El Clasico – a momentum swing

First up. A Latin lesson.

Momentum: late 17th century: from Latin, from movimentum, from movere ‘to move’.

It’s a word that’s often used in sports betting as well. It’s the ‘snowball effect’ for those of us that didn’t study Latin at school. Catching a team, horse or person when they are running into form and staying well clear when they are out.

The classic current case is Liverpool at the moment in the Premier League. They have momentum, they have purpose and their graph is firmly on the ascent. That’s one money train you don’t want to get off at present.

In Spanish football the momentum train are Real Madrid who have kept a clean sheet in all their Copa Del Rey matches this season and are through to the Champions League Final.

However, their old adversaries Barcelona are heading the other way on the momentum graph. Defeated by lowly Granada on Saturday having also been eliminated from the Champions League last week by league leaders Atletico Madrid. Not a good week by any standards but particularly those of formerly high, flying Barcelona.

Yes, it’s another El Clasico:

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Mar 2014 Primera Liga Real Madrid 3-4 Barcelona
Oct 2013 Primera Liga Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid
Mar 2013 Primera Liga Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona
Feb 2013 Copa del Rey Barcelona 1-3 Real Madrid
Jan 2013 Copa del Rey Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona
Oct 2012 Primera Liga Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid
Aug 2012 Super Cup Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona
Aug 2012 Super Cup Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid
Apr 2012 Primera Liga Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid
Jan 2012 Copa del Rey Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid

The ‘Bank’ Of Barcelona used to pay a better rate of interest than the bank of Santander.

The final is played on neutral territory at the Mestalla in Valencia and even with a hamstring injury forcing out Ronaldo – Real Madrid can maintain their momentum.

I’m taking Real Madrid on the superiority index with Star Spreads and buying bookings too, even at 80 !!!

RECOMMENDED BET (scale 1-10 points)

SELL BARCELONA / REAL MADRID for 10 points at around 0.05 with Star Spreads
BUY BOOKINGS for 10 points at around 80 with Star Spreads

RUNNING RETURN (APRIL): LOSS 309.00 POINTS

RUNNING RETURN (YEAR): PROFIT 127.00 POINTS

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.