Colombian Star Musician Camilo Predicts a 1-1 Draw
Before Sunday’s ElClásico, global football’s top match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, 39 ESPN soccer commentators offer predictions for this marquee rivalry match. This week’s game will stream exclusively on ESPN+ beginning at 10:15 a.m. ET. Highlights:
21 of the 39 ESPN soccer experts – commentators, hosts, reporters, and analysts – polled picked Real Madrid to win the game, 10 voted for a draw, and four picked FC Barcelona victory
Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema is the overwhelming favorite to win the “Man of the Match” (MOTM) honors with 23 votes – nearly double the combined votes for the other five players picked for the award
Other MOTM votes: FC Barcelona’s Memphis Depay (4), teenage sensation Ansu Fati (3), goalkeeper Ter Stegen (2) and U.S. defender Sergiño Dest (1); and Real Madrid’s Casemiro (1) and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (1)
ESPN LaLiga analysts and Real Madrid legends Steve McManaman and Hugo Sanchez, who played in past ElClásico matches, are picking a Real Madrid away victory at the Camp Nou
Kasey Keller, one of two former FIFA World Cup goalkeepers on ESPN soccer roster, picks FC Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen to win the MOTM award in a 2-2 draw.
In addition, Colombian superstar musician, songwriter and producer Camilo is predicting the match will end in a 1-1 draw, and Barcelona’s Fati as the Man of the Match. Camilo is the voice for KESI LaLiga Versión Official – the league’s new campaign music – and #PlayLaLigaSantander slogan.
The Predictions:
ElClásico
Considered the greatest rivalry in club football, FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid features some of the best players in the sport: Karim Benzema, Luka Modrić, Casemiro, Tony Kros, Vinícius Jr. for Real Madrid; and Barcelona's roster includes U.S. defender Sergiño Dest, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba and Ansu Fati. Historically, ElClásico matches provide some of the best action and storylines in football with contests between some of the sport's brightest stars – FC Barcelona's Messi vs. Real Madrid's Ronaldo; Ronaldinho vs. Zidane; and more.
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have faced each other in 246 matches across all competitions: LaLiga, Copa del Rey, Copa de la Liga, Supercopa de España, Copa de la Coronación, and UEFA Champions League. The record – FC Barcelona (96 wins), Real Madrid (98) and 52 draws.
Sunday’s game will be the first ElClásico on ESPN+, a part of a multi-year agreement announced earlier this year.
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ESPN: Santa Brito santa.brito@espn.com / Mac Nwulu mac.nwulu@espn.com
ESPN+: Paul Melvin paul.melvin@disney.com / Kevin Ota kevin.r.ota@disney.com / Olivia Wilson Olivia.Wilson@disney.com