With pride likely to be the only motivational factor going into the final week of this season’s La Liga campaign, let’s delve into three matches and suggest a bet for each:
SATURDAY 25 MAY
OSASUNA v VILLARREAL– Click here to bet
Osasuna will host Villarreal in the early kick-off this Saturday afternoon, aiming to continue their momentum from last weekend. Following their impressive performance at the Metropolitano Stadium against Atlético de Madrid, where they emerged as 4-1 winners, Osasuna left spectators astounded. Few had anticipated such a dominant display, resulting in Atlético’s heaviest defeat and only their second loss at home in the league this season. Unbeaten in their last three outings and currently 11th in the standings, Osasuna could potentially overtake Alavés and secure a top 10 position if they manage to achieve a positive result against Villarreal.
Osasuna have averaged 1 goal per game at home this season, with over 2.5 goals occurring in 67% of their last 6 games overall (4 out of 6).
Villarreal heads to Pamplona this weekend for their final match of the season, albeit with little at stake. Having secured 8th spot in the league, the Yellow Submarines find themselves accepting the reality of not participating in European competitions next season. This represents a significant decline from their previous season’s form, during which they experienced a drop of three places in the standings. Despite the disappointment of missing out on European football, Villarreal has shown signs of improvement in the latter stages of the campaign. Their most recent outing, an entertaining 4-4 draw against league champions Real Madrid, exemplifies their resilience. With 4 wins in their last 6 league encounters and remaining unbeaten in 6 of their last 7 outings, they are determined to end the season on a positive note.
Villarreal have averaged 1.56 goals per game away from home this season, with over 2.5 goals occurring in 83% of their last 6 games overall (5 out of 6).
Head-to-Head
Villarreal won 3-1 earlier this season, following a comfortable 3-0 victory in this fixture last season.
This particular match has been quite entertaining to witness in recent times, and goals seem likely to feature here. With effectively nothing to play for and marking the end of their respective campaigns, I fancy both teams scoring with overs delivering on the day.
Suggested Bet: Totals And Both Teams To Score, Over 2.5 And Yes at 8/10
REAL SOCIEDAD v ATLÉTICO DE MADRID – Click here to bet
Real Sociedad will host Atlético de Madrid in their final fixture of this season’s La Liga campaign at the Reale Arena. Securing sixth place ensures their qualification for the Europa
League. Saturday’s results will hold little significance as they currently trail Athletic Bilbao in 5th place by five points and lead Real Betis by four points on the league table. Despite their recent successes with consecutive victories over Valencia and Real Betis, Real Sociedad faces a daunting task against their upcoming opponents, against whom they historically struggle. Nonetheless, they will hope to extend their winning streak to three consecutive league matches.
Real Sociedad have averaged 1.44 goals per game at home this season, with under 2.5 goals occurring in 100% of their last 6 games overall (6 out of 6).
This weekend, Atlético de Madrid head to San Sebastián after successfully meeting their season’s objective. Securing fourth place, the White and Reds will join Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Girona in next season’s UEFA Champions League campaign. With their position firmly established, the visitors have little at stake apart from pride. They trail 3rd placed Girona by 5 points and lead Athletic Bilbao by 8, leaving their standings unchanged heading into the final weekend. Last weekend’s 4-1 loss to Osasuna was their heaviest defeat at home this season and also meant their four-game winning streak came to an abrupt end. They will have an opportunity this Saturday to bounce back in the hope of ending their campaign on a more positive note.
Atlético de Madrid have averaged 1.44 goals per game away from home this season, with under 2.5 goals occurring in 50% of their last 6 games overall (3 out of 6).
Head-to-Head
Atlético de Madrid emerged victorious with a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture earlier this season, while both teams settled for a point in a 1-1 draw in this fixture last season.
With both sides already securing their places in Europe for next season and the fixture having no impact on their final standings, this encounter may lack its usual intensity. Pride will likely be the primary motivator. Therefore, it seems plausible to anticipate a scenario where both teams avoid defeat and balance each other out on the day.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Draw at 95/40
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SUNDAY 26 MAY
SEVILLA v BARCELONA– Click here to bet
Sevilla will host Barcelona in Sunday’s late-night kick-off, marking the conclusion of their La Liga campaign for this season. The White and Reds have experienced a turbulent journey this season, destined to finish mid-table regardless of Sunday’s outcome. Currently occupying 13th position, Sevilla could potentially match last season’s 12th place if they secure a victory against Barcelona and receive favourable results from other matches on the day. However, their recent form raises concerns, as last weekend’s 2-0 defeat away to Athletic Bilbao marked their third consecutive loss. Their poor run suggests Sevilla enter week 38 lacking confidence as the season reaches its climax.
Sevilla have averaged 1.44 goals per game at home this season, with over 2.5 goals occurring in 50% of their last 6 games overall (3 out of 6).
Barcelona head into Sunday’s match aware that they have secured 2nd place, regardless of the weekend’s results. The Blaugrana will join Real Madrid, Girona, and Atlético de Madrid in next season’s UEFA Champions League campaign. However, despite their second-place finish, it has been a somewhat disappointing season for Barcelona, especially after surrendering the title to Real Madrid in a manner that lacked their usual vigour. They are likely to finish behind their rivals by a considerable margin, marking a subdued season for the Catalan giants. Currently on a three-game winning streak, Barcelona will aim to end the season on a high note and maintain their momentum by securing a fourth consecutive victory, in a bid to salvage some pride.
Barcelona have averaged 1.89 goals per game away from home this season, with over 2.5 goals occurring in 67% of their last 6 games overall (4 out of 6).
Head-to-Head
In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Barcelona secured a narrow 1-0 victory. Additionally, Barcelona won comfortably with a 3-0 triumph in this fixture last season.
With the hosts appearing in a sorry state at the moment, Barcelona holds better value at current odds, especially considering their dominant record over Sevilla. The Blaugrana could potentially achieve a rare consecutive double over the White and Reds this season with a victory this Sunday, and that’s my play for this game.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Barcelona at 17/20
Click here for all this weekend’s Spanish Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
