Have a loss-proof £25 bet on Real Madrid!
It was at this stage in last season's Champions League that Jose Mourinho showed that Barcelona were not infallible by inspiring Inter to become the first, and at this point in time only, team to knock a Pep Guardiola-coached side out of the competition courtesy of a 3-1 first-leg victory in Milan.
The chances of the Special One repeating the feat with Real Madrid looked slim at the start of this series of four Clasicos in 18 days with Barcelona dominating in La Liga and having won the first 2010-11 meeting with their fierce rivals 5-0 at the Camp Nou, producing one of the best displays in history.
However, the results of the first two encounters have caused the momentum to swing significantly, with Real Madrid coming from behind with ten men to draw the return league fixture 1-1 at the Bernabeu then winning the Copa del Rey Final after extra time in Valencia.
Suddenly, Barcelona look vulnerable to a third semi-final exit in four years and are required to react. They are unbeaten in three trips to face their foes in the capital but will be forced to try to prolong that run without Andres Iniesta and with captain Carles Puyol potentially filling in at left back.
Real Madrid are [2.72] to celebrate a crucial first-leg triumph and it's difficult to fault their status as favourites given their perfect home record on the continent this season and the fact Barcelona have won just one of their eight away knockout games under Guardiola.
Thanks to our special offer for those opening new Betfair accounts, you can bet up to £25 on this match and have your stake refunded if your punt proves unsuccessful.
Real Madrid v Barcelona
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Live on ITV1
Is it Barcelona that you fancy? Then have a risk-free bet on them instead at [2.94]...
Published: 27 Apr 2011
Anil (April 28, 2011 1:05 AM) said:
Win barcilona