With the league title already wrapped up and Champions League spots secured, attention shifts to the remaining battles that still carry plenty of weight. From the race for continental football to the desperate scrap for top-flight survival, Saturday’s La Liga action features three key encounters that promise tension, drama, and potential twists. Here are my thoughts on each matchup, along with suggested bets.
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ESPANYOL v LAS PALMAS – Click here to bet
Espanyol face a nervy final day at the RCDE Stadium where survival in La Liga hangs in the balance. Despite sitting two points clear of the relegation zone with 39 points, their current form offers little reassurance — a 2-0 defeat away to Osasuna last weekend marked their fifth consecutive league loss. While their +7 goal difference over 18th-placed Leganés could prove vital, Espanyol will be desperate to avoid a slip-up against already-relegated Las Palmas and secure their top-flight status for another season.
At home, Manolo González’s side have been more resilient, remaining unbeaten in 13 of their 18 matches this season (W7, D6). Yet, they’ve now lost two on the bounce at the RCDE and have conceded in five of their last six at home.
Las Palmas, meanwhile, saw their relegation confirmed after last week’s 1-0 home defeat to Leganés—a result that ultimately sealed their fate. With nothing left to play for, their only remaining influence lies in shaping who might join them in La Liga 2 next season. However, after five consecutive defeats and visibly low morale, it’s hard to see Diego Martínez’s side playing a decisive role on the final day—particularly after last week’s result, which gives them little reason to do Leganés any favours.
On the road, Los Amarillos have failed to score in three of their last five games and have suffered back-to-back 1-0 losses. Despite this, they’ve scored in 12 of their 18 away matches, with both teams scoring in each of those 12 games. Defensively, they’ve kept just one clean sheet away from home all season.
Head-to-Head
Las Palmas won the reverse fixture 2-1 earlier this season. This will be their first league meeting at the RCDE since 2021, when Espanyol triumphed 4-0 in La Liga 2.
Betting
Espanyol – 37/100
Draw – 4/1
Las Palmas – 15/2
Verdict
Espanyol’s desperation and home advantage should be enough to get them over the line, though last-day nerves could certainly creep in. Las Palmas may offer some resistance before bowing out to La Liga 2, but with only pride to play for, the hosts should still manage to secure at least a point in what promises to be a tense affair.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Both Teams to Score – Espanyol/Draw and Yes at 27/20
GETAFE v CELTA VIGO – Click here to bet
Getafe host Celta Vigo this Saturday in a clash with contrasting motivations for both sides. The hosts, currently sitting 13th with 42 points, have already secured their top-flight status for another season after last weekend’s vital 2-1 win away to Mallorca. That result gave them a much-needed cushion in a tightly packed bottom half, where just five points separate them from the relegation zone.
Despite their safety, Getafe’s home form has been disappointing. They’ve lost their last four matches at the Coliseum and have managed just four home wins all season. With a goal difference of -3 on home turf, Bordalás’ men have struggled to score, netting just 14 while conceding 17 in return. Fatigue appears to have set in as the campaign winds down.
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo arrive knowing their European hopes are on the line. Last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat to Rayo Vallecano ended a run of two straight wins and leaves them clinging to 7th place—the final Europa League qualification spot—with 52 points, just one ahead of Vallecano and Osasuna.
Claudio Giráldez’s side have been inconsistent on the road, but encouragingly, three of their four away wins this season have come in their last five trips. Form-wise, they’ve won three of their last five league outings and appear motivated to finish the season strongly.
Head-to-Head
Celta won the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier this season, while Getafe claimed a thrilling 3-2 win the last time they hosted this encounter last term.
Betting
Getafe – 33/10
Draw – 26/10
Celta Vigo – 9/10
Verdict
Celta Vigo have far more to play for, and with Getafe showing signs of burnout—particularly at home—the visitors should edge this. Their improved away form and motivation to secure a European spot should see them prevail.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Celta Vigo at 9/10
VALLECANO v RCD MALLORCA – Click here to bet
What a difference a season makes. Just a year ago, Vallecano were languishing near the relegation zone—fast forward to the present, and they’re on the cusp of European qualification. Now sitting 8th in the standings with 51 points, the Red Sashes are just one point adrift of Celta Vigo in the final Europa League spot and one ahead of Osasuna, who are chasing a similar dream. A place in the UEFA Europa Conference League is within touching distance, and Iñigo Pérez’s men know that matching or bettering Osasuna’s result this weekend would secure a feat few would have predicted at the start of the campaign.
Vallecano come into this one unbeaten in four (W3, D1), including a vital 2-1 away victory against fellow European hopefuls Celta Vigo last weekend. At home, they are also unbeaten in their last three (W1, D2), but with four draws in their last six at Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas, they’ll be eager to avoid a last-day slip-up that could undo months of hard work.
Mallorca, meanwhile, arrive in Madrid knowing their European hopes were dashed last weekend following a 2-1 defeat at home to Getafe. Currently 10th with 47 points, Los Bermellones could still finish as low as 12th, but their season will still be viewed as a solid one regardless of how Saturday unfolds. However, Jagoba Arrasate may struggle to motivate his players after falling just short of Europe.
On the road, Mallorca’s recent form has been poor—losing their last three away games and managing just one win in their last nine league appearances (W1, D2, L6). Their away matches have often been cagey affairs, with three or more goals featuring in only six of their 18 trips this season.
Head-to-Head
Mallorca earned a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture earlier this season, extending their unbeaten run against Rayo Vallecano to six consecutive matches (W5, D1), including a 2-2 draw at Vallecas last season.
Betting
Vallecano – 11/20
Draw – 3/1
Mallorca – 11/2
Verdict
Momentum, motivation, and home advantage all lie with Rayo Vallecano here. Despite Mallorca’s impressive recent head-to-head record, the visitors appear to be running on empty after a long campaign and back-to-back defeats. With European football on the line, expect the hosts to rise to the occasion in front of their home crowd and finally end their hoodoo against Mallorca in clinical fashion.
Suggested Bet: Result and Totals – Vallecano and Under 2.5 at 21/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
