This weekend, we take a look at three exciting La Liga matches, offering betting insights and opinions for you to consider.
But first, let’s review the current outright market prices: Runaway leaders Barcelona are currently priced at 6/10 to win the league, while Real Madrid are priced at 11/8. Atlético Madrid have shortened to 14/1, while the rest of the field is listed at 125/1 or higher.
Click here for all the long-term La Liga outright markets
SATURDAY
REAL MADRID v OSASUNA – Click here to bet
Real Madrid return to league action this Saturday after their disappointing midweek 3-1 defeat at home to Milan in the Champions League. Currently sitting 2nd in the standings with 24 points, they will host Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu. Madrid’s most recent La Liga outing ended in a humbling 4-0 home defeat to Barcelona, marking their first home loss of the season. Due to the tragic floods in the Valencia area, Madrid’s scheduled match against Villarreal was postponed, perhaps allowing the players extra time to regroup and refocus on their domestic objectives. Prior to the Barcelona defeat, Real Madrid had been flawless at home, winning all five previous league fixtures. This Saturday, all eyes will be on Carlo Ancelotti’s side as they aim to respond emphatically, seeking to secure another three points and bring their home tally to 18 out of a possible 21 points at the Bernabéu this season.
At home, Real Madrid average 2.33 goals per game, with over 2.5 goals occurring in 67% of those fixtures this season (4 out of 6 matches).
Osasuna have had a solid start to their campaign this season and are currently 5th in the standings with 21 points. Their recent 1-0 victory at home against Valladolid marked back-to-back victories for the first time this season, and they will be hoping that trend continues this weekend. However, with a less flattering record against Los Blancos, Vicente Moreno will need to have his wits about him if his side is to leave Madrid with a positive result. Despite boasting the best home record in the league, Osasuna’s troubles appear to be away from home this season, where they have managed to obtain just 5 points from their opening 5 games on the road, registering only 1 win alongside 2 draws and 2 defeats.
Away from home, Osasuna average 1.2 goals per game, with under 2.5 goals featuring in 60% of those fixtures this season (3 out of 5 matches).
Head-to-Head
Last season, Real Madrid secured a double over Osasuna by registering a 4-0 victory in this fixture followed by an equally impressive 4-2 performance in the reverse encounter.
Betting
Real Madrid 1/5
Draw 13/2
Osasuna 13/1
Verdict
I’m expecting a strong response from Real Madrid this weekend, and they should aim to stamp their authority early in this match. At 1/5 for the win, however, my preference is to back the hosts to establish a first-half lead without conceding in the first 45 minutes.
Suggested Bet: 1st Half – Result and Both Teams to Score, Real Madrid and No at 15/20
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SUNDAY
REAL BETIS v CELTA VIGO – Click here to bet
Unbeaten in their last three La Liga matches, Real Betis will host Celta de Vigo in Seville with a positive outlook. Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao places the Big Greens in 7th position with 19 points, having secured four points from their last two away league fixtures. At home, Betis have shown resilience, highlighted by their recent 1-0 victory over Atlético Madrid, which improves their record at Estadio Benito Villamarín this season to 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in La Liga. This Sunday, Manuel Pellegrini’s side will look to exploit Celta Vigo’s vulnerabilities on the road, aiming for maximum points to achieve back-to-back home victories for only the second time this season.
At home, Real Betis average 1.33 goals per game, with under 2.5 goals occurring in 67% of those fixtures this season (4 out of 6 matches).
Celta Vigo, eager to keep pace with Betis, will arrive in Seville on a winning streak, having secured consecutive victories across all competitions. Monday’s 1-0 triumph over Getafe marked their return to form in La Liga, following a convincing 5-1 away win against UD San Pedro in the Copa del Rey, which confirmed their spot in the next round. With 16 points from a possible 36, the Sky Blues currently occupy 10th place in the standings. However, they have struggled on the road, relying heavily on their home performances this season. With just one away win and four losses, Celta have garnered only 3 points from a possible 15 in away matches, a record they will be keen to improve as they look to remain unbeaten this weekend.
Away from home, Celta Vigo average 1.4 goals per game, with over 2.5 goals featuring in 80% of those fixtures this season (4 out of 5 matches).
Head-to-Head
Last season, Celta Vigo secured a 2-1 victory in the reverse encounter, while Real Betis returned the favour with the same result, winning 2-1 in this fixture.
Betting
Real Betis 1/1
Draw 26/10
Celta Vigo 29/10
Verdict
Real Betis have looked impressive at home this season, and with the visitors struggling for form on the road, a chance to back the hosts to prevail, offering us an opportunity to potentially double our money.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Real Betis at 1/1
REAL SOCIEDAD v BARCELONA – Click here to bet
Sitting mid-table in 11th place with 15 points from their first 12 league matches, Real Sociedad will host league leaders Barcelona at the Reale Arena this weekend following an impressive 2-0 victory away to Sevilla. This win marked a welcome return to form for Imanol Alguacil’s side, who had previously suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Osasuna. Sunday’s clash will undoubtedly be their toughest test so far, as they currently hold the worst home record in the league this season, with only 4 points secured from a possible 18, having lost four of their six encounters in San Sebastián.
At home, Real Sociedad average 1 goal per game, with over 2.5 goals occurring in 50% of those fixtures this season (3 out of 6 matches).
League leaders Barcelona head to San Sebastián this weekend, aiming to build on their strong domestic form and recent European success. On Wednesday, the Catalan giants delivered a commanding 5-2 away victory over Crvena Zvezda in the Champions League. This European triumph adds to their momentum, following a domestic winning streak of four consecutive league matches, including a recent 3-1 home victory against Espanyol. With 33 points, Barcelona holds a comfortable 9-point lead over Real Madrid, their nearest rivals, underscoring their consistency this season. Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona have been relentless in La Liga, particularly on the road, where they’ve secured 18 points from a possible 21, with an impressive record of 7 wins and only 1 defeat away from home. Given this solid run and their favourable record in San Sebastián, anything less than a positive result for the boys in blue and garnet would indeed be surprising.
Away from home, Barcelona average 3.14 goals per game, with over 2.5 goals featuring in 100% of those fixtures this season (7 out of 7 matches).
Head-to-Head
Last season, Barcelona won both exchanges in the league, winning 1-0 in this fixture followed by a more comfortable 2-0 victory in the reverse encounter.
Betting
Real Sociedad 33/10
Draw 3/1
Barcelona 15/20
Verdict
Barcelona’s destructive run of form should see them secure their 12th league win of the season. Considering how the Catalans dismantled Real Madrid and are averaging over 3 goals on the road, the visitors certainly look difficult to oppose, especially given how poorly the hosts have performed at home this season.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Barcelona at 15/20
Click here for all this weekend’s Spanish Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
