With the top three teams still firmly in the race for the title, we’ve highlighted three key matchups featuring teams vying for the crown this season. Here’s our analysis, along with some betting insights to guide you through the weekend’s action.
Before we dive into the previews, let’s take a moment to review the latest title race odds. After last weekend’s results, Barcelona remain the favourites to lift the trophy at 11/10, with Real Madrid closely following at 13/10. Atlético Madrid, just one point behind, are priced at 4/1, while the rest of the chasing pack can be found at odds of 300/1 or higher.
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SATURDAY
REAL BETIS v REAL MADRID – Click here to bet
Real Betis host Real Madrid at the Estadio Benito Villamarín on Saturday, where they will aim to build on their recent positive home form. Manuel Pellegrini’s men currently sit 7th in La Liga with 35 points from 25 matches, a solid position as they push for European qualification. Their latest outing saw them claim a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Getafe, boosting confidence ahead of this crucial fixture. While Real Betis have struggled against Los Blancos at home in recent years, failing to secure maximum points in their last four attempts, they can take encouragement from the fact that their last two meetings in Seville ended in draws. Suggesting they have the capability to frustrate Real Madrid and make life difficult for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
At the Estadio Benito Villamarín, Betis have been resilient, accumulating 20 points from a possible 36 after registering five wins, five draws, and just two defeats. Pellegrini’s side remain particularly difficult to beat in front of their home crowd, having lost just once in their last eight league appearances at the venue. Their home form could prove to be a key factor in their quest to upset a Real Madrid side still very much in contention for the league title.
Real Madrid, currently 2nd in La Liga are separated only by goal difference at the top with 54 points, arrive in Seville in strong form. Los Blancos are unbeaten in their last seven outings across all competitions, a run that includes a crucial 1-0 win away to Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday evening. In league action, Madrid maintained their title charge with a convincing 2-0 victory over Girona at the Bernabéu last weekend. Ancelotti’s men have also dominated recent encounters against Betis, remaining unbeaten in their last nine clashes with the Andalusian outfit. However, with the Champions League returning next Tuesday for a high-stakes round of 16 first-leg clash against city rivals Atlético Madrid, squad rotation could come into play.
Away from home this season, Madrid boast the third-best record in La Liga, collecting 23 points from a possible 39, thanks to six wins, five draws, and two defeats. Their recent form on the road has been somewhat mixed, securing eight points from their last five away fixtures (W2, D2, L1), including a narrow 1-0 defeat to Espanyol. Nonetheless, their experience and quality make them formidable opposition as they seek another crucial three points in the title race.
Head-to-Head
Last five league meetings: Real Madrid W2, Draws 3
Earlier this season, Real Madrid claimed a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture at the Bernabeu.
Betting
Real Betis 33/10
Draw 16/5
Real Madrid 15/20
Verdict
Real Madrid will be hoping for a straightforward victory, but Pellegrini’s side will be confident on home soil. Betis have proven difficult to beat in Seville, and their recent draws against Madrid suggest they can trouble the visitors.
Prediction Double Chance And Both Teams To Score – Draw/Real Madrid And Yes at 10/11
ATLETICO MADRID v ATHLETIC BILBAO – Click here to bet
Atlético Madrid enter Saturday’s match off the back of a spirited 4-4 draw away to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, a result that keeps them well in contention for the return fixture. Diego Simeone’s men currently sit 3rd in La Liga with 53 points (W15, D8, L2), just one point behind both Barcelona and Real Madrid, ensuring they remain firmly in the title race with 13 games to go. The Red and Whites are unbeaten in their last nine outings across all competitions, including last weekend’s dominant 3-0 victory away to Valencia. This weekend, they return to the Metropolitano, where they have been formidable, holding an 11-game unbeaten streak across all competitions with nine wins and two draws.
Atlético also boast the second-best home record in La Liga, having collected 31 points from a possible 39 (W9, D4, L0). Their recent league form at home has been impressive, securing 11 points from their last five home fixtures (W3, D2). Historically, this fixture has produced unpredictable outcomes, but Atlético appear to have the upper hand at the moment, having won their last two league encounters against Athletic Bilbao. With a challenging schedule ahead, including a crucial Champions League fixture next week, Simeone’s side will be eager to maintain their momentum with another vital victory.
Athletic Bilbao’s impressive campaign continued last weekend with a commanding 7-1 victory over Valladolid, firmly keeping them in 4th place in La Liga with 48 points from 25 matches (W13, D9, L3). Ernesto Valverde’s men have been one of the standout teams this season and will look to maintain their momentum against a strong Atlético Madrid side. This weekend, they travel to the Metropolitano aiming to extend their 16-game unbeaten streak in La Liga. However, having lost their last two meetings against Atlético, that record could be at risk. Bilbao have been solid on the road this season, suffering only two defeats in the league while securing five wins and five draws. Their resilience away from home has earned them 20 points from a possible 36, making them the fifth-best away side in the division.
Despite their overall consistency, their recent away form has leaned towards stalemates, with four draws and just one victory in their last five league outings. This trip to Madrid will be a significant test, as Bilbao have only faced one top-three opponent away from home this season, suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Barcelona. Facing an in-form Atlético side at the Metropolitano will be a true measure of their credentials as they continue their push for a top-four finish.
Top of Form
Head-to-Head
Last five league meetings: Athletic Bilbao W1, Atlético Madrid W4
Earlier this season, Atlético Madrid secured a 1-0 victory in the reverse encounter in Bilbao.
Betting
Atletico Madrid 21/20
Draw 12/5
Athletico Bilbao 11/4
Verdict
Atlético Madrid’s impressive home form and unbeaten streak across all competitions should provide confidence for those looking to back them. Despite Bilbao’s solid standing in the table, their recent difficulties against Atlético, combined with inconsistent away performances, suggest they will struggle to secure a positive result here. Simeone’s side has been a dominant force at the Metropolitano, and with the title race intensifying, they will be driven to maintain the pressure on the top two.
Prediction Full Time Result – Atlético Madrid at 21/20
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SUNDAY
BARCELONA v REAL SOCIEDAD – Click here to bet
Barcelona host Real Sociedad this weekend at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys following their rather disappointing 4-4 draw at home to Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, leaving them with work to do in the return fixture at the Metropolitano. Despite that setback, Hansi Flick’s side remain in contention for the treble, currently sitting atop La Liga with 54 points (W17, D3, L5) while also advancing in the Champions League round of 16 and still competing in the Copa del Rey.
On the domestic front, Barcelona extended their winning streak in La Liga to five matches last weekend with a clinical 2-0 victory away to Las Palmas. Their focus, however, could be split this weekend as they prepare to host Benfica in a crucial Champions League round of 16 clash next week. Nevertheless, playing at home will be a boost, as Barcelona have been unbeaten in their last six appearances at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys across all competitions. Having previously endured a three-match losing streak in the league at home, they have since recovered strongly. With three home defeats this season, Barcelona currently hold the fifth-best home record in La Liga. They have yet to draw at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys this campaign, winning eight of their 11 matches, which has helped them collect 24 points from a possible 33.
Real Sociedad will be looking to bounce back from a tough midweek defeat as they travel to Barcelona this weekend. Following a disappointing 1-0 loss to Real Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, the task ahead of Imanol Alguacil’s side is now a daunting one. With the second leg set to take place at the Bernabéu, recovering from that deficit will be a significant challenge. However, their league form remains strong, and they will take confidence from a comprehensive 3-0 win over Leganés last weekend, which marked their fifth win in seven appearances across all competitions. Currently sitting in 9th place with 34 points from 25 matches (W10, D4, L11), Real Sociedad is still within reach of European qualification, though they are 9 points adrift with 13 games remaining. A solid finish to the season could see them challenge for a Europa League spot, but Sunday’s clash at the Camp Nou presents a difficult test.
Barcelona has been a tough venue for Sociedad in recent years, and their record away to the Catalan giants is less than stellar. Sociedad currently holds the 10th-best away record in La Liga, with just 14 points from 12 matches (W4, D2, L6). Their recent away form has been concerning, with four consecutive league losses on the road. This includes some tough defeats to top sides, underlining their struggles when playing away from Anoeta.
Head-to-Head
Last five league meetings: Barcelona W3, Real Sociedad W2
Earlier this season, Real Sociedad stunned Barcelona after claiming a 1-0 victory in the reverse encounter at the Reale Arena.
Betting
Barcelona 2/7
Draw 5/1
Real Sociedad 10/1
Verdict
Barcelona’s domestic form has been excellent, and their strong home record this season should ensure they get the job done here. Sociedad has struggled away from home, especially against top sides, and their recent loss to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey will make this task even harder.
Prediction Handicap – Barcelona -1.5 at 8/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
