El Clasico Live – Real Madrid v Barcelona Sunday 23rd March

Real Madrid V Barcelona

Sunday 23^rd March. 8PM. Sky Sports 1

World football’s biggest rivalry returns on Sunday and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever before as Real Madrid host Barcelona.

The showdown clash is set to be one of the most important el Clasico encounters ever and will go a long way to deciding where the La Liga crown is heading.

Expect something spectacular.

El Clasico: A Potential Title Decider

This fixture is already a major moment in the football calendar, but this particular encounter has the potential to be one of the most memorable of all-time.

As well as being a pivotal moment in the race for the La Liga crown, it is a match full of world stars. The already star-studded squads added key players to their respective rosters, with Brazilian wonderboy Neymar joining Barca and Real making Gareth Bale the world’s most expensive signing ever.

Meanwhile, the likes of Modric and Pedro have continued to grow as players whilst Iniesta and Modric are amongst the players who still remain at the very top level.

Perhaps the biggest improvement to either side is Real’s defensive record. However, even the Blancos guard will struggle to keep Barcelona at bay. Ancelotti may have to rely on his attacking stars in this one – fortunately they are blessed in that department too.

Atletico will be watching and hoping for the draw. However, an away win would blow the title race wide open. But if Real can claim the spoils then they will become firm favourites for the crown.

Whatever happens, it should provide some incredible viewing.

Ronaldo V Messi – Who Will Come Out On Top?

For all of the subplots and battles on show, there is one contest on the tip of everybody’s tongue: the clash between Ronaldo and Messi.

The phenomenal pair are far and away the best forwards in world football and between them have won the last six World Player of the Year titles – along with pretty much every honour going in club football.

Both players have rewritten the history by breaking a number of records. Most recently, Messi became Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with the hat-trick against Osasuna while Cristiano’s goal  ratio of of over one goal a game is a feat that will never be repeated at the top level by any other player.

The debate about who is the world’s greatest talent will probably never be definitively decided but it is safe to assume that one of them will lift the Ballon d’Or again next year, and probably the year after that.

Whoever shines brightest on Sunday may not only lead his team to success on the night, he could well lead them to the title. It should be another fascinating affair.

Real Madrid V Barcelona Betting

Home advantage makes Real Madrid the favourites with Bet 365 at 6/5; Barcelona are 21/10 and the draw is 5/2.

Barcelona absolutely need a win here and must attack from the off. However, they have lost their last two away matches and Madrid will look to capitalise on any mistakes made by Martino’s side. The first goal in this match could be pivotal and both teams will be out to take an early advantage.

Goal before 25:00 is 5/6 with Bet 365.

The entire world has been counting down to this contest for weeks and neutrals will be praying for an action packed affair. The two sides have scored 158 goals between them this term and, with the wealth of attacking talent on display, there’s a strong possibility that we’ll see more of the same on Sunday.

Over 3.5 goals is 6/4 with Ladbrokes.

The outcome might be difficult to predict but it is very likely that the individual inputs of Messi and  Ronaldo will have a huge impact on proceedings. Both players are in phenomenal form and are the most likely source of goals for their respective sides.

Take advantage of William Hill’s coupled scorers market.

Either Ronaldo or Messi to score first is 5/4 with William Hill.