Real Madrid will host Almeria in what many Real fans will fear is a letdown spot for Los Blancos. Real have played against rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in their last 3 matches. The club must come back to reality to play bottom-dweller Almeria in regular LaLiga action. Continue reading to access an expert Real Madrid vs Almeria prediction and explore stats and tips for Real Madrid odds.
- Real Madrid CF vs UD Almeria, LaLiga
- January 21, 2024
- 10:15 AM EST
- Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain
- ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
Real Madrid vs Almeria Prediction: Who do Sportsbooks Favor?
Real Madrid are massively favored to win at Santiago Bernabeu against LaLiga’s worst in Almeria. Almeria, who have not won a single game this season, are priced at (+1600) to finally earn their first victory. That number indicates an implied probability of a 5.9% chance to win for the underdogs. A draw is also at a huge number, currently lined at (+825) at BetOnline.
To better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market, see our soccer online betting tips and learn about La Liga betting odds.
Almeria Club Background and 2024 Season
UD Almeria, hailing from the autonomous community of Andalusia in Spain, is a relatively recent addition to the Spanish football landscape, having been established on July 26, 1989. Recognized for their distinctive white shirts adorned with red stripes, Almeria maintains fierce rivalries with fellow Andalusian clubs Sevilla, Malaga, and Granada. Following relegation to Segunda Division in the 2014/15 season, Almeria had been actively participating in the Spanish second tier. The club currently plays in the Spanish Primera División after winning the Segunda División title in 2022.
Unfortunately, their position at the top-flight of Spanish football may soon be coming to an end. Almeria have failed to win a single game in the Spanish Primera Division this season. The club has amassed a mere 6 points, putting them clearly in dead last at 20th. As the season turns the corner into the second half, a comeback to safety will be somewhat of a miracle.
Real Madrid Recent News
Real Madrid shares the top spot in the La Liga table with Girona, amassing 45 points and experiencing just one loss this season, which transpired against their Madrid rivals at the Metropolitano – their most recent domestic or international stumble.
In recent developments, manager Carlo Ancelotti has committed to extending his contract until 2026, a decision made during the holiday season. Real Madrid's long standing president, Florentino Perez, finalized the agreement after negotiations with Ancelotti. Notably, the contract includes specific conditions set by Ancelotti, necessitating the acquisition of a center-back in January due to long-term injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba.
Adding to the intrigue, persistent rumors link Parisian superstar Kylian Mbappe with a potential move to Real Madrid after the current season concludes. While Spanish reports are known for their unreliability, they continue to fuel speculation about the World Cup winner's connection to Real. The financial capacity of Real, seemingly rivaled only by Mbappe's current team PSG, makes a transition to Spain a plausible scenario in the coming years.
Real Madrid vs Almeria Prediction and Free Betting Pick
Real Madrid are coming off a disappointing knockout at the hands of their city rivals Atletico Madrid in Copa del Rey. They will be looking to jump back into the fold, and in good spirits, with a big victory. A fixture against lowly Almeria at Santiago Bernabeu is the perfect opportunity to do so.
Ancelotti’s men have been dynamic in attack, scoring 14 total goals across their last four matches. A curious omission from the offensive onslaught, however, has been the name of one Jude Bellingham. The British international has not booted one into the main target since a 4-1 win over Villarreal back on December 17. This comes in spite of the midfielder racking up 9 shots in his last 3 matches alone.
In Real’s last match against Almeria, Bellingham scored a brace, netting 2 goals off 6 shots and adding an assist on top of it. The 20-year-old was involved in all of Real Madrid’s goals in a 3-1 win on the road.
For those reasons, I like a punt on Bellingham to score anytime. Typically I advocate very small unit sizes on anytime goalscorer bets, but considering the edge I believe we have here along with the likelihood of success, I am comfortable with a half unit play. Bellingham will get plenty of chances to ripple the net against Almeria and at an available line of (-105) at BetUS, I think there is plenty of value as well. This line should close around (-140).
My only concerns regard playing time: If Real run up a big lead, it is possible Ancelotti chooses not to risk potential injury to one of his “Galacticos” and save one of his best players for another day by substituting him off the pitch late. However, I am still confident there is value in this number despite that possibility.
Odds are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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