Must win for Real at Granada
Mid table Granada have the task of inhibiting title chasing Real Madrid, as Zinedine Zidane’s men look to retain their crown in an otherwise trophyless season. The Galacticos are two points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid with three games remaining, the kindest of which is this very fixture. Real go to the Estadio San Mames to play Athletic Bilbao before hosting Europa League finalists Villarreal on the final day. The visitors are currently only above Barcelona on head-to-head so there is little wriggle room if they do not take maximum points from their final three, the season will be deemed a failure should they not take the title.
Process
Granada themselves did extremely well in the Europa League, giving an excellent account of themselves to reach the quarter finals where they were knocked out by tournament favourites Manchester United. They got past Napoli and Molde in over two legs to reach that stage and produced brilliant form in the group. The competition has taken its toll on their domestic season, Granada are not a club usually involved in European competition, so the run they put together alongside a mid table finish is still very impressive. Despite sitting tenth they rank 17th in terms of expected goals and have conceded the most in the division.
With injury concerns over Sergio Ramos and now Raphael Varane this season has been tough defensively for Real. Thibaut Courtois has stood up and been counted to great effect, the Galacticos would be nowhere near the title race if it was not from him. Real have conceded just 26 goals from 40.1 expected goals and incredible overperformance between the sticks. Granada are a mid table side with not a lot to play for, potentially a banana skin in their freedom but not one that should cause the visitors too many problems.
Goals?
With huge games on the horizon, Real will look to keep things tight and get the job done in an efficient manner.
- Granada have scored in six of ten.
- Granada have conceded in ten of ten and in all of their last 11.
- Granada have seen both teams score in six of ten.
- Granada have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.
- Real have scored in six of ten.
- Real have conceded in five of ten.
- Real have seen both teams score in four of ten.
- Real have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
The big occasion typically brings the best out of this Real Madrid squad, they should take this race to the wire.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
It is a two horse race now, the title will stay in Madrid. 4-1 Real.