This weekend, La Liga delivers some exciting clashes that could have a major impact on the race for the top positions. We’ve broken down these key fixtures and highlighted some betting tips to watch out for.
Before we dive into the action, let’s quickly review the current outright market odds. With the top of the table still highly competitive, Barcelona remain the firm favourites at 6/10, closely followed by Real Madrid at 7/4. Third-placed Atlético Madrid are priced at 17/2, while the chasing pack trails with odds of 300/1 or higher.
Click here for all the long-term La Liga outright markets
SATURDAY
ESPANYOL v ATLÉTICO MADRID – Click here to bet
Espanyol will be eager to return to winning ways when they welcome Atlético Madrid to the RCDE Stadium on Saturday. The Budgerigars endured a frustrating outing before the international break, falling to a 2-1 defeat away to Mallorca, which left them hovering in 15th place in the standings with 28 points (W7, D7, L13).
Despite their struggles this season, Espanyol have found stability on home soil, going unbeaten in their last eight La Liga matches at this venue (W3, D5). This impressive run has provided a much-needed boost in their battle to steer clear of the relegation zone, but they remain in need of more wins to strengthen their position.
However, they face a daunting challenge against an Atlético Madrid side that has historically enjoyed success at this ground. Diego Simeone’s men have avoided defeat in their last three visits, and given their pedigree, Espanyol will need a disciplined and resolute performance to disrupt their opponents and secure a vital result.
Atlético Madrid come into this clash determined to regroup after a frustrating 4-2 loss to Barcelona, where they squandered a 2-0 lead and ultimately fell short. That defeat left them in 3rd place in La Liga with 56 points from 28 matches (W16, D8, L4). Having now lost back-to-back league games, the international break may have offered a welcome opportunity for reflection and rejuvenation as they look to get back on track.
Despite their recent setbacks, Atlético have been solid away from home, averaging 1.69 points per game and suffering just three defeats in their 13 away matches this season. Their away form remains one of the more reliable aspects of their campaign, and they will head into this fixture with a sense of confidence. Given their strong recent record at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium, where they have avoided defeat in their last three visits, Atlético Madrid will be optimistic about securing a positive result and pushing forward in the battle for the top spots.
Head-to-Head
These two sides played out a goalless draw earlier this season, while last season’s encounter at this venue was a stark contrast, producing a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Betting
Espanyol 11/2
Draw 3/1
Atlético Madrid 4/7
Verdict
Espanyol’s home form suggests they can make this a competitive fixture, but Atlético Madrid’s need to respond in order to keep pace with Barcelona and Real Madrid after back-to-back losses makes them the likely winners.
Suggested Bet: Result and Totals – Atletico Madrid and Over 1.5 at 19/20
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REAL MADRID v LEGANES – Click here to bet
Real Madrid will entertain Leganés at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday evening, eager to extend their impressive home record as they continue their push for the title. Carlo Ancelotti’s side currently sit in 2nd place with 60 points from 28 matches (W18, D6, L4) and head into this fixture on the back of a hard-fought 2-1 away victory over Villarreal. With two consecutive league wins in their sails, Los Blancos will be determined to make it three in a row and maintain their momentum.
Their home form has been nothing short of exceptional, as they remain unbeaten in their last eight matches at the Bernabéu (W7, D1). Having suffered just one home defeat all season, they boast La Liga’s best record on their own turf, making the Bernabéu a fortress. With Leganés arriving in Madrid, Real Madrid will be confident of continuing their strong home performances and adding another three points to their tally as they close the gap on the leaders.
Leganés head into Saturday’s fixture in poor form, having suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Real Betis in their latest outing, further compounding their struggles. Sitting 18th in the table with 27 points (W6, D9, L13), they find themselves entrenched in a relegation battle, with every point crucial as they aim to climb out of the drop zone. Their difficulties have been particularly pronounced on the road, where they’ve endured three consecutive league defeats and average just 0.70 points per game on their travels.
To make matters even more challenging, history is firmly against them in this fixture. Leganés have failed to secure a single point in their last four league visits to the Bernabéu, a streak they will be desperate to break. With their away form and the pressure of their position in the standings, this match presents a tough test for the visitors, who will need to find a way to defy the odds and put up a resilient performance against a formidable Real Madrid side.
Head-to-Head
Earlier this season, Real Madrid cruised to a 3-0 victory over Leganes in the reverse fixture. Their last league meeting at the Bernabéu saw Los Blancos dominate once again, securing a resounding 5-0 win in 2019.
Betting
Real Madrid 1/6
Draw 7/1
Leganes 15/1
Verdict
Real Madrid are strong favourites at 1/5 and are expected to secure a comfortable victory, considering Leganes’ poor away form. The key challenge lies in finding the right balance to ensure the best possible value when backing the hosts.
Suggested Bet: Real Madrid to win to nil – Yes at 9/10
SUNDAY
GETAFE v VILLARREAL – Click here to bet
Getafe will look to build on their recent momentum when they host Villarreal at the Coliseum on Sunday. Before the international break, they secured back-to-back league victories, including a hard-fought 2-1 win away to Osasuna. That successful run has lifted them to 11th place with 36 points from 28 matches (W9, D9, L10), and they will be keen to continue climbing the table. At home, they have been relatively solid, suffering just two defeats in their last seven matches (W3, D2, L2).
However, despite their improvements, their record against Villarreal at this venue remains a significant concern. Getafe have collected just two points from their last five head-to-head encounters here (D2, L3), which will undoubtedly be on their minds as they prepare for the challenge ahead. With their current form and the desire to improve against Villarreal, Getafe will be looking to overcome this historical disadvantage and extend their positive run.
Villarreal, meanwhile, are pushing for a top-four finish but will be eager for a response after suffering back-to-back league defeats, including a 2-1 loss at home to Real Madrid. They currently sit 5th in the table with 44 points from 27 matches (W12, D8, L7) and remain firmly in contention for Champions League qualification. Despite a recent setback away to Alavés (1-0), they have been one of La Liga’s most formidable away teams this season, accumulating 24 points from a possible 42 (W7, D3, L3).
Their strong record at Getafe will further boost their confidence, as they have taken 11 points from a possible 15 in their last five visits (W3, D2). With their ability to bounce back from setbacks and a solid track record on the road, Villarreal will be looking to recover from their recent defeats and put pressure on the teams above them in the race for a Champions League spot.
Head-to-Head
Earlier this season, the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture, sharing the points. A similar pattern emerged last season, with this matchup ending in a goalless stalemate.
Betting
Getafe 22/10
Draw 22/10
Villareal 14/10
Verdict
Getafe’s form is certainly on the up, but Villarreal’s solid record at this venue, along with their pursuit of a top-four finish, should help them secure a positive result in what is likely to be a low-scoring affair.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Total – Draw/Villareal and Under 3.5 at 4/6
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
