drew with Osasuna, 1-1
defeated Atlético Madrid, 2-1
FC Barcelona
drew with Inter Milan, 3-3
defeated Celta Vigo, 1-0
lost to Inter Milan, 1-0
defeated Mallorca, 1-0
defeated Elche, 3-0
Prediction
If anything can be gleaned upon their Soccer Champions Tour match in the offseason, there is no such thing as a preseason encounter when these two collide. Raphina scored the only goal in a skirmish that had as much drama as a regular fixture that is held in Iberia.
How would you call this? The two sides have been almost impeccable. Is a draw in the cards for this meeting?
Tips
Under 2.5 goals
M88 Mansion MSports 1X2 odds
Real Madrid – 2.28
Barcelona – 2.98
Draw – 3.63
