This weekend, we turn our attention to three La Liga matches, providing betting insights and detailed analysis for each game.
First, let’s review the current outright market prices: Real Madrid remain firm favourites at 4/7, with Barcelona shortening each week, currently priced 16/10. Atlético Madrid remain third best despite drifting out to 18/1, while the rest of the field is listed at 80/1 or better.
Click here for all the long-term La Liga outright markets
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SATURDAY
REAL MADRID v VILLARREAL– Click here to bet
As we approach Week 9 this weekend, Real Madrid currently occupy 2nd place in La Liga, just three points behind Barcelona. The reigning champions are unbeaten in domestic competition, with 5 wins and 3 draws from their 8 league matches to date. Los Blancos’ impressive home form has been pivotal to their success this season, as they have achieved four consecutive victories at the Bernabéu while earning three draws in their four away games. Averaging an impressive 3 goals per game at home, Real Madrid is expected to adopt an aggressive approach this weekend as they take on Villarreal at the Bernabéu—a matchup known for producing intriguing results over the years.
Villarreal enters Saturday’s significant clash in 3rd place, just 1 point behind Real Madrid. After a 3-1 victory at home against Las Palmas last weekend, the Yellow Submarines seem to have bounced back from their recent 5-1 defeat to Barcelona. They are unbeaten in their last two matches, having secured victories in both. Travelling to the Bernabéu in solid form, Villarreal has excelled away from home, winning three out of four outings and accumulating 10 points from a possible 12 on their travels this season.
Head-to-Head
Last season, Real Madrid claimed a comfortable 4-1 victory in this fixture, while the two teams settled for a 4-4 draw in the reverse encounter, where they each earned a point.
Betting
Real Madrid 3/10
Draw 11/2
Villarreal 8/1
Prediction
Villarreal’s impressive away form will undoubtedly give them confidence in troubling Real Madrid. The question remains, however, whether they can secure a positive result. My preference leans towards both teams scoring, with the hosts ultimately taking all three points at very favourable odds.
Suggested Bet: Result And Both Teams To Score, Real Madrid And Yes at 5/4
SUNDAY
DEPORTIVO ALAVES v BARCELONA– Click here to bet
Deportivo Alavés will host league leaders Barcelona at Estadio Mendizorrotza this Sunday, hoping to bounce back after a difficult period for the Babazorros. Last weekend’s 2-0 defeat away to Getafe marked their second consecutive league loss, leaving them in 11th place with just 8 matches played. Despite recent struggles, Alavés can draw confidence from their strong home form, where they remain unbeaten with 2 wins and 1 draw. Their impressive defensive displays at home include two clean sheets, having conceded just one goal across three matches. However, they’ll face a formidable challenge against Barcelona, who not only sit atop the table but also boast the best away record in the league this season.
The Catalan giants Barcelona travel to Vitoria-Gasteiz aiming to recover from last week’s unexpected 4-2 defeat away to Osasuna, marking their first league loss of the season. Manager Hansi Flick’s decision to rotate the squad, prioritizing midweek European commitments, ultimately backfired. Nevertheless, it seemed a calculated risk, as Barcelona retained their position at the top of the table despite the result. With 4 wins from 5 away matches, Barcelona will be eager to get back on track this Sunday. However, they face an Alavés side that has displayed defensive resilience at home, a challenge that could test the visitors to some extent.
Head-to-Head
Last season, Barcelona managed to secure a double over Alaves winning 2-1 in the reverse encounter followed up with a 3-1 victory in this fixture.
Betting
Deportivo Alavés 9/2
Draw 33/10
Barcelona 6/10
Prediction
Barcelona are expected to return to winning ways this weekend, but they will need to stay vigilant, as they’ve developed a habit of conceding goals, doing so in 7 of their last 10 appearances. Despite these defensive lapses, Barcelona managed to win 5 of those 7 games, a dominant stat that could be worth considering when assessing their chances this weekend.
Suggested Bet: Result And Both Teams To Score, Barcelona And Yes at 21/10
REAL SOCIEDAD v ATLETICO MADRID– Click here to bet
Languishing in 14th position, Real Sociedad finally returned to winning ways for only the second time this season with an impressive 3-0 victory over Valencia last weekend. However, inconsistencies have plagued their campaign, making it a frustrating season for the White and Blues. Particularly at home, they have struggled, collecting just 3 points from a possible 12, with 1 win and 3 losses. This weekend, Real Sociedad welcome Atlético Madrid to the Reale Arena, where they will be hoping to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season, buoyed by their first home victory last weekend.
Unbeaten this season with 4 wins and 4 draws, Atlético Madrid head into Matchday nine sitting 4th on the log. They secured a dramatic point at home against reigning champions Real Madrid last weekend, thanks to a stoppage-time equalizer that resulted in a 1-1 draw. This Sunday, their focus shifts to Real Sociedad as they make the journey to San Sebastián, hoping to maintain their unbeaten streak in La Liga. The Colchoneros boast a respectable record on the road, having secured 2 wins and 2 draws thus far. Their solid away form has been complemented by a disciplined defensive strategy, which has kept matches relatively tight this season. Unders have dominated the majority of their encounters, with 5 out of 8 matches featuring fewer than 3 goals. Notably, the under 2.5 market has been particularly prominent away from home, arriving in 3 out of 4 fixtures.
Head-to-Head
Last season, Atlético Madrid managed to secure a double over Real Sociedad winning 2-1 in the reverse encounter and followed up with a 2-0 victory in this fixture.
Betting
Real Sociedad 95/40
Draw 85/40
Atlético Madrid 27/20
Prediction
Despite securing a win in their last home match, Real Sociedad’s overall record as hosts this season has been particularly disappointing. At odds of 27/20 for a straight win for Atlético Madrid, I’m willing to take my chances at that price. Given Atlético’s unbeaten run in the league and solid away record, coupled with Real Sociedad’s inconsistent performances at Reale Arena.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Atlético Madrid at 27/20
Click here for all this weekend’s Spanish Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
