Real Madrid vs Barcelona Picks and Predictions: A Clasico Full of Fireworks

This Saturday we have a preseason El Clasico as old rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid meet in Dallas. We’ve been treated to a lot of big-name friendly clashes in the last few weeks but it doesn’t get bigger than Barcelona vs. Real Madrid.

Don’t think for a minute that this game doesn’t matter because it’s a preseason game, El Clasico always matters even when it’s not a competitive match. Don’t miss our Barcelona vs. Real Madrid picks and predictions.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona best odds

Real Madrid		Barcelona
+125	Moneyline	+170
+260	Draw	+260
Over 2.5 (-188)	Total	Under 2.5 (+140)

Odds courtesy of bet365 on July 29, 2023.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona picks and predictions

AT&T Stadium is well accustomed to hosting huge sporting events but on Saturday they host an event like no other, El Clasico. Barcelona vs. Real Madrid is one of the world’s biggest rivalries, it sees Spain’s top two clubs battle but the game is about far more than what’s on the pitch. The dislike between the two clubs extends back into history with politics just as important in the rivalry as what happens on the pitch.

Seeing Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in a preseason game is a relatively new phenomenon and one which has divided fans of both clubs. While some champion the fact it gives supporters outside of Spain a rare chance to see one of the soccer’s biggest game, others say it waters down the rivalry between the clubs and cheapens El Clasico. As with most things there’s valid arguments on both sides but what isn’t in doubt is that this game matters, even when it’s in preseason.

Sure, we aren’t going to see quite the same intensity as we would at the Bernabeu or Camp Nou, but it’ll still be a tough tackling game that neither side will want to lose. That said, it’s still a friendly and given that, plus the talent on both sides, I think the best bet for the game has to be Over 2.5 goals and both yeams to score, which you can get at -125.

In truth -125 isn’t huge odds but it implies a 55.6% chance that the bet lands but in reality I think the odds should be far shorter, with the chance closer to 70 or 75% in my mind.

This is the third preseason game for both clubs and Real Madrid come into this with a 100% record, having beaten Man Utd 2-0 on Wednesday and won a five goal thriller against AC Milan before that. Across two games they’ve scored five times and conceded two goals.

Barcelona have won one and lost one so far this preseason. They beat Japanese team Vissel Kobe 2-0 before losing 5-3 to Arsenal earlier this week in Los Angeles. 

It looks like both teams are relatively injury free with no starters likely to be missing. That makes for an interesting matchup and it’s a game both teams will want to win in order to make a statement ahead of the new La Liga season. Barcelona won the majority of El Clasico meetings last season and Real Madrid will be desperate to put thigs right and we might see a number of their new signings such as Jude Bellingham, as well as Arda Guler who missed the Man Utd game.

With the likes to Robert Lewandowski and Vinicius Jr on display we’re going to see attacking intent from both teams and I’m hugely confident that both teams will score and also concede. After all these teams have scored an average of over two goals per game in preseason and averaged a goal conceded every game. The quality of talent and the importance of this fixture will ensure a fearsome and high-scoring game.

My best bet: Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score (-125 at Bet365)

Real Madrid vs Barcelona same-game parlay

Both teams to score

Over 2.5 goals

Jude Bellingham to score

+550 at bet365

When you have two teams packed with world class talent like Barcelona and Real Madrid it makes sense to place a same-game parlay and I have a juicy +550 SGP that will get you hyped for El Clasico.

First up we’re starting with our best bet for Barcelona vs. Real Madrid. We’re going to be backing Over 2.5 goals. Both of these teams have serious attacking pedigree and with us likely to see a number of changes in the second half we will probably see some disjointed defenses that will lead to more goals.

To follow on from that we’re going to see both teams score. After all these two teams have combined for 10 goals in their four preseason games so far. Goals are there to be had on Saturday.

Then for the final leg of our same-game parlay we’re going to be backing on Jude Bellingham finding the back of the net. The Englishman is, in this writer’s opinion, the best young player on the planet. He’s an all-action midfield but it was noticeable that against Man Utd he got into a number of attacking positions.

Bellingham scored a delightful chip over Utd’s Andre Onana following a through ball and if he continues to make those sort of runs there’s a chance he scores a lot more goals this season than people expect in this Real Madrid team. I think there’s a good chance we might see another goal for the 20-year old here.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona side analysis

If you can pick a winner then there’s money to be made in this preseason game. You can grab last season’s La Liga champions Barcelona at +180 and Real Madrid at +125, with the draw best priced at +270. I’d personally lead towards backing Real Madrid to win it. I think they have a better and deeper squad, something which is hugely important in preseason games when we see a lot of substitutes in games.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona Over/Under analysis

The bookies are expecting goals, just as we are with our best bet. If you want to bet on the Total Goals line then Over 2.5 comes in at -188 with +140 on the Under. If you’ve read this far you know I’m backing the Over already and I really am confident that it should be a winner given what we’ve seen from these teams so far in preseason.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona game info

Real Madrid vs Barcelona key injuries

Real Madrid: Dani Ceballos CM (Out)
Barcelona: Inigo Martinez CB (Questionable)

Real Madrid vs Barcelona weather

It’ll be scorching hot with clear skies and temperatures around 100 degrees at kickoff.

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