Real Madrid v Barcelona Betting: Expect another classic finale in gripping El Clasico

The first ever Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona to take place outside of Spain is in theory merely a preparatory game for the forthcoming season.

In practice, however, there is plenty riding on this weekend's match in the International Champions Cup, not least because defeat will leave either manager at the mercy of the Spanish press.

Real Madrid have lost to both Manchester clubs in the USA so far, with their 4-1 defeat to City being received with frustrated incredulity back home. Barca, for their part, have recorded two wins in North America, although their summer has so far been dominated by the transfer saga involing Neymar's potential exit from the club.

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI

However, the Brazilian is likely to feature in Miami against Madrid and bet365 make the Catalans marginal favourites at 11/8 (2.37). Los Blancos, meanwhile, can be backed at 7/4 (2.75) while the draw is offered at 13/5 (3.60).

The last meeting between these two sides came at the end of April when Barca recorded a dramatic last-gasp 3-2 win at the Bernabeu, after Madrid had scored late on to equalise. Despite this being a friendly, we expect both sides to treat the game with a great deal of respect, and both teams to score looks nailed on at 4/11 (1.36).

Goal

Combining that selection with over 2.5 goals, meanwhile, is offered at just 4/7 (1.57) and the bookmakers are clearly expecting goals in the game even though there is just pride at stake. Perhaps more attractive is backing both teams to score in the second half at 5/4 (2.20) while over 3.5 goals in the game is offered at 10/11 (1.91).

Real Madrid have not managed to score more than one goal in the two matches they have contested so far in the ICC, yet they can be backed at 5/6 (1.83) to net over 1.5 goals against their fiercest rivals - something they have managed in five of their last eight Clasicos.

For their part, Barcelona are offered at 4/6 (1.66) to score two or more goals, with Ernesto Valverde's men also offered at 10/3 (4.33) to win a game which sees at least four goals scored.