This weekend, La Liga serves up some thrilling encounters, with three standout matchups that could shape the race for the top spots. Below, we’ve broken down these fixtures and provided some betting recommendations to keep an eye on.
Before we jump into the action, let’s briefly review the current odds in the outright market. Despite the top of the table being tightly contested, Barcelona are the firm favourites at 6/10, with Real Madrid following closely at 7/4. Atlético Madrid, just one point behind the leaders, are priced at 6/1, while the rest of the teams trail significantly with odds of 250/1 or higher.
Click here for all the long-term La Liga outright markets
SATURDAY
VILLARREAL v REAL MADRID – Click here to bet
Estadio de la Cerámica sets the stage for a highly anticipated clash as Villarreal host Real Madrid this weekend. Currently 5th with 44 points from 26 matches, the Yellow Submarine remain in the hunt for a top-four finish. However, last week’s 1-0 defeat at Alavés was a setback, particularly given their strong form leading up to that match—six league games unbeaten (W4, D2). Despite holding just the tenth-best home record this season, Villarreal have been solid on their own turf in recent weeks, going unbeaten in their last four league outings (W2, D2). They will now look to rediscover the form that has kept them in European contention as they take on the defending champions.
Fresh off their Champions League triumph over Atlético Madrid on Wednesday, securing a place in the quarter-finals, Real Madrid now turn their focus back to La Liga. Tied at the top on 57 points but trailing on goal difference, Los Blancos returned to domestic winning ways last weekend with a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano. However, Estadio de la Cerámica has been an unforgiving venue for them—Madrid have failed to win in their last seven league visits, drawing six times. While they’ve collected 23 points from a possible 42 on the road this season, their recent away form is concerning, with just one point from their last three trips (D1, L2), conceding in each.
Head-to-Head
Earlier this season, Real Madrid secured a 2-0 win over Villarreal in the reverse fixture. However, Villarreal can take confidence heading into this match, as they remain unbeaten in their last seven league meetings at home. Last season, both teams played out an eight-goal thriller, which ultimately ended in a 4-4 draw.
Betting
Villareal 21/10
Draw 29/10
Real Madrid 12/10
Verdict
Real Madrid face a tough test at Estadio de la Cerámica, where they have failed to win in seven consecutive league visits. While Los Blancos enter this clash after a Champions League quarter-final qualification, their away form in La Liga has been shaky, with just one point from their last three trips. Villarreal, despite a setback last weekend, have been solid at home recently. Given Madrid’s struggles on the road and Villarreal’s resilience in this fixture, another stalemate seems likely.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Draw at 29/10
GIRONA v VALENCIA– Click here to bet
Girona’s season has been a stark contrast to last year’s success. After securing European qualification, expectations were high, but Michel Sánchez’s men have struggled, currently sitting 13th with 33 points from 27 matches. A difficult run of form saw them lose three consecutive league games before showing slight improvement in March. Last week’s 1-1 draw at Espanyol was only their second point from the last 15 available, while their home form has also been concerning—just one win in their last four league outings, having already suffered five defeats in 13 matches at Estadi Montilivi this season.
Valencia, meanwhile, are locked in a relegation battle, sitting 16th with 27 points, just one clear of the drop zone. However, Carlos Corberán’s side have shown signs of resilience, losing only once in their last six league games. Their recent 2-1 win over Valladolid marked their second victory in five, collecting eight points from a possible 15 (W2, D2, L1). On the road, though, Los Che remain winless this season, picking up just six points from a possible 42 (D6, L7). Despite their struggles, recent away performances have been encouraging, with back-to-back draws at Villarreal (1-1) and Osasuna (3-3). Given Girona’s inconsistency, Valencia may sense an opportunity to secure another valuable result.
Head-to-Head
Valencia claimed all three points earlier this season with a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture. However, last season, it was Girona who emerged victorious at home, winning 2-1 in this matchup.
Betting
Girona 21/20
Draw 5/2
Valencia 28/10
Verdict
Girona’s struggles this season have left them mid-table, while Valencia remain in a relegation scrap. The visitors are yet to win away this campaign, but recent draws at Villarreal and Osasuna suggest they are improving on the road. Girona’s inconsistent home form makes them particularly vulnerable, and Valencia could look to exploit this in an attempt to frustrate the hosts further. Expect a tight, low-scoring affair.
Suggested Bet: Totals – Under 2.5 at 15/20
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SUNDAY
ATLÉTICO MADRID v BARCELONA – Click here to bet
Atlético Madrid must quickly regroup after their heartbreaking Champions League exit on penalties to Real Madrid, as they prepare to host league leaders Barcelona at the Metropolitano. Despite their European disappointment, Diego Simeone’s men have had a strong domestic campaign and remain firmly in the title race, sitting third, just one point behind both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Though they suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Getafe last weekend, Atlético have been formidable at home, boasting a 14-match unbeaten streak in La Liga (W10, D4) and remaining unbeaten in their last 13 home games across all competitions. With emotions running high, they will need to stay composed for this crucial showdown on Sunday evening.
Barcelona, meanwhile, continue to gain momentum under Hansi Flick, having booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a commanding 4-1 aggregate win over Benfica this past week. Last weekend’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad further cemented their position at the top of La Liga with 57 points. Unbeaten in 16 matches across all competitions, Barcelona remain on course for a potential treble, with La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League all still within reach. This trip to Madrid marks one of their toughest tests yet, as they will face Atlético again in a month’s time in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. However, with five consecutive away wins and an impressive 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions on the road (W10, D3), the Catalans will feel confident heading into Sunday’s high-stakes encounter.
Head-to-Head
Earlier this season, Atlético Madrid drew first blood with a 2-1 victory in the reverse league encounter. However, last season, Barcelona triumphed with a comprehensive 3-0 win at the Metropolitano.
Betting
Atlético Madrid 2/1
Draw 27/10
Barcelona 5/4
Verdict
Atlético must regroup quickly after their Champions League exit, but their home form remains formidable with a 14-game unbeaten streak in La Liga. Barcelona, on the other hand, are in top form, unbeaten in 16 matches across all competitions and thriving under Hansi Flick. Given the hosts’ defensive solidity and the visitors’ attacking momentum, a tense contest is likely. A cagey first half could open up after the break.
Suggested Bet: Highest Scoring Half – 2nd Half at 21/20
Click here for all this weekend’s Spanish Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
