Football Bet of the Day: Barca might not reign in Spain

Elche v Barcelona
Thursday 21:00

Bala Town 3 Bangor City 0 in the Welsh Premier League yesterday. A storming win for the home side and they eventually dragged us over the line with them.

Across the globe, there aren't a huge amount of pig bladders being kicked today. After scratching around for most of the morning, we finally uncovered something in Spain.

Last week Barcelona won the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter final 5-0 at home to La Liga's bottom club, Elche.

They meet at the Manuel Martinez Valero tonight for a foregone conclusion of a second leg. Barca will go through, of course, but - and this is the interesting bit - there might not be any icing on the cake.

In La Liga since February last year, Barca have won only 2/16 away games by more than a single goal - and just 1/16 by more than a couple of goals.

In second legs away from home in the Copa since 2006, the Catalans have won only 3/12 by more than a single goal - and just 1/12 by more than two goals.

Meanwhile, Elche's form seems to have improved since Christmas and they haven't conceded more than twice in any of their nine home games this term.

Last season only one of their 19 visitors - champions Atletico - beat them at the Manuel Martinez Valero by more than the odd goal.

In preparation for Barca's La Liga visit in just nine days' time, the hosts must save whatever's left of their face, while Luis Enrique is likely to rest some of his superstars.

This might not be as one sided as it looks.

Recommended Bet
Back Elche +2.0 on the Asian Handicap @ 1.664/6 v Barcelona