The battle for supremacy in La Liga continues this weekend with another exciting slate of fixtures. We’ve singled out three key matchups featuring teams fighting for the title, European spots, and survival. Below is our in-depth analysis and betting insights to help you navigate the weekend’s action.
Before diving into the previews, let’s take a look at the latest title race odds. Monday’s results have shifted the landscape—Barcelona now lead the race at 12/10, with Real Madrid just behind at 5/4. Despite being only a point off the pace, Atlético Madrid have drifted to 9/2, while the chasing pack is priced at 250/1 or higher.
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SATURDAY
VALENCIA v ATLÉTICO MADRID – Click here to bet
Valencia’s disappointing campaign has left them in a relegation scrap, a stark contrast to last season’s 9th-place finish. Carlos Corberán’s men currently sit 18th in La Liga with 23 points from 24 matches. However, they have shown signs of improvement recently, collecting four points from a possible six, including a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Villarreal last weekend. At the Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia have been far stronger, winning three consecutive league matches and remaining unbeaten in their last four at home (W3, D1), accumulating 10 points from a possible 12. Despite their struggles, their home form could pose a challenge for Atlético Madrid, who still have a realistic shot at the title.
Atlético Madrid arrive in Valencia occupying 3rd place in the league with 50 points from 24 matches, just one point behind both Real Madrid and leaders Barcelona. Diego Simeone’s men are currently on a seven-game unbeaten streak in all competitions but come into this fixture off the back of consecutive league draws, including last week’s 1-1 result at home to Celta Vigo. Despite playing with ten men from the 7th minute, Atlético managed to secure a valuable point. On the road, Atlético have the fifth-best away record in La Liga, losing just once in their last five trips (W3, D1, L1). With Valencia battling at the bottom, this presents an opportunity for Atlético to avenge last season’s comprehensive 3-0 defeat in this fixture.
Head-to-Head
Last five league meetings: Valencia W1, Atlético Madrid W4
Earlier this season, Atlético Madrid claimed a dominant 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Betting
Valencia 16/5
Draw 12/5
Atlético Madrid 19/20
Verdict
Despite the gulf in league standings, this fixture is likely to be a tightly contested affair. With Valencia showing signs of improvement and Atlético’s well-drilled defensive setup, the under-goals market appears to be a solid play here.
Suggested Bet: Totals, Under 2.5 at 7/10
LAS PALMAS v BARCELONA – Click here to bet
Top of Form
Bottom of FormLas Palmas find themselves in a precarious position, sitting 17th with 23 points from 24 matches, just above the relegation zone. They face a daunting task against league leaders Barcelona at the Estadio de Gran Canaria on Saturday. Diego Martínez’s men are enduring a dreadful run, failing to win any of their last six league outings while picking up just one point (D1, L5). Their home form has also suffered, with their last league victory at this venue coming in late December. Since then, they have managed just one point from three home games. With only three home wins all season and 13 points from a possible 39, Las Palmas will need to produce something similar to what they achieved earlier on this season away to Barcelona if they are to challenge them yet again this weekend.
Barcelona reclaimed the top spot in La Liga on Monday with a narrow 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, edging past Real Madrid on goal difference. Hansi Flick’s side are in scintillating form, winning their last four matches across all competitions and extending their unbeaten run to twelve (W10, D2).Boasting the best away record in the league, Barcelona have collected 27 points from a possible 39 on their travels, suffering just two defeats in 13 league outings. However, despite their strong form, they will be mindful of their most recent encounter with Las Palmas, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat at home earlier this season. Having reclaimed the top spot, Barcelona know they must deliver another strong performance at the Estadio de Gran Canaria this Saturday to secure all three points and maintain their title challenge.
Head-to-Head
Last five league meetings: Las Palmas W1, Draw 1, Barcelona W3
Earlier this season, Las Palmas stunned Barcelona with a 2-1 away victory in the reverse fixture.
Betting
Las Palmas 9/1
Draw 6/1
Barcelona 1/4
Verdict
Considering Las Palmas’ current form, it’s difficult to fathom how they managed to take maximum points away to Barcelona earlier this season. This presents an ideal opportunity for the Catalans to respond emphatically, given their domestic dominance. While it may not be a vintage performance, I expect Barcelona to secure the three points needed to guarantee top spot.
Suggested Bet: Handicap – Barcelona -1.5 at 8/11
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SUNDAY
ATHLETIC BILBAO v REAL VALLADOLID – Click here to bet
Athletic Bilbao have enjoyed an excellent season, currently sitting 4th in La Liga with 45 points. They host Real Valladolid at San Mamés on Sunday in a fixture where they will look to build on their superb form. Bilbao extended their unbeaten league run to fifteen matches (W8, D7) with a 1-1 draw away to Espanyol last weekend. At home, they have been particularly dominant, winning four of their last five La Liga matches while drawing the other. Unsurprisingly, Ernesto Valverde’s men boast the third-best home record in the league, having lost just once while collecting an impressive 25 points from a possible 36. Their strong form makes them firm favourites against Valladolid, a team they have gone unbeaten against in their last four meetings.
Real Valladolid enter this fixture on the back of another crushing defeat, a 4-0 home loss to Sevilla, marking their fifth consecutive league defeat. Defensive issues remain a glaring problem, as they have conceded 15 goals in that period, averaging three per game. Valladolid’s return to La Liga is proving to be short-lived, as they languish at the bottom with just 15 points from 25 matches. With 14 games remaining and an eight-point gap to safety, combined with managerial instability, the situation looks dire for the White and Violets. As a result, Real Valladolid parted ways with Argentine coach Diego Cocca on Monday after a disastrous two-month spell. Former player and B-team coach Alvaro Rubio has stepped in as interim manager for the second time this season.
Head-to-Head
Last five league meetings: Athletic Bilbao W2, Draw 2, Real Valladolid 1
Earlier this season, the sides played out a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at Real Valladolid.
Betting
Athletic Bilbao 1/5
Draw 6/1
Real Valladolid 15/1
Verdict
Given Bilbao’s home dominance and Valladolid’s defensive struggles this season, this appears to be one of the more straightforward picks of the weekend. A comfortable home win seems likely, with plenty of goals expected.
Suggested Bet: Result And Totals, Athletic Bilbao And Over 2.5 at 15/20
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
