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The third matchday of LaLiga EA Sports is packed with excitement and big games, just before the first international break of the season. The main title contenders and several struggling teams already have a lot at stake in a key matchday that promises intensity and surprises. Flashscore brings you well-researched predictions and the best betting options so that you don't miss out on anything that will happen in the stadiums of Spain.
Valencia v Getafe: Friday, 8:30pm BST
A 21st-century classic returns to our screens in the Spanish domestic competition. Carlos Corberán's Valencia, who have one point from a possible six after a draw against Real at the Mestalla and then defeat against Osasuna, welcome a euphoric Getafe, who have two away victories against Sevilla and Celta Vigo. The history between the two teams is particularly tense and the scales are clearly tipped in favour of the Valencian side, with four wins in the last four meetings between the two teams at the Mestalla. Furthermore, Getafe haven't won in Valenica since 2018, when Loïc Rémy's double gave the Blues all three points.
Despite the aforementioned history, we will not focus on any one result. Valencia are struggling to find their feet and will be without Gayá through suspension. Getafe are in great form, but it is hard to believe that they can win again on their travels, especially having lost one of their key players, Christantus Uche. For this reason, we are betting on the number of goals.
In seven of the last ten matches between Valencia and Getafe at the Mestalla, two or more goals have been scored. In fact, in those last 10 games, the two sides have scored a combined 32 goals, an average of 3.2 goals per game.
Tip: Over 1.5 goals @ 2/1 with bet365
Explanation: Winning bet if two or more goals are scored.
For more risk, there is also the possibility to go for over 2.5 goals at 5/1.
Deportivo Alaves v Atletico Madrid: Saturday, 4:00pm BST
Atletico Madrid need to win yet they now visit the Mendizorroza, a stadium where they have won only one of their last five games. With the absence of Baena and Giménez (who was also going to be a substitute), Diego Simeone's team are in dire need to get their first win of the season, as we are only two games in and the red and white team are already five points behind the leaders, Barcelona, Getafe, Real Madrid, Villarreal and Athletic.
The defeat against Espanyol and the draw against Elche (a relegation candidate and a newly promoted team at home) set off alarm bells at the Metropolitano and the fans sent the team off with a resounding whistle at the end of the game. As a result, the Julián, Almada, Ruggeri, Raspadori and Co. will need to step up and get Atlético de Madrid their first three points of the 2025/2026 season. Points that are already coming too late must come now.
Tip: Atletico Madrid to win @ 3/4 with bet365
Explanation: This bet win if Atletico take all three points in Vitoria, regardless of the scoreline.
Real Madrid v Mallorca: Saturday, 8:30pm BST
Kylian Mbappé continues to be the shining light for Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid. Two games, three goals and in both it was the Frenchman who opened the scoring. The coach from San Sebastian will be the one to decide who accompanies the French star up front, Rodrygo and Mastantuono (as was the case in Oviedo) or Vinícius and Brahim (as was the case on the first matchday against Osasuna). In any case, the golden boot winner will most likely be in the starting line-up. Mbappé has scored 12 of Real Madrid's last 15 goals in LaLiga and has 47 goals in just over one year with the club.
Last season, the '10', who was then a '9', scored against Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabéu in a match Ancelotti's side won the game in 95 minutes thanks to Jacobo Ramón's last-minute goal. Given Mbappé's good form and Xabi's side's improved play, we are confident of another stellar performance from the leader of this team.
Odds: Mbappé to score and have two or more shots on target @ 7/10 with bet365
Explanation: This bet wins if Mbappé scores and has two or more shots on target (including the hypothetical goal).
Celta Vigo v Villarreal: Sunday, 4:00pm BST
Two sides with very different form. A Celta side in dire straits after losing at home to Getafe (0-2) and drawing at Mallorca (1-1) host Marcelino García Toral's Villarreal, who are in a state of elation. So much so that we can say that the leader of the LaLiga will be visiting the Balaídos. A leader with seven goals scored and zero conceded and with a squad that, except for the sale of Baena and Barry, has one of the best forward lines in the competition, formed by Buchanan, Etta Eyong, Yeremy Pino (who could already be in London with Crystal Palace by the day of the game) and Nicolas Pépé.
Let's talk about the record between the teams: no 0-0 draw since 2016, only two draws in the last twelve meetings between the two sides and lots of goals between. So much so, that the last five results between Valencians and Galicians are these: 3-0, 4-3, 3-2, 3-2 and 3-1. We are leaning towards a typical bet, but with a good argument given the history, the squads and the form of each.
Tip: Both teams to score and more than 2.5 goals @ 10/11 with bet365
Explanation: This bet wins if both teams score and there are three or more goals throughout the match.
Real Betis v Athletic Club: Sunday, 6:00pm BST
A truly classic match for Spanish football between two teams that have started the league season strongly. The Andalusian side drew against Elche and beat Alaves with a solitary goal from Lo Celso. Athletic have two wins, both at home to Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla.
It's going to be a great game involving two teams that are looking to dominate the match and who, in their previous games, have always had a return of goals.
In addition, these are two teams that attack a lot on the flanks. Athletic have a lot of players at the top of the pitch, with Yuri and Areso going forward, accompanied by Nico and Iñaki on the wings. Therefore, we bet on a duel of goals.
Tip: More than 1.5 goals @ 2/5 with bet365
Explanation: For the bet to be a winner, there must be two or more goals in total.
Espanyol v Osasuna: Sunday, 6:30pm BST
Espanyol and Osasuna meet in the Cornellà after a good start to the league season. Manolo González's side made a surprising start to the season with a win against Atlético de Madrid and a 2-2 draw at Real Sociedad, which, frankly speaking, didn't go down well with the Espanyol fans after being 2-0 up until the 60th minute. Osasuna put up a good fight at the Bernabéu, but didn't offer much in the way of goals. They left with a different taste in their mouth after their victory over Valencia with a crushing dominance after Gayà's red card, despite only winning 1-0.
Let's look at the numbers: in seven of the last ten meetings between the Catalans and the Navarrese, both teams have NOT scored: 2-0, 0-0, 1-1, 1-0, 1-1, 1-1, 0-0, 0-2, 1-0, 2-4 and 3-0. History tells us one side will not score this time.
Tip: Both teams NOT to score @ 10/11 with bet365
Explanation: For the bet to be a winner either team must win to nil or it is a goalless draw.
Rayo Vallecano v Barcelona: Sunday, 8:30pm BST
It is very difficult to compete with this Barça. Levante managed it, but we are all aware that it is a different kind of match. A game in which the Catalans dominated from start to finish and, despite conceding two goals due to their advanced defence, end up winning. However, it is worth noting that Rayo Vallecano have scored one or more goals against Barcelona in their last seven home games. The last time Rayo Vallecano did not score at the Vallecas against Barça was in 2014.
Despite a poor game at the San Mamés, Vallecano managed to beat Girona in their league opener. On the other hand, Barcelona are still a team that takes risks, and lots of them. As a result, they conceded two goals at the Ciutat de València and then Mallorca had several chances in the first half of their game before going down to nine men.
Given the history and the style of both teams, we bet on a game with goals on both sides and the expected Barcelona victory.
Tip: Both teams to score and Barcelona to win @ 6/4 with bet365
Explanation: For the bet to be a winner, both teams must score and Barça must win the match.
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Odds, correct at time of publication, are subject to change.