Real Madrid’s game with Schalke this evening is basically a dead rubber what with Los Blancos holding a 6-1 lead before a ball has even been kicked.
There would be very little point in putting money on which of the two teams will progress to the next round. Even a 5-0 win for the visitors tonight would see them bow out of the competition, so for the Bundesliga outfit, the game is more about restoring pride.
The visitors, who include one-time Real Madrid target Julian Draxler in their ranks, can be backed at 14/1 to win at the Santiago Bernabeu. In his press conference yesterday, Real manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted he will rotate his side with the Clasico in mind. Even though the team will have many changes, they are still overwhelming favourites to win at 2/9, while draw is valued at 6/1.
Those looking to put some money on the game may be more interested in the goalscorer market. Jese Rodriguez is having an outstanding season to date since being promoted to the first team. He has eight goals in 30 appearances so far and is priced at 5/6 to get himself on the scoresheet tonight. His target for the season will be to emulate what Raul did in his debut campaign – score 10 goals in total.
Alvaro Morata has found game time hard to come by, largely due to the form of Jese. But he will start tonight alongside his Spain Under-21 partner, and is priced at 21/20 to find the back of the net.
