This article contains affiliate links to advertisers. The analysis is our own. Gamble responsibly, 18+
These fixtures before the international break have a special significance, as teams yearn for a good result so they can work more calmly during the two weeks of international football until the next round of fixtures. And this one, just before the last break of 2025, is no exception, as it offers tough games for the top three, with Madrid away to Rayo, Barça to Celta and Villarreal to Espanyol. Atletico, who host Levante, will be hoping to take advantage of a more manageable fixture and gain points on the leaders.
Elche vs. Real Sociedad: Friday, 8pm GMT
Elche start the weekend of fixtures at home to Real Sociedad after four league games without a win (D1, L3). Yet, the team, who have not yet lost their reputation as a surprise package, go into the game in a creditable ninth place and have yet to lose at home so far this season (W3, D2), conceding a goal in only two of those five games. Opposing them, Real Sociedad have finally climbed out of the relegation places after two straight home wins, the last of which came in an emotional Basque derby against Athletic Club (3-2). However, the Donostiarras are struggling away from home, where they have yet to win a game (D2, L3). For this reason, we believe that Elche will take the points in what looks to be an evenly matched game.
Tip: Double Chance, Elche or draw - 4/9 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet is a winner if Real Sociedad do not win the match.
Atletico Madrid vs. Levante: Saturday, 5:30pm GMT
Atletico Madrid have been in a very 'Simeone' mode since the last international break, having not conceded a goal in three league games, the latest being the 3-0 thrashing of Sevilla. Based on this form, we think it could be interesting to bet on the match ending without both teams scoring. Even their game in London against Arsenal in the Champions League ended without both teams scoring, although the Gunners came away with the clean sheet that day. Three of Levante's six away games in La Liga have also ended with only one of the teams scoring, and this trip to one of Europe's toughest grounds has a lot going for it to end similarly.
Tip: Both teams not to score - 3/4 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet is a winner if only one or neither team scores.
Espanyol vs. Villarreal: Saturday, 8pm GMT
One of the big surprises of the season host third-placed Villarreal, coached by Marcelino, in what will be one of the big games of the day. Both teams are among the top six scorers in the competition. Specifically, Espanyol have scored ten goals in six home games, conceding seven goals, while Villarreal have scored six and conceded seven in their five away games. Four of Espanyol's six games at Cornellá have featured goals from both teams, and this is also the case in three of the Yellow Submarine's five away games in the league.
Tip: Both teams to score - 8/15 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet is a winner if both teams score.
Athletic Club vs. Oviedo: Sunday, 1pm GMT
Athletic Club are in a difficult moment of the season, but Oviedo are perhaps worse. The Basque side's two defeats in the last two rounds, and their three straight league games without a win, explain the higher-than-usual odds for a game in which a Champions League team plays a newly promoted side, who are also in the relegation zone. We believe that Athletic's victories at San Mamés against teams like Sevilla, Rayo, Qarabag or Mallorca hint towards a home win against an Oviedo team that has lost three of its five away games (W1, D1).
Tip: Athletic Club to win - 12/25 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet is a winner if Athletic Club win
Rayo Vallecano vs. Real Madrid: Sunday, 3:15 GMT
One of the big games of the day is this Madrid derby between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid. It is a match that tends to be high on emotion and goals, with four of the last six meetings between these teams exceeding 2.5 goals in total, and five of those games have had goals from both sides. Exceeding that 2.5 goals total is something we have seen in four of the last five official matches for Vallecas and in no less than six of the last eight official matches for Los Blancos, so we expect this match to live up to expectations.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals - 8/13 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet is a winner if there are three or more total goals in the match.
Valencia vs. Real Betis: Sunday, 5pm GMT
A Valencia side in a dire situation, with the questionable Corberan at the helm, hosts Real Betis in one of the last games of the week. In this game, we look at corners, as four of the last five league games for the Chés have failed to reach 10 corners in total, something we also find in four of the last five previous meetings between these teams. On the Betis side, the Greens' last three official matches had nine total corners or fewer.
Tip: Less than 10 total corners - 5/6 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet is a winner if there are nine or fewer total corners in the match.
Celta vs. Barcelona: Sunday, 8pm GMT
On paper, this has to be arguably the most entertaining game of the day, as two teams with an irrepressible attacking flair and a knack for scoring goals against each other go head-to-head. The last five meetings between the two sides have featured goals from both sides and more than 2.5 goals in total, something we find in six of Celta's last eight matches in all competitions between top-flight teams (excluding the Copa del Rey clash), and in the last seven matches in all competitions of a Barça side that has not kept a clean sheet since a 3-0 win over Getafe in September.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals and both teams score - 8/11 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This accumulator is a winner if both teams score and there are three or more total goals.
Discover the best promotions for your bets
If you're interested in taking advantage of EA Sports LaLiga matches to place your bets, Flashscore is here to help. On our betting bonuses page, you will find some of the most attractive promotions on the market.
Odds correct at the time of publication, subject to change.