This weekend, we zone in on three exciting La Liga matchups, offering you some betting insights as well as selections to consider.
But before we get into that, let’s take a quick look at the latest odds for the title race: Barcelona are still clear favourites at 4/6, with Real Madrid sitting at 12/10. Atlético Madrid’s odds have slipped to 28/1, while the rest of the pack are way out at 250/1 or longer.
Click here for all the long-term La Liga outright markets
SATURDAY
ATLÉTICO MADRID v DEPORTIVO ALAVÉS – Click here to bet
Atlético Madrid, riding a four-game winning streak across all competitions, returns to La Liga action this weekend after the international break, eager to extend their impressive form. On Saturday, Diego Simeone’s side welcome Deportivo Alavés to the Metropolitano Stadium, looking to build on their recent 1-0 triumph over Mallorca. Currently sitting 3rd in the La Liga standings with 26 points, the Red and Whites trail leaders Barcelona by seven and are just one point behind second-placed Real Madrid. A victory this weekend would allow Atlético to apply pressure on both title rivals, who face challenging away fixtures. At home, Atlético remain unbeaten in the league this season, boasting four wins and two draws. A win would also mark their third consecutive home victory in the league, following dominant two-goal margin wins in their most recent La Liga outings at the Metropolitano.
Home form:
At home, Atlético Madrid average 2 goals per game, with over 2.5 goals scored in half of their league fixtures at the Metropolitano this season (3 out of 6 matches).
Deportivo Alavés travel to the Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday, desperate to halt their poor run of form as they face an in-form Atlético Madrid. Luis García’s side struggled with consistency prior to the international break, culminating in a heavy 3-0 defeat away to Villarreal. Alavés have lost six of their last seven league games, as well as five consecutive La Liga defeats on the road this season, with three of those matches ending in a win-to-nil scenario for their opponents. This dismal run has left them languishing near the bottom of the table in 15th place, with just 13 points from 13 matches. Desperate to stop the rot, Alavés face a daunting challenge in Madrid, especially given their woeful record at the Metropolitano. They have lost all six of their most recent visits, leaving empty-handed on each occasion.
Away form:
Away from home, Deportivo Alavés average 1 goal per game, with over 2.5 goals occurring in 71% of their away fixtures this season (5 out of 7 matches).
Head-to-Head
Last season, Deportivo Alavés secured a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture, while Atlético Madrid claimed a 2-1 win in this matchup.
Betting
Atlético Madrid 37/100
Draw 15/4
Deportivo Alavés 8/1
Verdict
Given their run of form and lack of goals at present, it’s hard to make a case for the visitors this weekend. Atlético have conceded just twice at home this season in La Liga and should register their third consecutive domestic win on home soil this Saturday, potentially with a clean sheet as well.
Suggested Bet: Atlético Madrid To Win to Nil, Yes, at 19/20
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CELTA VIGO v BARCELONA – Click here to bet
Celta Vigo host Barcelona at the Estadio de Balaídos this Saturday, aiming to bounce back after a 2-2 draw away to Real Betis just before the international break. That result ended a two-match winning streak in all competitions, leaving Celta in 11th place with 17 points from their first 13 league matches. The Sky Blues will face a formidable challenge against a Barcelona side currently dominating La Liga as runaway leaders. Celta have struggled in recent meetings with the Catalan giants, failing to take a point from either of last season’s encounters. However, with Barcelona juggling both domestic and European commitments within a four-day span, Celta will be hoping to seize the opportunity to claim a significant scalp this weekend, despite their poor record against top-six opposition this season, having lost all five games to date.
Home form:
At home, Celta Vigo average 1.57 goals per game, with over 2.5 goals featuring in 57% of those fixtures this season (4 out of 7 matches).
Barcelona visit the Estadio de Balaídos this Saturday as La Liga table-toppers, holding a six-point cushion over second-place Real Madrid with 33 points from their opening 13 matches. The Blaugrana will be looking to bounce back after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad just before the international break, which ended their four-match winning streak in the league, snapping a seven-game unbeaten run across all competitions. Despite this setback, Barcelona have accumulated 18 points from a possible 24 on the road this season, demonstrating their solid away form. With Lamine Yamal set to return this weekend—though potentially starting from the bench—there will be a sense of relief in the Barcelona camp. The young star’s absence against the White and Blues was certainly felt, and his presence will be a boost for a team eager to maintain their commanding position at the top of the table. Hansi Flick’s side remains in strong form and will be determined to pick up all three points against Celta Vigo.
Away form:
Away from home, Barcelona average 2.75 goals per game, with over 2.5 goals featuring in 88% of those fixtures this season (7 out of 8 matches).
Head-to-Head
Last season, Barcelona won both league encounters, securing a 3-2 victory in the reverse fixture followed by a 2-1 win in this one.
Betting
Celta Vigo 7/2
Draw 33/10
Barcelona 7/10
Verdict
Having struggled against top-half opposition this season, Celta Vigo may face a similar fate this weekend. Despite holding a 6-point lead at the top of the table, Barcelona can ill afford to drop points, knowing that Real Madrid have a game in hand that could potentially halve the deficit. Given their dominant form and strong goal-scoring record on the road, my preference for this clash is for the visitors to walk away with all three points, scoring at least two goals in the process—a result that would have yielded profit both home and away in this fixture last season, as well as six times out of eight away from home for Barcelona this season in the league.
Suggested Bet: Result and Totals, Barcelona and over 1.5 at 5/6
SUNDAY
LEGANES v REAL MADRID – Click here to bet
Leganés, known as “Los Pepineros” (The Cucumber Growers), will host Real Madrid this Sunday at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque. Currently sitting 14th in La Liga with 14 points from 13 matches, Leganés secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Sevilla in their most recent outing before the international break. While they have shown glimpses of promise, consistency has been an issue for Leganés this season. Their struggles are particularly evident on the road, where they remain winless after seven matches. Defensively, they have also been vulnerable, conceding 16 goals across their 13 league games. However, on home turf, Leganés have fared better, collecting 10 points from a possible 18 with three wins, one draw, and two defeats. This weekend, they will be eager to make a strong statement against reigning champions Real Madrid. Leganés will aim to catch Real Madrid off guard, capitalising on the visitors’ potential rustiness after the international break and the distraction of their upcoming Champions League clash against Liverpool just three days later. The hosts will undoubtedly see this as an opportunity to make an impression.
Home form:
At home, Leganes average 1 goal per game, with under 2.5 goals occurring in 67% of those fixtures this season (4 out of 6 matches).
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid make the short trip to city rivals Leganés this weekend, currently sitting 2nd in the La Liga standings with 27 points, six behind leaders Barcelona, although they have a game in hand. Despite the gap, Madrid have had a strong start to the season, particularly at home, where they’ve won six of their seven domestic league matches. Before the international break, Real Madrid secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Osasuna at home—a much-needed result following back-to-back defeats in all competitions. Their away form in La Liga has also been solid, remaining unbeaten with two wins and three draws. Balancing domestic duties with European commitments will be key, as they face a quick turnaround, travelling to Merseyside just three days later to take on Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. Despite the unknown factor going into this clash, with the two teams last facing off in top-flight football back in 2020, Real Madrid will be fully aware that dropping points so soon after the international break could potentially leave them further behind Barcelona at the top of the table.
Away form:
Away from home, Real Madrid average 1.4 goals per game, with under 2.5 goals featuring in 80% of those fixtures this season (4 out of 5 matches).
Head-to-Head
These two sides haven’t met since the 2019/2020 season, when Real Madrid secured a comprehensive 5-0 victory in the reverse fixture, followed by a 2-2 draw in the final match of the season at this venue
Betting
Leganés 6/1
Draw 7/2
Real Madrid 40/85
Verdict
Despite this being a rivalry fixture, I’m not convinced we’ll see many goals this weekend. With unders dominating the home side’s figures and Real Madrid’s away stats, my main play is backing the visitors to maintain their unbeaten league run. Considering the gulf in class, I expect a low-scoring encounter featuring two goals or fewer.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and total, Draw/Real Madrid and under 2.5 at 5/4
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
