Get ready as we break down the sizzling La Liga showdown between Real Madrid and Barcelona set for Saturday, 23 December 2017.
It’s the hosts, Real Madrid, who welcome their biggest rivals, Barcelona, to the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in a match that promises fireworks! Beyond just spoiling the festive season for the other side, this game holds serious stakes for Las Blancos’ title ambitions.
Victory for Zinedine Zidane’s squad means the title race stays alive, while a loss could dash their hopes altogether. Over in the Catalan camp, a draw away against the reigning champions would solidify an 11-point lead — a result they’d be more than happy to accept.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona | Saturday 23 December | Santiago Bernabeu Stadium | 14:00
Match Odds
Real Madrid 21/20 | Draw 29/10 | Barcelona 43/20
Real Madrid Insights
The defending champs have had a shaky start to the La Liga campaign, sitting in an unusual fourth place, trailing by 11 points but with a game in hand. This match is a must-win to keep their championship dreams alive. Cristiano Ronaldo, while dazzling in the UEFA Champions League and Club World Cup, has yet to shine fully in La Liga, hampered by a five-game suspension early in the season and scoring just four league goals so far.
Boosting their confidence, Real Madrid arrives fresh off a triumphant Club World Cup win, securing a stunning five trophies within the calendar year. Their past Super Cup victories over Barcelona — a thrilling 3-1 win at Camp Nou and a solid 2-0 at home — have rattled their rivals, even prompting defender Gerard Piqué to admit feeling outplayed by Madrid for the first time. Barcelona’s signings, Paulinho and Ousmane Dembele, have since added new challenges for Los Blancos.
Though unbeaten across their last 5 matches, Madrid has had two goalless stalemates against Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao. However, they bounced back strongly with a 5-0 league thrashing of Sevilla and solid performances in the Club World Cup. The question now is whether they can ride this wave against a confident Barcelona side.
Barcelona Perspective
Barcelona are on a roll, boasting an undefeated record since the season’s beginning. Lionel Messi remains unstoppable, netting 14 goals and setting up another five. The visitors’ defensive resilience is impressive, with clean sheets in their last three league clashes. Their recent 4-0 demolition of Deportivo de La Coruna showed their ruthlessness, though Messi was unusually unlucky with chances, hitting the woodwork thrice and having a penalty saved.
Barcelona will likely target La Liga’s notorious record-holder for red cards, Sergio Ramos, who has been sent off five times against them. Ramos must tread carefully to avoid costly mistakes against crafty foes like Luis Suarez and Messi, known for their clever provocations.
This match is certainly a “must-not-lose” for the Catalans, aiming to maintain a healthy eight-point cushion. A win would be a delightful bonus, extending the gap to 14 points. Last year, Barcelona took four points from Madrid through a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou and a thrilling 3-2 away win. This encounter promises to be tightly fought.
Prediction: Barcelona to Win & Both Teams to Score at 32/10
While Real Madrid enjoys the home advantage and the confidence after their trophy-laden year, Barcelona’s stunning form, tight defence, and lethal attack make them favourites in this clash. Expect both sides to find the net in a pulsating contest, with Barcelona edging out a vital win to almost seal the title.
Wishing the best to our six lucky fans flying out to cheer at the Santiago Bernabeu alongside our Brand Ambassador, Jerry Sikhosana. Have a blast! Click here to read more.
