brimming with passion
The La Liga's Madrid Clasico is about to take place, with the league's top-ranked team just behind
Real Madrid (soccer team)
The team will host city rivals Sporting Madrid.
Real Madrid soccer team
Currently, they are 8 points behind Barcelona at the top of the table, and cannot afford to slip up on the road to defending their title. In this match, they will be cautious to win, and against the rebounding opponent, defense is expected to be the key, and scoring under 2.5 goals may be the safest choice. (Live on Now 632 at 1.30am on Sunday)
Historical meetings show that eight of the last nine matchups have not totaled more than 2.5 goals.
Real Madrid soccer team
Recent multi-front battles and a big midweek away win in the Eredivisie
Liverpool (England)
After that, they have to face the Madrid Clasico immediately. Midfielder Cao Aveni and defense stalwart Caius are doubtful due to their absence from the UEFA Europa League, and it's not clear if the injured Binschmar can last for four days and two matches. The players' condition will be affected as they have to play consecutive matches. Facing the UEFA Europa League
Liverpool (England)
Unlike the attacking style of the game, coach Angelo Anciarotti won't go easy on the defensively minded Sporting Madrid and will try to win with efficiency.
Sporting Club de Madrid has had its ups and downs this season, but it has gradually found its form in the last month, with 4 wins and 1 draw in the last 5 league matches, especially when coach Szémonyi's iron-clad defensive tactics are showing their power again. Only 1 goal was conceded in the last 5 matches, and 3 of them were narrow 1-0 victories. This kind of pragmatic and efficient way of playing is the key to Sporting Madrid's victory.
Looking back at the last 9 Madrid matches, both sides have shown solid defenses, with 8 matches not exceeding 2 total goals in legal time, and it's highly unlikely that there will be a low goal count again in this match.
