Iker the Octopus predicts Real Madrid to reach final
Published:Backing Real Madrid to get the better of Barcelona over the two legs of their Champions League semi final would be wise based on the latest prediction of Iker the Octopus.
Iker has gained a degree of celebrity status in Spain after correctly predicting the results of the opening two games between the Spanish giants.
He said that the La Liga showdown would end as a draw and then went for Real Madrid to lift the Copa del Rey trophy.
Iker has not suggested the result of each leg of the semi final, but has simply opted for Real Madrid to qualify for the final at Champions League odds of 13/8.
It clearly was a tough decision for the Octopus as it took him 20 minutes to make his mind up.
However, there are plenty of statistics which back up why he may have made a good choice.
Real Madrid have twice won the Champions League in one of its guises after knocking out Barcelona in the semi finals, in 1960 and 2002.
Meanwhile, manager Jose Mourinho won the tournament last year with Inter Milan after beating Barcelona at the semi-final stage.
Furthermore, Real Madrid have a better record than Barcelona when considering European ties against Spanish opposition.
Barcelona have lost five of their eight European two-legged encounters against a fellow Spanish side, with three of these coming in last-four showdowns.
On the other hand, Real Madrid have won all three of their semi finals and four of their five Spanish clashes overall.
In relation to the outcome of the first leg at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid are 13/8 to seal victory at home, with Barcelona also 13/8 in the Champions League betting to take an advantage back to the Nou Camp.
A £30 stake on Real Madrid winning the Champions League would return £90. New customers can sign up here for a free £30 bet.
