Real Madrid vs Melilla Predictions

Having won the first leg by four goals to nil, this second leg is something of an unneeded exercise for Santiago Solari’s men, though it will be good opportunity for some of the more fringe players to get some minutes on the pitch.

As you would expect, when the teams met in the first leg, there was a clear chasm in quality between the two sides, even with a much-changed side. On that occasion, Melilla simply couldn’t compete, as they conceded 21 shots, 14 shots on target, four goals and 3.3 expected goals. At the other end, the third-tier side mustered just 0.46 expected goals for.

If the hosts fancy this, then the only way that Melilla will avoid a heavy beating is if Solari’s men squander an abundance of chances, which is always a possibility in this sort of fixture. That said, if Real can replicate their first-leg performance, let alone better it, then it would be a massive surprise if they didn’t cruise to another comfortable win.

In their own division, Melilla have done well of late, as they come into this match off the back of five straight wins, though such form pales into insignificance when taking one of the best teams that Spain has to offer. Performing well against teams such as Recreativo Huelva and Sanluqueno is one thing but doing it against Real Madrid is another thing altogether, as Thursday’s visitors found out in the first leg.

Even if the hosts rest players, which is highly likely, they’re still capable of fielding a very strong side, as was the case when the teams met a month ago. Having made light work of both creating chances and scoring goals on that occasion, the bet that stands out ahead of the second leg at the Bernabeu is ‘Real Madrid to Score Over 3.5 Goals’. With the tie already won, it may well be that Madrid play without direction, knocking the ball from side to side without showing any real attacking intent, but having seen their performance away from home against this inferior opponent, it’s worth betting that the fringe players deliver another incisive, creative and destructive performance.