Predictions for the 37th round of La Liga, May 18
Atletico vs Betis
Do Diego Simeone's team really need bronze medals? Securing third place remains the only task for Atletico. The team has long resolved its issues and is not exerting much effort at the end of the season. Betis will visit, having only mathematical chances for the Champions League. However, for this to happen, Villarreal needs to lose their remaining two games, and Betis must collect the maximum number of points. Overall, we do not expect a spectacular show from this game, and the teams do not impress with their scoring in head-to-head meetings, as three of the last four have followed a low-scoring scenario.
Match Prediction for Atletico vs Betis: Total Under 2.5 Goals
Osasuna vs Espanyol
The hosts still have a chance to qualify for the Conference League. For Osasuna, participation in any European competition could be significant. Espanyol, on the other hand, is calmly finishing the season in the lower part of the standings. Relegation is unlikely to threaten them. It is interesting to note that the last five head-to-head meetings between the opponents ended in a draw and were low-scoring. It makes no sense to ignore this trend.
Match Prediction for Osasuna vs Espanyol: Total Under 2.5 Goals
Barcelona vs Villarreal
The "Catalans" did what they were supposed to in the last round. The championship is officially secured. In the upcoming round, they can give a chance to the reserves. But it seems even they will be stronger than Villarreal's main squad, which is almost certain to play in the Champions League, but sometimes struggles against top teams. Barcelona has an overwhelming advantage in head-to-heads, and the first-round match ended with their victory, 5-1. We will bet on class.
Match Prediction for Barcelona vs Villarreal: Home Win
Celta vs Rayo Vallecano
The "Sky Blues" have almost secured 7th place in the table and a ticket to the Europa League for next season. However, there is still a chance to drop lower. The upcoming round will decide a lot: Rayo Vallecano, who are just one spot below, will visit. The visitors could really use a win, as Osasuna might push them out of the Conference League zone. We expect a principled match and note this trend: Rayo Vallecano rarely scores more than one goal at the "Balaidos" arena. In the last five head-to-head meetings, the team only scored two goals once, and in the other four instances, they did not score at all.
Match Prediction for Celta vs Rayo Vallecano: Away Team Total Under 1 Goal
Mallorca vs Getafe
The "Islanders" have had an inconsistent season. Three defeats in their last four games have distanced the team from the European competition zone. However, there are still chances for the Conference League, though they need some help from competitors in the form of dropped points.In the upcoming match, a victory is necessary, and the opponent is suitable for this – Getafe, who have suffered six consecutive defeats and are not particularly eager to play football at the end of the tournament. Mallorca has won three of the last four head-to-head meetings and is highly motivated for the upcoming match.
Prediction for the Mallorca vs Getafe match: home win
Real Sociedad vs Girona
This is a meeting between opponents who are neighbors in the standings but are not contending for anything. The match holds no significance in the standings, so don't expect any spectacle. Both teams have certain losses, and squad rotation is possible. Sociedad and Girona have struggled with scoring in recent rounds, and the last three head-to-head meetings ended with a minimal number of goals. The choice is obvious.
Prediction for the Real Sociedad vs Girona match: total under 2.5 goals
Real Valladolid vs Alaves
The hosts haven't won since January and have long guaranteed their relegation to the lower division. Even the home fans can't help Valladolid: the last round's match was lost to Girona with a score of 0:1. Alaves, who are focused on their survival, will be visiting. The team has almost secured their place in the elite for the next season, having defeated Valencia during the week, but they need to push a little more. The first-round meeting was won by Valladolid, but in the upcoming game, their chances seem slim.
Prediction for the Real Valladolid vs Alaves match: away win
Sevilla vs Real Madrid
Try to find intrigue in this match. It won't work, no matter how hard you try. Sevilla is just going through the motions at the end of the season, rarely picking up points, while Real officially lost the last tournament of the year in the previous round. The "Merengues" are awaiting the arrival of Xabi Alonso as head coach, who has officially left Bayer, while Carlo Ancelotti is set to take charge of the Brazilian national team. We expect squad rotations, but even that won't change the balance of power.
Prediction for the Sevilla vs Real Madrid match: away win
Las Palmas vs Leganes
The hosts are definitely relegating to the Segunda, and in the upcoming round, they might drag Leganes down with them. The "Pepineros" do have a chance to stay in the elite, but those chances are close to zero. Alaves, who are above them, will play against the bottom team – Real Valladolid in the upcoming round, and a victory would send Leganes to the Segunda. But until that happens, they need to fight until the end. Las Palmas have won the last three home head-to-head meetings, but this time, the level of motivation will play a role.
Prediction for the Las Palmas vs Leganes match: away win with a handicap (0)
Valencia vs Athletic
The "Oranges" still have a chance to sneak into the European competitions. However, the question remains, does this Valencia really need the Conference League? The team only remembered how to play football towards the end of the season and delivered a good series of performances. Athletic, who have secured their participation in the Champions League for next season, will be visiting. The match holds more of a local significance, and it's unlikely that the opponents will push themselves to the limit. The main factor could be Athletic's defense, which hasn't conceded a goal in the last three rounds.
