La Liga Weekend Betting Preview, 15-17 August
The 2025/26 La Liga season kicks off this week, starting on Friday and running throughout the weekend, with a thrilling slate of fixtures full of drama, intensity, and betting opportunities. We’ll take a closer look at three key matches, providing insights and betting suggestions for each.
Before we proceed, let’s quickly review the latest odds for the title race. Despite forfeiting the title last season, Real Madrid have emerged as favourites to reclaim it this season at 15/20, with defending champions Barcelona close behind at 11/10. Atlético Madrid are also in contention, offered at about 8/1, while the rest of the field are long shots, generally priced at 50/1 or higher at this early stage.
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FRIDAY
VILLARREAL v REAL OVIEDO – Click here to bet
Villarreal begin their new La Liga campaign at home with a promising clash against newly promoted Real Oviedo. Last season, the Yellow Submarine sailed their way to a Champions League spot with a solid fifth-place finish, showing resilience and flair that kept their fans dreaming big. As they step onto the familiar turf of Estadio de la Cerámica, expectations will be high for Marcelino’s side to continue their momentum and send a strong message early in the season.
Their end-of-season form was electric, riding an unbeaten wave in their last six home matches, and an even more impressive six-game winning streak including both home and away league encounters. Villarreal proved masters of handling newly promoted sides last season, sweeping the board with wins in every encounter. Now, with Oviedo arriving fresh from the second division, the hosts will be confident of extending that flawless record.
Real Oviedo enter La Liga as underdogs, having battled through the playoffs to secure promotion after a strong campaign in the Segunda División. But the leap to Spain’s top tier is a daunting one. Manager Veljko Paunović will know his side faces a steep learning curve, especially away from home where the intensity and quality of opposition are on another level. Oviedo’s spirit will be tested against a Villarreal side eager to assert their dominance early on.
Head-to-Head
The two sides last met in a friendly earlier last month, which ended in a goalless draw. However, their last competitive meetings date back to the 2000/01 season, when Villarreal secured victories in both league fixtures—a 1-0 win at home and a 3-1 triumph away.
Betting
Villareal 4/10
Draw 4/1
Real Oviedo 15/2
Verdict
Villarreal were formidable at home last season, suffering only three defeats while netting an impressive 43 goals. They’re expected to take all three points in their opener, but at 4/10, I see better value in combining a home win with goals, given that 14 of their 19 home matches featured three or more goals last season.
Suggested Bet: Result and Totals – Villareal and Over 2.5 at 23/20
SATURDAY
RCD MALLORCA v BARCELONA – Click here to bet
RCD Mallorca’s opening day at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix promises to be a test of character as they welcome reigning La Liga champions Barcelona. The Pirates will be eager to avoid a repeat of last season’s heavy 5-1 defeat at home to the Catalan giants, and with a mid-table finish fresh in their minds, they’ll be looking to show progress in front of their fans.
Mallorca’s home form has been a patchwork of highs and lows — moments of promise tempered by inconsistency. They conceded 21 goals at home while scoring 20, losing six matches in the process. Facing Barcelona, a side renowned for their ruthless away performances, is no easy task. The Catalans, under Hansi Flick, have evolved into a well-oiled machine, combining attacking flair with steeliness on the road. Their impressive run of seven consecutive away wins to close last season sends a clear warning to the hosts.
Barcelona will arrive with confidence as the defending champions, having ended last season on 88 points, four clear of nearest rivals Real Madrid, and intent on making an early statement in what promises to be another fiercely contested title race. Last season, they lost just twice on the road and frequently produced high-scoring affairs, with three goals or more featuring in 15 of their 19 away matches. Their blend of youth and experience, combined with Flick’s strategic approach, means they are likely to control possession and dictate the tempo. For Mallorca, it will be about resilience and seizing the rare opportunities that come their way.
Head-to-Head
Barcelona have won their last three consecutive matches against Mallorca, including a dominant league double last season—with a comprehensive 5-1 victory at Mallorca followed by a 1-0 win in the reverse encounter.
Betting
RCD Mallorca 5/1
Draw 15/4
Barcelona 5/10
Verdict
Mallorca have heart and grit, but given their recent head-to-heads, I expect Barcelona to hit the ground running with a relatively comfortable victory. The defending champions should make it four consecutive wins over their opponents this weekend.
Suggested Bet: Result and Totals – Barcelona and Over 1.5 at 8/11
SUNDAY
ESPANYOL v ATLÉTICO MADRID – Click here to bet
Espanyol return to the top flight for their second consecutive La Liga season, hosting Atlético Madrid at the RCDE Stadium with a mission to build on last year’s narrow escape from relegation. Finishing 14th with 42 points, just two clear of the drop zone, Espanyol know all too well how tough survival can be. Their home form was a key factor in their stay, as they made the RCDE a competitive venue, conceding just 20 goals and grinding out eight wins from 19 matches. Expect them to bring that same defensive grit and determination to this season’s opener, especially against a team as tactically disciplined as Atlético.
Last season, Espanyol managed to frustrate Atlético in both encounters, earning draws on each occasion. These tight, low-scoring matches highlighted Espanyol’s ability to rise to the occasion against stronger opponents, and with home support behind them, they will be motivated to repeat the feat. However, breaking down a Diego Simeone side that prides itself on defensive solidity and game management will be a monumental task.
Atlético Madrid finished a respectable third last season, amassing 76 points, though they remained some way behind champions Barcelona. Their away form, in particular, was a stumbling block — registering just eight wins from 19 matches, reflecting the fifth-best away record in the league. While victories were hard to come by, their defensive structure remained a key strength, conceding just 15 goals on the road, the best away defensive record in La Liga. Their attack, however, lacked the cutting edge needed to turn draws into wins, which ultimately limited their title challenge. Nonetheless, Simeone’s men come into the new season battle-hardened and sharp, having gone unbeaten during preseason with four wins and two draws in preparation for the campaign ahead.
Head-to-Head
Interestingly, these two sides have drawn their last four encounters against one another, including last season’s 0-0 stalemate in Madrid and a 1-1 draw in this very fixture.
Betting
Espanyol 11/2
Draw 3/1
Atlético Madrid 4/7
Verdict
This fixture has been highly competitive, with four consecutive draws including last season’s 0-0 and 1-1. With Espanyol hosting their first home game and eager to avoid defeat, the match could be even tighter. Backing Atlético double chance and under 2.5 goals offers good value, reflecting the likely cautious nature of the game.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Total – Draw/ Atlético Madrid and Under 2.5 at 19/20
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
