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Matchday 26 of LaLiga EA Sports comes sandwiched between the end of the European knockout rounds involving Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid and Celta, and the Copa del Rey semi-finals, which will see Barcelona face Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad take on Athletic Club.
Barça will look to stay top against a Villarreal side that has a good record at the Camp Nou, while Madrid host Getafe and Atlético travel to Oviedo. The round also features a Seville derby that promises plenty of drama.
Levante v Alavés: Friday, 20:00 GMT
The matchweek kicks off with this clash between the Valencians and the Vitorians.
Neither team’s games usually produce many corners, with seven of Levante’s last nine league matches ending with fewer than 11 total corners, and only one of Alavés’ last six official games reaching or exceeding that number.
Given these favourable stats, we think this is a solid prediction with an attractive price.
Tip: Under 11 total corners - 4/9 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if the match ends with ten or fewer total corners
Rayo Vallecano v Athletic Club: Saturday, 13:00 GMT
This is likely to be one of the most attractive fixtures of the round. Both sides come into the game in good form, and we think it’s worth backing two or more total goals in the match.
Athletic Club have only failed to score in one of their last 11 official games, while Rayo Vallecano have scored in each of their last four matches and have found the net in 12 of their 15 home games in all competitions this season.
Seven of Rayo’s 11 home league matches have seen at least two goals (including the last four), as have 10 of Athletic’s 12 away games in the competition (including the last eight). Seven of the last 11 meetings between these two have also produced two or more goals.
Tip: Over 1.5 total goals - 2/5 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if the match ends with two or more total goals, regardless of who scores them
Barcelona v Villarreal: Saturday, 15:15 GMT
Barcelona host Villarreal in a fixture that has proved tricky for the Catalans in recent years, with the visitors winning three of their last four trips to the Camp Nou. The home side are by far the top scorers in La Liga EA Sports (67), averaging over three goals per home game.
Villarreal, meanwhile, average 1.5 goals per away match in the league (18 in 12) and are the third highest scorers in the competition (47). While Flick’s side have defended well at home (just five conceded in 12 games), we believe Villarreal will get on the scoresheet at a ground where they tend to do well.
Marcelino’s men have scored in 10 of their 12 away league games, including at the Bernabéu, and four of the last five meetings between these sides have seen both teams score.
Tip: Both teams to score - 8/15 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if both teams score at least one goal each
Real Oviedo v Atlético de Madrid: Saturday, 20:00 GMT
Atlético de Madrid, with a packed fixture list, visit the bottom side in LaLiga EA Sports. Simeone’s men are keen to protect their Champions League spot from Betis and not let Villarreal pull away in the race for third.
Atlético’s recent 0-0 draw away to second-bottom Levante might raise doubts, but we expect this match to feature between one and three total goals.
Seven of Oviedo’s 12 home league games have ended within that range, as have 10 of Atlético’s 12 away matches.
Looking at recent games, five of Oviedo’s last seven league fixtures have had one, two or three goals, as have eight of Atlético’s last ten. The reverse fixture would also have made this bet a winner (2-0 to Cholo’s side).
Tip: The match will have between one and three total goals - 4/9 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if there is at least one goal, but fewer than four in total.
Elche v Espanyol: Sunday, 13:00 GMT
An intriguing Mediterranean clash between the two standout teams of the first half of the season, neither of whom has won a match in 2026.
Espanyol are winless in their last four away games (D1, L3) and have conceded three or more goals in each of their last three on the road, while Elche have drawn two of their last four home matches (L2).
However, those defeats came against two of the top three sides, and Sarabia’s team came close to picking up a point at San Mamés last time out, so the double chance of Elche or a draw looks a good option.
What’s more, Espanyol have only won once in their last five visits to Elche.
Tip: Elche win or draw - 2/5 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if Espanyol do not win the match
Betis v Sevilla: Sunday, 17:30 GMT
The Seville derby is always one of the highlights, not just of the round but of the entire season. These matches are often tense, passionate affairs, and in recent times, they rarely end with big scorelines or lots of goals.
That’s why we expect a match with between one and three goals, as has been the case in 13 of the last 14 meetings between these sides, as well as in Betis’ last seven league games and seven of Sevilla’s last nine.
Tip: The match will have between one and three goals - 4/9 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if there is at least one goal, but fewer than four in total.
Girona v Celta: Sunday, 20:00 GMT
This could potentially be one of the most entertaining matches of the week, with neither team being consistent.
Girona have struggled with consistency this season, even though they always try to play good football and are currently in their best form, while Celta are also not at their best and come into the game after playing PAOK on Thursday night, which could mean rotation from Giráldez or fatigue for some key players.
Tip: No bet
Madrid v Getafe: Monday, 20:00 GMT
After their match with Benfica, Madrid have a few days to rest as they play on Monday. The Whites have won all their home league games except against Celta, and have kept four consecutive clean sheets against Getafe, beating them in their last eight meetings (with seven clean sheets).
Bordalás’ side are the second-lowest scorers in the league (20 goals in 25 games) and are joint-third lowest away scorers (10 in 12), while Arbeloa’s team have conceded the fewest goals (21 in 25) and are second-best for home defensive record (eight in 12).
Backing Real Madrid to win to nil (at odds of 1.90) is a good option, but we’re opting for a slightly safer bet that still offers a good price.
Tip: Both teams not to score - 8/13 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if only one team scores, or neither, but not both.
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Odds were correct at the time of publication and may change.