Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Analysis and Prediction – Barcelona will play at home against Real Madrid in the EuroLeague Round 18.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Odds
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona is in a significant crisis, perhaps the most significant in the last five years. They have lost three of their last four EuroLeague games, with a particularly painful defeat to Monaco by 91:71 last week. In the past 40 days alone, they have suffered losses to teams like Alba Berlin, Milano, Manresa, Zaragoza and Unicaja.
A few days ago, general manager Juan Carlos Navarro expressed support for head coach Roger Grimau. He emphasized that Barcelona can still achieve all its goals this season, but for that to happen, a significant turnaround is needed. The Catalan team is facing issues on all fronts. Defensively, they are not themselves, and apart from Nicolas Laprovittola, few can create opportunities in the offense. Tomas Satoransky is far from his best form, while Willy Hernangomez has fallen into the background.
The impression is that Real Madrid can only be defeated at this moment if they relax and don’t take the opponent seriously. This will certainly not be the case in El Clasico. Barcelona will have to play their best basketball and hope for a weaker three-point shooting performance from the opponent. And perhaps even that won’t be enough.
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid has had an impressive season so far, dominating European basketball in a way rarely seen in the 21st century. They have lost only two games overall – one to Fenerbahce in the EuroLeague and the other to Unicaja in the Liga Endesa. There seems to be no sign of them slowing down anytime soon.
Finding any weaknesses in Real Madrid is extremely difficult. Last season, they won the EuroLeague, retained all their best players, and added Facundo Campazzo, one of the best point guards on the continent. Mario Hezonja and Dzanan Musa look even better than they did 12 months ago, and Walter Tavares remains the center who makes the biggest difference in the EuroLeague. Even when they are missing some key players, the intensity and pace do not drop a bit.
Given Barcelona’s significant crisis and gameplay problems, Real Madrid will be highly motivated to deliver a fatal blow. The difference in form between the arch-rivals has rarely been this pronounced, and it seems that the visitors will only need to play their standard basketball.
Every day, “Basketball Sphere” provides all its readers with the best predictions for today’s games.
If you are reading our analysis for the first time, then it is important to mention that every day we also offer to our readers a “Acca of the Day” completely free.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid H2H
This season, Real Madrid has won all three encounters against Barcelona, with the last one taking place over two months ago.
Absences and Injuries
Alex Abrines has missed several games for Barcelona recently due to injury and is questionable for El Clasico. A similar situation exists for Gabriel Deck on the other side, while Guerschon Yabusele is confirmed to be unavailable for Real Madrid.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction
In basketball, anything is possible, especially when such rivals are playing. However, based on current form, it is highly unwise to bet against Real Madrid. Particularly in a situation where Barcelona is losing to considerably weaker teams on paper, while teams in their caliber, like Monaco, are humiliating them.
Tip-off Time: Wednesday, 03.01.2024, 21:00 CET
Prediction: Real Madrid -2.5
Odds: 1.90
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
We found the best odds for this game at the popular 22Bet sportsbook. You will get an attractive Welcome Bonus for all newly registered customers if you register today.