Our football guru unpacks all you need to know for the Spanish La Liga, starting Friday 9th February. Get ready for an action-packed weekend!
Week 22 served up a rollercoaster of excitement and surprising upsets. Atletico Madrid stood strong as the only top-six side to secure a win, narrowing the gap to leaders Barcelona to just nine points, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Espanyol in the intense Catalan derby.
The battle for a coveted top-four spot is heating up, and Real Madrid find themselves under pressure, with no guaranteed ticket to next season’s UEFA Champions League. If the upcoming fixtures mirror last week’s drama, you definitely don’t want to miss out!
Friday 9 February
Athletic Bilbao 5/10
Draw 34/10
Las Palmas 5/1
Action kicks off at San Mames with Athletic Bilbao aiming to break a five-game winless streak following a recent 2-0 loss to Girona and three draws before that.
Las Palmas earned a crucial win against Malaga, lifting them off the bottom. However, their away form is troubling — four straight defeats without scoring. Back a solid Home Win to Nil at 16/10 for good value.
Saturday 10 February
Villarreal 13/20
Draw 28/10
Alaves 17/4
Villarreal’s hopes for a top-four finish took a hit after a 2-1 defeat to Real Betis, ending a strong seven-match unbeaten streak. Alaves started strong against Celta Vigo with two early goals in a 2-1 victory. Though Alaves have lost three consecutive away games, Villarreal’s home form sees them favoured here.
Malaga 6/1
Draw 28/10
Atletico Madrid 11/20
Malaga’s struggles continue as they sit last after a 15th defeat, losing to fellow strugglers Las Palmas. Atletico Madrid, who have suffered just one loss all season, will be determined to keep their title hopes alive. This away win is a solid bet.
Leganes 37/20
Draw 39/20
Eibar 17/10
Leganes extended their unbeaten streak to three with a tough goalless draw against Getafe. They face an Eibar side that humbled Sevilla 5-1 recently. Eibar has lost just once in the last nine matches, and despite Leganes’ recent form, the visitors look the stronger bet at 17/10.
Real Madrid 1/4
Draw 6/1
Real Sociedad 8/1
Real Madrid have hit some bumps, held to a 2-2 draw at Levante. Winning just over half their matches this season, pressure is mounting for Zidane’s team. Real Sociedad recently ended a four-match losing run with a dominant 5-0 victory over Deportivo. It’s safer to back Real Madrid on a Win/Draw Double Chance & Both Teams to Score market at 11/20.
Sunday 11 February
Sevilla 6/10
Draw 3/1
Girona 9/2
Sevilla were slammed 5-1 by Eibar, and their hold on sixth place, along with their Champions League hopes, are uncertain. Girona are flying high with a four-match unbeaten streak, currently eighth, and a win here could propel them to sixth. Back Girona on the Win/Draw & Both Teams to Score market at 24/10.
Barcelona 1/8
Draw 15/2
Getafe 17/1
Barcelona’s lead has shrunk but remains commanding after a 1-1 draw with Espanyol. Getafe aim to move up the table after a string of unbeaten matches but face tough opposition. Expect Barcelona to Score In Both Halves at 9/20.
Celta Vigo 9/10
Draw 49/20
Espanyol 31/10
Celta Vigo’s winning run ended with a loss to relegation-threatened Alaves. Espanyol have struggled lately, failing to win in four games but did secure a draw versus Barcelona. Expect the hosts to bounce back with a win.
Valencia 9/20
Draw 36/10
Levante 11/2
Valencia have lost three in a row, including a heavy defeat by Atletico Madrid. Levante, winless in 10 matches but with some draws, will be tough opponents. For value, back Valencia on the (-1) Handicap at 11/10, hoping for a return to form.
Monday 12 February
Deportivo 13/10
Draw 26/10
Real Betis 19/10
Deportivo strive to climb out of the relegation zone after seven winless matches, including a 5-0 loss to Real Sociedad. Real Betis are in good form, winning two of the last three away matches. The away win at 19/10 is a sensible punt.
QUAD @ 13/1
- Athletic Bilbao Win to Nil 16/10
- Villarreal Win 13/20
- Atletico Madrid Win 11/20
- Valencia (-1) Handicap 11/10
