La Liga action continues this weekend with an exciting slate of fixtures, and we’ve identified three key matchups that deserve your attention. Here are our insights, along with betting recommendations that could be worth considering.
Before we dive into the action, let’s take a quick look at the current title race odds. Real Madrid remain the favourites to clinch the title at 4/6 despite last week’s performance, while Barcelona follow at 11/4. Atlético Madrid’s impressive run of form is reflected in their current price of 3/1, while the remaining challengers are trailing at odds of 150/1 or greater.
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SATURDAY
ATHLETIC BILBAO v GIRONA – Click here to bet
Athletic Bilbao will look to extend their impressive unbeaten run when they host Girona at San Mamés on Saturday evening. Ernesto Valverde’s side have been in excellent form, going unbeaten in their last thirteen league appearances, a streak that has solidified their place in the top four. Last weekend, they played out a thrilling 2-2 draw away to Real Betis. With 41 points from 22 matches (W11 D8 L3), Bilbao remain firmly in 4th place and will be eager to continue their push for a Champions League spot. At home, they have been particularly strong, boasting one of the best defensive records in the division, conceding just seven goals at San Mamés this season.
Girona, on the other hand, returned to winning ways on Monday with a 2-1 victory over Las Palmas, putting an end to their four-match losing streak across all competitions. Despite this dip in form, Míchel’s side remain in contention for a European spot next season and currently sit 7th in the league with 31 points (W9 D4 L9). Earlier in the campaign, Girona looked like genuine contenders for a top-six finish, but their recent struggles have seen them lose momentum. A positive result here would go a long way in keeping their European ambitions alive. That said, their away form remains a concern, having lost two of their last three on the road and picking up just four points from a possible twelve in that period.
Head-to-Head
Earlier this season, Girona secured a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao, but Bilbao can take confidence from their 3-2 victory in this fixture last season.
Betting
Athletic Bilbao 7/10
Draw 29/10
Girona 9/2
Verdict
Bilbao’s home dominance and consistent performances certainly give them the edge in this clash. Girona are more than capable of causing an upset, but given their distinctly average record away from home at present, a chance is taken on the hosts to secure all three points.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Athletic Bilbao at 7/10
REAL MADRID v ATLÉTICO MADRID – Click here to bet
The Madrid derby takes centre stage on Saturday night as Real Madrid host Atlético Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain top of La Liga with 49 points (W15 D4 L3), but their lead was reduced to just one point after last weekend’s disappointing 1-0 defeat away to Espanyol. That result was a rare slip-up in an otherwise dominant season. However, they bounced back immediately with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Leganés in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals on Wednesday, securing their place in the semi-finals. In La Liga, Los Blancos have been formidable at home this season, winning nine of their ten matches at the Bernabéu—an impressive record they will be eager to protect against the Rojiblancos this Saturday.
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, are arguably the most in-form team in Spain at the moment. Diego Simeone’s side have been relentless, currently sitting second with 48 points (W14 D6 L2), just one behind their city rivals. Their 2-0 win over Mallorca last weekend marked their ninth league victory in their last 11 matches, further underlining their title credentials. Atlético head into Saturday’s clash on the back of three consecutive wins across all competitions, conceding just once in that span. They also secured their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a dominant 5-0 victory over Getafe on Tuesday, further showcasing their strength. Their defensive solidity and ability to strike on the counter-attack make them extremely difficult to contain—something Ancelotti’s men will be well aware of this weekend.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have played out 1-1 draws in their last two meetings, including this season’s reverse fixture at the Metropolitano and last season’s clash at the Bernabéu.
Betting
Real Madrid 9/10
Draw 27/10
Atlético Madrid 16/5
Verdict
This is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams in excellent form. Given their recent performances, they could end up cancelling each other out. Neither side can afford to lose, especially with Barcelona closing in, making a score draw a potential value bet based on their recent meetings.
Suggested Bet: Result and Both Teams to Score, Draw and Yes at 7/2
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SUNDAY
SEVILLA v BARCELONA – Click here to bet
Sevilla welcome Barcelona to the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Sunday in what promises to be an intriguing La Liga encounter. The hosts are currently 12th in the table with 28 points (W7 D7 L8), following their disappointing 0-0 draw away to Getafe last weekend. That result marked back-to-back stalemates in the league and their third draw in four La Liga matches. Sevilla’s inconsistency has been a major issue this season, as they have struggled to turn draws into victories. While their defensive organisation has improved, their lack of firepower up front has cost them crucial points. Against a side like Barcelona, they will need to raise their game if they are to stand any chance of a positive result this weekend.
Barcelona remain firmly in the title race, sitting third in the standings with 45 points from 22 matches (W14 D3 L5). They narrowly defeated Alavés 1-0 last weekend to secure their 14th league win of the season. With just four points separating them from the top spot, they cannot afford any slip-ups. Hansi Flick’s side, however, face a quick turnaround, with a Copa del Rey quarter-final clash against Valencia this week before taking on Sevilla—a scheduling challenge that could influence team selection as they look to maintain freshness through rotation. Nevertheless, with attacking threats like Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha, Barcelona have the firepower to unlock Sevilla’s defence, regardless of any adjustments to the lineup.
Head-to-Head
Barcelona have historically dominated this fixture, winning each of their last six meetings with Sevilla. Earlier this season, they cruised to a 5-1 victory in the reverse fixture, while last season’s clash in Sevilla saw them edge a 2-1 win.
Betting
Sevilla 9/2
Draw 15/4
Barcelona 11/20
Verdict
Despite the quick turnaround, Barcelona are well-positioned to secure another win this weekend. Sevilla have fallen below their usual standards this season, and if the Catalans are to stay in the title race, this is the kind of fixture they should handle with conviction, especially given their dominant record against Sunday’s hosts.
Suggested Bet: Result and Totals, Barcelona and Over 1.5 at 7/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
