We take a look at 3 of 3 of the La Liga matches taking place this weekend and suggest a bet on each of them.
OUTRIGHT BETTING UPDATE
Now that Real Madrid look destined for La Liga glory, it comes as no surprise that they are as short as 1/25, whilst 2nd favourite Girona can be snapped up at 14/1, leaving the field at a staggering 25/1 or more! There are other long-term markets to bet on though.
Click here for all the long-term La Liga outright markets
SATURDAY
ATLÉTICO MADRID v LAS PALMAS – Click here to bet
Atlético Madrid currently find themselves 4th on the log after succumbing to a 1-0 loss to Sevilla last Sunday. That result means that in their last two appearances, they have only managed to obtain a single point. Cracks do seem to be showing given that Diego Simeone has voiced his frustrations in terms of balancing La Liga as well as Champions League commitments.
It’s an important fixture for many reasons given Athletic Bilbao, currently 5th will have an opportunity to pounce should Atlético fail to convert a win here. They do however boast the best La Liga home record with eleven wins from twelve, which should steady the nerves a bit.
ATLÉTICO MADRID RECENT LEAGUE FORM: L.D.W.W.W (W-Won, L-Lost, D-Drawn)
Las Palmas enter this clash on the back of an impressive 2-0 win against Valencia, it was a vital result given the context of log positioning. It meant that they now sit above Valencia in 8th spot with 35 points, with only goal difference separating the pair.
Having exceeded all expectations upon their La Liga return, they go into this clash full of confidence given their current run of form including a rare 2-1 victory against Atlético already this season.
LAS PALMAS RECENT LEAGUE FORM: W.D.L.W.W (W-Won, L-Lost, D-Drawn)
HEAD TO HEAD AWAY TO ATLÉTICO MADRID
Atlético Madrid 3-0 (29.01.18)
Las Palmas are in a position to take advantage of Atlético’s unfortunate balancing act given that Simeone and his troops will have to endure La Liga on Saturday as well as Champions League commitments this Tuesday. It will be interesting to see if team selections are tinkered with knowing that they can ill-afford dropping further points moving forward.
Atlético are currently priced at 9/20 for the win which they should be able to achieve given their strong home record. A chance is taken by opting for Atlético to lead at half-time in the hopes that they get the job done early in order for them to focus on Inter in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Suggested Bet: 1st half winner: Atlético Madrid at 19/20
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CELTA VIGO v BARCELONA– Click here to bet
Celta Vigo enter this weekend on the back of a disappointing 3-2 loss to Getafe. That result means they find themselves struggling just above the relegation zone in 17th position with 20 points overall. Having only won two out of a possible twelve at home, Benitez will have his work cut if they are to achieve anything positive from this fixture.
This weekend, they meet a desperate Barcelona side that will want to make amends after last weekend’s lack-luster performance. The home side will have to improve remarkably though, given they sit with a miserly ten points from a possible thirty-six at home.
CELTA VIGO RECENT LEAGUE FORM: L.W.L.L.D (W-Won, L-Lost, D-Drawn)
An immense game awaits Xavi and his boys this Saturday given the context of how their season has transpired thus far. Last weekend’s 3-3 result at home to Granada was a massive blow for the Catalans given they now find themselves 10 points adrift log leaders, Real Madrid. Currently 3rd, Barcelona will have to be at their very best in the hopes that others around them fail, should they successfully manage to defend their La Liga title. Unfortunately for them, it does look as though their La Liga destiny is out of their hands.
BARCELONA RECENT LEAGUE FORM: D.W.W.L.W (W-Won, L-Lost, D-Drawn)
HEAD TO HEAD AWAY TO CELTA VIGO
Celta Vigo 2-1 Barcelona (04.06.23)
Celta Vigo 3-3 Barcelona (06.11.21)
Both teams will be desperate for maximum points for very opposite reasons, 3 points could bring about breathing space at the foot-end of the table for the hosts, whilst Barcelona will want to claw themselves back into title contention.
Barcelona go into this encounter as 9/10 favourites. For many, they will see it as value given the gulf in positioning on the table. My concern is the fact that on the road, Barcelona tend to ship a lot of goals. Add to the fact that Celta Vigo will be desperate themselves for points therefore, I’m not convinced the visitors will have it all their way. For that reason, I’m opting for both teams to find the net and goals to flow.
Suggested Bet: Totals and both teams to score, Over 2.5 and Yes at 19/20
SUNDAY
RAYO VALLECANO v REAL MADRID– Click here to bet
Rayo Vallecano’s recent dip meant that the ultimate sacrifice was made this week. Francisco Rodriguez received his marching orders as head coach, leaving much to ponder in terms of what the future holds for Vallecano. Having recently lost 2-1 to Mallorca, that result meant that out of a possible fifteen points in their last five games, they have only one point to show for it (four losses and one draw). Currently 14th they can count themselves lucky to have some daylight between those fighting for survival. There is however genuine concern for newly appointed coach, Inigo Perez that based upon recent results, the Club have recently been heading in the wrong direction.
VALLECANO RECENT LEAGUE FORM: L.L.L.D.L (W-Won, L-Lost, D-Drawn)
Real Madrid on the other hand, continue to impress and have been in superb form. Returning from Champions League duties with a hard fought 1-0 away win to Leipzig. This means that they have extended their unbeaten run to six games with five victories and one draw in all competitions. Away from home is where they have been particularly impressive and comes as no surprise that they find themselves 1st on the log.
REAL MADRID RECENT LEAGUE FORM: W.D.W.W.W (W-Won, L-Lost, D-Drawn)
HEAD TO HEAD AWAY TO VALLECANO
Rayo Vallecano 3-1 Real Madrid (07.11.22)
Rayo Vallecano 0-1 Real Madrid (26.02.22)
It is worth noting that when these two squared up at the Bernabéu in November, Vallecano pulled off a bit of an upset by keeping Madrid at bay, resulting in a 0-0 stalemate. That seems a long time ago given how drastically things have changed since then.
Real Madrid are clear favourites at 13/20 and whilst one has to be careful when newly appointed managers take over, I simply cannot see them changing their fortunes overnight. Add to the fact Madrid have been in blistering form on the road (twenty-nine points from a possible thirty-six). Suddenly that 13/20 looks too good to pass up.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result: Real Madrid at 13/20
