Cultural Leonesa vs Real Madrid Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

On paper this game should be a mismatch with Cultural Leonesa plying their trade in Spain’s regionalised third tier. However, Real Madrid have slipped up against lower league sides in the Copa del Rey several times since the turn of the century so they can’t afford to take their opponents lightly.

Cultural Leonesa are having a great season in league and cup so they are a team playing with real confidence right now. It may be the biggest game most of their players have ever been involved in so they will be hugely motivated to perform here. With Los Blancos looking a bit shaky at the back, the minnows have plenty of reason to believe they can at least get on the score-sheet in this game. They are yet to lose this season and are currently topping their league. The main reason for that is the goal threat they possess and they’ve netted at least twice in all of their last nine matches and average 2.7 goals per game in the league this term.

Clearly they don’t normally come up against sides of Real Madrid’s quality though. The 2nd leg of this tie comes just 3 days before El Clasico, so Real Madrid will be determined to get the job all but done on the night here and as a result it’s likely to be a strong side they send out, although some rotation is still likely. They are back on top of La Liga after a win over Athletic Bilbao at the weekend but defensively they’ve been poor this season. Both teams have scored in 85% of their matches, including all of their last 7 and even the weaker teams have been grabbing a goal or two against them.

Therefore, with Leonesa having a good season in front of goal, there is a good chance we’ll see goals at both ends here. However, Real Madrid have a bit of a point to prove having been kicked out of the Copa del Rey last season and will be determined to win this one with a bit of a margin given the timing of the 2nd leg. Their superior quality should tell over 90 minutes and backing Real Madrid to Win & Both Teams to Score at 11/8 looks to offer value.