Real Madrid - Deportivo Betting Preview: Why Blancos will score but not keep a clean sheet

Sep 30, 2012 9:00:00 AM

Given Depor's habit of scoring at the Bernabeu and Madrid not being in the best shape defensively, our in-form Spanish expert Phil Kitromilides is backing both teams to score

Having endured an uncomfortable period following back-to-back away defeats at Getafe and Sevilla respectively, Real Madrid finally got their first win on the road this season by beating Rayo Vallecano on Monday night.

Their next match sees the champions host a Deportivo side who lost their unbeaten status also on Monday, going down 2-0 at home to Sevilla.

This is a match that Madrid would expect to win comfortably, and the odds reflect this with William Hill pricing Los Blancos at 11/100 (1.11) to record a win. Deportivo, meanwhile, can be backed at 20/1 (21.00), while the draw is offered at 15/2 (8.50).

Despite the odds being heavily stacked against them, the Galicians are not a bad side, and have reinforced their squad intelligently on their return to the top flight of Spanish football.

Given the city of La Coruna's relative proximity to Portugal, it is perhaps hardly surprising that they have reinforced with players from their neighbouring country, namely strikers Nelson Oliveira and Pizzi both joining in the summer and scoring twice already.

While Madrid should win the match, there is no reason why Depor cannot score at the Bernabeu, something they have done in four of their last five trips to the venue. The hosts have already conceded goals to Valencia, Getafe, and Sevilla in the league, with each one of the sides scoring at least once from a set-piece.

Madrid's apparent inability to defend free kicks and corners could well be exploited by a Depor side who are noticeably tall; Riki, Nelson Oliveira and Abel Aguilar some of the more notable players who are over 6 feet in height.

The price of 13/10 (2.30) for both teams to score then looks to offer serious value, as Madrid should have no problem in finding the net, so it is well worth some serious consideration.

For a value bet, try backing a correct score of 3-1 to Madrid, available at 10/1 (11.00), with this bet paying out in two of the last five games between the sides at the Bernabeu.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Both teams to score at 13/10 (2.30) with William Hill

Real Madrid to win 3-1 at 10/1 (11.00) with William Hill

Sign up with William Hill for a free £25 bet and back Phil's selections for this match

Phil Kitromilides is a sports broadcaster working on radio and TV in London and Madrid. You can also follow Phil on Twitter.

Live!

Champions League final - LIVE!

German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will battle it out at Wembley for European glory. Get involved by sending us your thoughts via Twitter or Facebook! Hosted by Mark Doyle.

6:18 PM BST

Former Dortmund goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was present at the Champions League festival earlier and he is tipping his former side for the title: "I think Bayern are a little stronger but if I was to have a bet, I would bet on Dortmund because that would win me more money!"

However, our tipster Hugh Wilson reckons that the value is a punt on both sides scoring in the first half ...

6:11 PM BST

Right, allow me to redirect you back to Twitter because Goal's Carlo Garganese has just logged on for a live Q&A session, so start tweeting him your questions.

6:08 PM BST

Dortmund are keen: They've already arrived at Wembley. Former Dortmund defender Christoph Metzelder can understand his old side's desire to get to the ground as early as possible. "This is the most horrible time ahead of the match," he told Sky Germany. "The tension is huge on the way to the stadium until you can finally warm-up and get on the pitch."

However, former Bayern boss Ottmar Hitzfeld says it doesn't matter when Dortmund arrive, they're still not going to lift the Champions League tonight: "Bayern has to win the title; it's just their time. They won't let a third final in four years slip away from them."

6:02 PM BST

Now back to our man, Jay Jaffa, who is outside the ground:

"I've just had a chat with a man called Helmut. As you will see from the photo, Helmut arrived here by bicycle ... He said: 'It took me 10 days. I didn't see the sun once: it was raining, powerful winds, horrible, but I made it. I rode 554 miles to get here but ... I don't have a ticket.'

"Ouch! I feel for Helmut, he looks absolutely drained and I reckon he was relying on the gift of charity as his way in, but alas it is yet to find him."

5:53 PM BST

Just a reminder that our Champions League quiz is still going on over on Twitter, so there's still time to get involved. Another cracking question from quizmaster Chris Myson:

In this year's competition, five Barcelona players have completed more passes than anyone else - name them!

Inside Goal.Com

Champions League Final Preview: Dortmund - Bayern
Jurgen Klopp's side will be eager for vengeance after watching their Bundesliga title slip into the hands of the Bavarian giants this term
The Dossier: Stop Martinez, stop Bayern
With the Mario Gotze missing through injury, Marco Reus will be charged with the task of stopping Javi Martinez from dictating proceedings in the middle of the park
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history