This weekend, La Liga features some compelling clashes, with important battles taking place across the table. We’ve highlighted three fixtures that present interesting betting angles and potential value.
Before getting into the action, here’s a quick look at the latest outright odds. After last weekend’s results, the title race appears to be between two teams. Barcelona remain firm favourites at 2/7, while Real Madrid are priced at 5/2. The rest of the field is available at 33/1 or greater.
Click here for all the long-term La Liga outright markets
SATURDAY
REAL MADRID v VALENCIA – Click here to bet
Real Madrid made wholesale changes last weekend to manage their squad ahead of Tuesday’s Copa del Rey clash with Real Sociedad. That decision nearly backfired, as they had to dig deep in order to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Leganés at the Bernabéu. The result kept them in second place with 63 points, just three behind leaders Barcelona.
This weekend, Los Blancos will once again be at home as they host Valencia in what could be a tricky encounter. With a Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal just three days later, Carlo Ancelotti may be forced to rotate his squad once again. Balancing domestic ambitions with European commitments is a difficult task, especially with Real Madrid still firmly in the hunt for a historic treble.
Madrid are currently unbeaten in their last eight league matches, winning seven and drawing one, but defensive frailties remain a concern. They have managed just one clean sheet in their last six La Liga outings, something they will need to address against a Valencia side that has been in solid form.
Valencia arrive at the Bernabéu unbeaten in their last four league matches (W2, D2) and will be eager to take advantage of Madrid’s congested schedule. Carlos Corberán’s side claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over Mallorca last Sunday, keeping them above the relegation zone in 15th place with 31 points, just four points clear of the bottom three.
Historically, the Oranges have struggled in this fixture, having lost their last six league encounters at the Bernabéu. However, with Real Madrid possibly fielding a rotated lineup, Valencia might sense an opportunity despite harbouring the third-worst away record in the league, managing just seven points from a possible 42.
Head-to-Head
Real Madrid won the reverse fixture 2-1 earlier this year, while last season saw them cruise to a 5-1 victory in this matchup. Ancelotti’s men are unbeaten in their last three meetings against Valencia, winning twice and drawing once.
Betting
Real Madrid 1/3
Draw 5/1
Valencia 8/1
Verdict
A chance is taken on the expectation that Madrid will rotate their squad again this weekend, with a tough Champions League trip to Arsenal just days away. Villarreal’s poor away form makes an away win unlikely, but they should still be able to trouble Ancelotti’s backline. Given Real Madrid’s recent tendency to ship goals, another high-scoring affair could be on the cards this weekend.
Suggested bet: Totals and Both Teams to Score – Over 2.5 and Yes at 23/20
BARCELONA v REAL BETIS – Click here to bet
Barcelona will also be in action this weekend as they welcome Real Betis to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The Catalan giants will look to maintain their grip at the top of the table before shifting focus to their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Borussia Dortmund just four days later. Much like their arch-rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona remain in contention for a treble this season. They currently lead La Liga with 66 points, three clear of Madrid, and remain in the hunt for a Copa del Rey final spot, with their semi-final tie against Atlético Madrid yet to be decided following a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg.
Last weekend, Barcelona delivered a clinical performance with a 4-1 victory over Girona, marking their ninth consecutive league win. With the possibility of squad rotation looming due to their European commitments, Hansi Flick’s side will still back themselves to extend their winning streak to ten La Liga matches.
Meanwhile, Real Betis make the trip to Barcelona in excellent form and full of confidence. Manuel Pellegrini’s men have flown under the radar, but last weekend’s 2-1 triumph over Sevilla secured their sixth consecutive league win. That streak has propelled them to sixth place in the standings with 47 points—level with Villarreal and just six points adrift of the Champions League spots with nine games remaining.
Betis have also impressed on the road, winning their last four matches across all competitions, including two crucial La Liga victories. Their strong form has seen them pick up 19 points from a possible 24 in their last eight league outings, making them one of the most in-form teams in Spain. With momentum on their side, they will be eager to test Barcelona’s title credentials and make a statement at the home of the league leaders.
Top of Form
Head-to-Head
Barcelona and Real Betis have already faced off twice this season. Their league encounter ended in a 2-2 draw, but Barcelona dominated their Copa del Rey clash with a resounding 5-1 win at home. The Catalans have also won their last three home meetings against Betis, each by a margin of four goals or more.
Betting
Barcelona 4/10
Draw 9/2
Real Betis 6/1
Verdict
Barcelona’s attacking quality should be too much for Betis, but the visitors form suggests they could find the net. With their fluid forward play and ability to create chances, Barcelona will likely dominate possession and put Betis under constant pressure. However, Betis have shown enough in recent weeks to suggest they can exploit any defensive lapses and make their mark on the score sheet.
Suggested bet: Result and Both Teams to Score – Barcelona and Yes at 11/8
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SUNDAY
VILLARREAL v ATHLETIC BILBAO – Click here to bet
A key clash this Sunday sees Villarreal hosting Athletic Bilbao at the Estadio de la Cerámica in a high-stakes battle for European football. Villarreal, currently fifth on 47 points, head into this fixture following a crucial 2-1 win away to Getafe last weekend—an important result that ended a two-match losing streak. The Yellow Submarine will now look to close the gap on Bilbao, who occupy the all-important fourth place and sit six points ahead in the race for a Champions League spot.
Despite their ambitions, Marcelino’s side has struggled to dominate at home this season, ranking in the bottom half of the league in terms of points collected as hosts. Their most recent outing at the Estadio de la Cerámica ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid, snapping a four-match unbeaten home run (W2, D2). Villarreal will need to show more consistency on their own turf if they are to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions and will be confident heading into this fixture. Ernesto Valverde’s side boasts a strong recent record against Villarreal, having claimed positive results in their last three encounters. Maintaining that dominance will be crucial as they aim to preserve their six-point advantage in fourth place.
With 53 points to their name, Bilbao are firmly in the Champions League conversation but will be fully aware of the challenge Villarreal presents. However, their solid away form—losing just three times on the road this season—gives them plenty of belief that they can replicate their success from their last visit to Villarreal, where they secured all three points.
Head-to-Head
Athletic Bilbao secured a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season, while last season they claimed a 3-2 win on the road in this matchup. They are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Villarreal, recording two wins and a draw.
Betting
Villareal 13/10
Draw 12/5
Athletic Bilbao 22/10
Verdict
A tightly contested battle is expected, with both sides having plenty to play for. Bilbao’s away form and recent record against Villarreal give them the edge.
Suggested bet: Double Chance – Draw/Athletic Bilbao at 8/13
Click here for all this weekend’s Spanish Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
