This weekend, we like the look of three exciting La Liga matches, offering in-depth betting insights and analysis for each encounter.
But first, let’s review the current outright market prices: Following last week’s dominant performance, Barcelona are 8/11 to win the league, closely followed by Real Madrid at 11/10. Atlético Madrid enters the equation at 25/1, while the rest of the field are listed at 125/1 or higher.
Click here for all the long-term La Liga outright markets
SATURDAY
VALENCIA v REAL MADRID – Click here to bet
Valencia will host Real Madrid in the evening kick-off this Saturday, currently languishing at the bottom of the La Liga table with just 7 points. They approach this match following a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Getafe, marking their fifth consecutive league game without a win. With a record of one victory, four draws, and six losses, Los Che will be eager to leverage their home advantage in an effort to surprise Real Madrid and secure only their second league win of the season. However, consistency at home has been an issue, Valencia has recorded just one win, two draws, and two losses at the Mestalla, maintaining a neutral goal difference by scoring and conceding six goals apiece.
At home, Valencia average 1.2 goals per game, with under 2.5 goals occurring in 60% of their fixtures this season (3 out of 5 matches).
Real Madrid currently occupies 2nd place in the league with 24 points, entering this match after a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Barcelona at the Bernabéu, which halted their three-match winning streak across all competitions. With a record of seven wins, three draws, and one loss on the domestic front thus far, Madrid will be eager to rebound against Valencia and rectify what can only be regarded as one of their poorest home performances last weekend in years. Away from home, they remain unbeaten in the league, with two wins and three draws, yielding a positive goal difference of three.
On the road, Real Madrid average 1.4 goals per game, with under 2.5 goals dominating in 80% of their away fixtures this season (4 out of 5 matches).
Head-to-Head
Last season, both teams shared the points in an entertaining 2-2 draw in this fixture, while Real Madrid secured a comfortable 5-1 victory in the reverse encounter.
Betting
Valencia 6/1
Draw 7/2
Real Madrid 40/85
Verdict
Carlo Ancelotti will expect a response from his team going into this clash. Given how easily they were undone defensively against the Catalan giants last weekend, I believe they will be far more clinical, starting from the back.
Suggested Bet: Real Madrid to win to nil, yes at 5/4
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SUNDAY
ATLÉTICO MADRID v LAS PALMAS – Click here to bet
Atlético Madrid will host Las Palmas this coming Sunday in Madrid, currently positioned 4th on the table with 20 points. After suffering their first league defeat of the campaign last weekend, losing 1-0 away to Real Betis, Diego Simeone will expect an immediate response from his side if they are to keep up with the league heavyweights directly above them. With five wins, five draws, and one defeat to date, Los Colchoneros have made a very respectable start to their campaign. At home, Atlético boasts a strong record, having secured three wins and two draws, with an impressive goal difference of +8 at their fortress.
At home, Atlético Madrid average 2 goals per game, with over 2.5 goals occurring in 60% of their fixtures this season (3 out of 5 matches).
Las Palmas, currently sitting 18th on the table with 9 points, arrive at the Metropolitano having secured all three vital points last weekend with a 1-0 home victory against Girona, marking their second consecutive league win of the season. With two wins, three draws, and six defeats, Las Palmas will look to cause an upset this Sunday, hoping to achieve their third consecutive league win. However, their away record has been their downfall this season, with just one win and four defeats from their five encounters on the road, yielding a negative goal difference of five.
Away from home, Las Palmas average 1.2 goals per game, with over 2.5 goals featuring in 80% of those fixtures this season (4 out of 5 matches).
Head-to-Head
Last season, Las Palmas secured a 2-1 victory in the reverse encounter, while Atlético Madrid responded emphatically later in the season by winning 5-0 in this fixture at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Betting
Atlético Madrid 1/4
Draw 5/1
Las Palmas 11/1
Verdict
Atlético have been more progressive in attack this season, and despite their reputation for low-scoring games due to their strong defensive structure, there’s an opportunity for goals to flow in this match. A trend has landed in their last six consecutive head-to-head meetings in all competitions.
Suggested Bet: Totals, Over 2.5 at 8/11
BARCELONA v ESPANYOL – Click here to bet
Barcelona, currently sitting at the top of the table with 30 points, will host city rivals Espanyol this coming Sunday in La Liga. The Catalan giants are riding high after an impressive 4-0 victory away to Real Madrid in their most recent league encounter, which solidified their position as league leaders. Hansi Flick will be keen to see his side continue where they left off, building on what has already been an outstanding campaign this season. So far, Barcelona has won 10 out of 11 league appearances, with just the one loss spoiling their figures, showcasing their dominance this season. Their home record has been equally impressive, boasting a perfect record of four league wins at the Olímpic Lluís Companys Stadium, yielding a positive goal difference of thirteen.
At home, Barcelona average an impressive 3.75 goals per game, with over 2.5 goals arriving in 75% of those encounters (3 from 4 matches).
Espanyol, on the other hand, is currently positioned 17th on the table with 10 points, desperately seeking a turnaround after a tough start to the campaign. They enter Sunday’s clash following a 2-0 defeat at home against Sevilla, marking their fourth loss in five league outings and highlighting their struggles to secure vital points in recent weeks. With three wins, one draw, and seven defeats this season, Espanyol will need to find a way to be more resilient, particularly in this challenging away fixture given the contrasting form of both sides. The ‘Derbi Barceloní is always fiercely contested, and Espanyol will look to draw on the energy of the occasion to inspire an upset. However, they will have to overcome a Barcelona side that is brimming with confidence and scoring freely these days.
On their travels, Espanyol averages a meagre 0.4 goals per game, with under 2.5 goals dominating the statistics in 60% of those encounters (3 out of 5 matches).
Head-to-Head
Last season, both teams had to settle for a point apiece in this fixture after it finished 1-1, while the corresponding encounter resulted in a 4-2 victory for Barcelona away from home.
Betting
Barcelona 1/7
Draw 17/2
Espanyol 15/1
Verdict
Given Barcelona’s destructive run of form, they are clear favourites to secure the victory. While Espanyol will attempt to make it competitive, the depth and quality of Barcelona’s squad should see them claim all three points.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Barcelona -2.5 at 9/10
Click here for all this weekend’s Spanish Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
