La Liga returns this weekend with a thrilling lineup of fixtures, and we’ve highlighted three standout matchups to keep an eye on. Here’s our analysis, along with betting insights that could offer value.
Before we do, let’s assess the latest title race odds. Real Madrid lead the way as favourites at 5/6, with Barcelona close behind at 2/1. Atlético Madrid remain in the mix at 33/10, while the rest of the pack are considered long shots at 200/1 or more.
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SATURDAY
ATLÉTICO MADRID v CELTA VIGO – Click here to bet
Atlético Madrid will be eager to get back to winning ways when they host Celta Vigo at the Estadio Metropolitano on Saturday evening. Diego Simeone’s side have been solid this season, sitting in 2nd place with 49 points, just one behind league leaders Real Madrid. Last weekend’s impressive 1-1 draw away to Real Madrid at the Bernabéu extended Atlético’s unbeaten run to six matches across all competitions (W4, D2). They remain a dominant force at home, holding the best home record in La Liga with 9 wins and 3 draws, and are yet to taste defeat, having conceded just seven goals in total at the Metropolitano this season.
Celta Vigo, meanwhile, returned to winning ways last weekend with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Real Betis, lifting them to mid-table in 12th with 28 points from 23 matches. Despite their attacking improvements, their away form remains a major concern, as they are winless in their last seven league outings on the road (D2, L5). Facing an Atletico side that has been exceptional at home, Celta will need to be disciplined defensively and capitalize on any counter-attacking opportunities that come along their way.
Head-to-Head
Atlético Madrid have dominated recent encounters, winning their last seven matches against Celta Vigo, including a 1-0 away win earlier this season.
Betting
Atlético Madrid 9/20
Draw 15/4
Celta Vigo 13/2
Verdict
Atletico Madrid have secured four consecutive win-to-nil victories against Celta Vigo, and given their strong form at the Metropolitano, we can expect a similar outcome this weekend. While Celta Vigo have bounced back to winning ways, their poor away record makes it unlikely they’ll take anything from this fixture.
Suggested Bet: Atlético Madrid to Win to Nil – Yes at 12/10
VILLAREAL v VALENCIA – Click here to bet
Villarreal will be looking to maintain their strong form when they host regional rivals Valencia at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Saturday night. The Yellow Submarine are currently 5th in the standings with 40 points after 23 matches. They have secured three wins in their last four league outings, including last weekend’s 2-1 victory away to Las Palmas. Their home form has been particularly impressive, with just one defeat in their last eight league appearances at the Estadio de la Cerámica (W4, D3, L1), earning 15 points from a possible 24.
Valencia, despite winning 2-0 at home to Leganés last weekend, remain in a relegation battle, currently occupying 18th place with 22 points from 23 matches. Yet to win on the road this season, Carlos Corberán’s men will be desperate to end that trend. However, with just four points from a possible 33 on their travels this season, their away struggles remain a major concern. Given their inability to score consistently away from home (6 in total), they will likely focus on a more defensive approach in a bold attempt to frustrate the hosts.
Head-to-Head
Villarreal have dominated recent meetings between these two, remaining unbeaten in five of their last six encounters (W3, D2, L1). Earlier this season, both teams earned a point apiece in the reverse fixture after a 1-1 draw, while last season, it was Villarreal who triumphed 1-0 in this fixture.
Betting
Villarreal 8/15
Draw 7/2
Valencia 5/1
Verdict
Villarreal’s strong home form, combined with Valencia’s poor away record, suggests the hosts should be hard to beat. However, with Valencia desperate for points, this could still be a tightly contested match. While I expect Villarreal to extend their unbeaten home run, I’m not convinced we’ll see a high-scoring affair.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance And Total – Villareal/Draw And Under 3.5 at 15/20
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SUNDAY
ESPANYOL v ATHLETIC BILBAO – Click here to bet
Espanyol welcome Athletic Bilbao to the RCDE Stadium on Sunday in what promises to be a tightly contested La Liga clash. The hosts saw their four-match unbeaten run come to an end last weekend with a 2-1 defeat away to Real Sociedad. As a result, they now sit 16th in the standings, just one point above the relegation zone with 23 points from 23 matches. However, Espanyol have been strong at home, remaining unbeaten in their last six games at the RCDE Stadium (W3, D3), and will be eager to extend that streak. With their position in the table growing more precarious, a solid defensive performance will be crucial if they are to challenge a confident Bilbao side.
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao are in impressive form, sitting 4th in the league with 44 points from 23 matches. They secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Girona last weekend, extending their unbeaten run to four matches (W2, D2). The Lions have also been excellent on the road, remaining unbeaten in their last seven league away games, earning 13 points from a possible 21 (W3, D4). Their ability to control possession and capitalize on set-pieces has been key to their success this season, and it’s a tactic we’re likely to see once again this weekend.
Head-to-Head
Athletic Bilbao have won three of their last four meetings with Espanyol, including a dominant 4-1 win in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Betting
Espanyol 4/1
Draw 26/10
Athletic Bilbao 8/10
Verdict
Espanyol’s unbeaten home run looks set to be challenged in this fixture, as Athletic Bilbao have had the upper hand in recent meetings. With the visitors aiming for a European spot next season, this is the type of match they need to win.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Athletic Bilbao to Win at 8/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
