Real Madrid – Cadiz: Betting Preview
By Dan King under the supervision of Lucas Mondelo
Real Madrid Preview
Real Madrid come into the game with a win absolutely essential to close the gap on leaders Barcelona and bounce back from the shock defeat to Rayo Vallecano last time out.
The host will not be able to overtake Barcelona who have a five-point lead in first place, but only a win will satisfy Ancelotti’s men against Cadiz.
The home side will be without key men Benzema and Rüdiger and so therefore not at full strength.
Both have only very minor knocks but with the World Cup on the horizon, the boss has allowed them to rest and avoid risk taking at this stage.
With these important men missing it is clear Madrid are significantly weaker, meaning other rotation will be kept to a minimum.
Cadiz Preview
Cadiz are sitting in 19th place in the league but with two wins to their name already this campaign, including a confidence boosting recent victory over Atletico Madrid, their confidence and morale is good. Furthermore, they started the round level on points with 17th placed Sevilla and so still have belief they can avoid relegation this season.
This is an almighty challenge for the visitor, and they travel to the capital likely to be without the important figure of Luis Hernández.
The experienced towering centre back was named in the squad but his availability is pending an appeal for the red card he received in Getafe last weekend.
Real Madrid – Cadiz: Betting Preview
Real Madrid is a massive favourite against Cadiz, priced at 1.210 on the 1X2 market. Outsiders Cadiz are offered at 16 to grab what would be a shock win. A draw is set at 7.00.
Given the team news the champions have drifted on the market, with Cadiz also attracting some minor attention having opened at 24 to get the victory.
On the Asian markets the home side are -2 /1.980 which is understandable given the gulf in difference between the two clubs. One major concern for any backers here would be the loss of Benzema and to a lesser extent the defender Rüdiger. With Madrid needing a 3-goal victory on this market, the fundamental Frenchman’s absence is a significant one.
Of almost equal concern is that the bulk of Real Madrid’s players will not want to get hurt or exert serious energy with the World cup on the horizon.
Cadiz +2 @ 1.890 are marginal favourites on the Asian handicap and this is understandable given the timing of the match and team news, both which favours them.
The visitor doesn’t score many goals, just eight this season, but they have good defensive discipline on their day and may have a big edge in terms of the effort and aggression they will be prepared to put into this match.
The Total over/under goals line dropped from 3.5 to 3.25/2.010 based around the fact the clinical Benzema was rested. Punters are likely to believe 4 or more goals being scored would require the host to bag at least three times.
Again, a negative here is the probable event international players will not play at 100% and once ahead, Real Madrid will drop intensity levels. A 2-0/3-0 result looks a probable result with this in mind. The best scenario for overs would be an early goal for Cadiz.
