Soon, the eyes of the footballing world will be on the Santiago Bernabeu, with Real Madrid and Barcelona set to face off on the 26th of October at 4.15pm CET. The visitors may have won all four meetings last season, but they will almost certainly go into this showdown clash as underdogs – not only because Los Blancos look much better under new head coach Xabi Alonso, but also due to their own struggles.
Fans are already placing bets on El Clasico, but, as ever, the outcome is always a bit like betting on black or red at a roulette table – it’s rarely wise not to back either club! When sports betting become s a little less certain some fans seek out the best casino bonuses at sites like https://mightytips.bet/kaszinok/ which provide insight into the best deals available. For those sticking to football and backing Barcelona to continue their impressive form in the fixture, Hansi Flick will need to have the likes of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha at his disposal. But the most important player on the pitch – should he be on it – is sure to midfield sensation Pedri.
Prior to Flick’s arrival, Pedri had been enduring tough times at Barcelona. He was regularly injured, but in the last 14 months, he has been ever-present for the reigning La Liga champions, for whom he has become an indispensable player.
The stats behind Pedri’s devastating form
Pedri has been a sensation for Barcelona, and at both ends of the pitch. According to FBref, he ranks in the 99th percentile for shot-creating actions and progressive passes, the 98th percentile in passes attempted and progressive carries, and the 97th percentile in expected assisted goals. On top of this, he is in the 90th percentile for blocks, thus underlining his defensive ability.
Alongside Frenkie de Jong, Pedri will be key in allowing Barcelona to dominate in midfield, which is where El Clasico could be won or lost. If he can get the better of Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde and Arda Guler, the Catalans will have a great chance of replicating their famous 4-0 victory at the Bernabeu last season.
Pedri has been fatigued in recent weeks, and that will not have been helped by starting Spain’s two World Cup qualifiers during the October international break. Flick may end up resting him against Girona and/or Olympiacos, as this will ensure that he arrives in the Spanish capital at 100%.
Barcelona will be counting on another spellbinding Pedri performance when they return up to the Bernabeu on the 26th, as they go in search of a crucial victory in the La Liga title race. They may not have Joan Garcia, Dani Olmo or Robert Lewandowski, but if the 22-year-old superstar performs, the Catalans will still have a good chance of victory.
