Predictions for the 1st Round of La Liga, August 15-19
Girona vs Rayo Vallecano
After a dreadful last season, the "Girona" team intends to redeem themselves in front of their fans and avoid the need to participate in the relegation battle. The opponent for the opening round of the championship is very serious – Rayo Vallecano under Iñigo Pérez. The "Bees" proved themselves last season as a team capable of effectively pressing and punishing opponents for build-up errors. There is no certainty that the "white and reds" have learned from their mistakes and can outplay a more organized team. We suggest the following bet – Rayo Vallecano will not lose.
Match Prediction Girona vs Rayo Vallecano: the visitors will not lose
Villarreal vs Real Oviedo
Matches involving newcomers to the championship at the start of the season are always interesting. It will be intriguing to see what kind of football the "Carbayones" will play and whether the coaching staff can adapt the club to the standards of La Liga. Villarreal, under the guidance of Marcelino, was one of the most entertaining teams of the last championship (3rd in scoring in the league). We assume that the "Yellow Submarine" will once again be incredibly dangerous in transition phases, even despite the departure of the team's main engine, Alejandro Baena. The difference in experience and class is obvious – we choose Villarreal to win with a handicap (-1).
Match Prediction Villarreal vs Real Oviedo: home win with a handicap (-1)
Mallorca vs Barcelona
For Mallorca, "Barça" remains unconquered since the 2008/09 La Liga season. Back then, goals from Juan Arango and Cléber Santana allowed the "Islanders" to celebrate success at the "Iberostar" (2:1). Despite the "Blaugrana's" inactivity in the transfer market, Hansi Flick's team has certainly not become weaker. The same Marcus Rashford, taken on loan, will not spoil the picture but will only add depth to the squad over the course of the season. Barcelona's visit to Mallorca last season ended in a real fiasco for the hosts – a 1:5 defeat. A similar scenario is likely for the upcoming weekend.
Match Prediction Mallorca vs Barcelona: away win with a handicap (-1)
Alavés vs Levante
Levante finally achieved their goal and returned to the elite division of Spanish football. Let's recall that the "Frogs" were the most stable team in the Segunda last season, which allowed them to triumphantly finish the tournament in 1st place. Alavés fought for survival until the last round last season, constantly experiencing organizational problems. Eduardo Coudet cannot be called an excellent tactician; his strength lies in his ability to motivate his players. It was this maneuver that allowed the "Glorious" to retain their place in the elite. Frankly, it is completely unclear why the visitors should lose to the "Bean Destroyers" in the opening round.
Match Prediction for Alaves vs Levante: the visitors will not lose
Valencia vs Real Sociedad
Fans of the "Bats" are optimistic about Carlos Corberan's first full season at the helm of Valencia. It should be noted that with the arrival of the Spanish specialist during the last campaign, the club not only managed to retain its place in the elite but also secured a mid-table finish. Valencia's management has made several intriguing transfer deals in the off-season, which should only strengthen the team's roster. However, what the "Royals" are capable of under Sergio Francisco is still unclear. We suggest considering a victory for Valencia with a handicap (0).
Match Prediction for Valencia vs Real Sociedad: home win with handicap (0)
Celta vs Getafe
For over three years, Getafe has not known victory at "Balaidos." It seems that at the moment, the "City" team is stagnating, completely failing to adapt their tactical style to the realities of modern football. A rather rough style of play with a deep defensive line and looking for chances through long balls are Jose Bordalas's ideas. In 8 of the last 9 head-to-head matches at "Balaidos," no more than 2 goals were scored. We anticipate witnessing another sluggish game with few goals – total under 2.5 goals.
Match Prediction for Celta vs Getafe: total under 2.5 goals
Athletic vs Sevilla
The "Basques" had a terrible pre-season, losing 6 out of 7 matches. Nevertheless, making bold predictions for the season based on friendly match results is rather absurd. The most important transfer for Athletic was the acquisition of Jesus Areso from Osasuna. The need for a quality wing-back was evident even during last season. As for Sevilla, not much should be expected. The club is in a poor financial situation and cannot afford to strengthen problematic positions. Moreover, the philosophy according to which the "Nervionenses" will proceed through the season is still unclear. We are backing a victory for Athletic.
Match Prediction for Athletic vs Sevilla: home win
Espanyol vs Atletico
For four consecutive head-to-head matches, the clubs have been unable to determine a winner. The previous encounter between Espanyol and Atletico at "Cornella-El Prat" ended in a hard-fought 1:1 draw. In 3 of the last 4 head-to-head encounters, no more than 2 goals were scored, and the teams' football was characterized by a high degree of passivity. Both Manolo Gonzalez and Diego Simeone are proponents of counter-attacking football with an emphasis on a large number of vertical passes. Therefore, a goal fest should not be expected – total under 2.5 goals.
Match Prediction for Espanyol vs Atletico: total under 2.5 goals
Elche vs Betis
Betis is a particularly challenging opponent for Elche, with only 1 win in the last 6 attempts. The newcomer to the Spanish La Liga has a very modest roster, making them the main candidate for relegation at the end of the upcoming season. The "Beticos," on the other hand, looked convincing in the previous La Liga campaign and even managed to reach the final of the Conference League. The credit goes to Manuel Pellegrini, whose ability to individually adapt to each opponent has allowed the Seville club to become a real force in Spain. We are backing a Betis victory with a (0) handicap.
Prediction for the Elche vs Betis match: away win with handicap (0).
Real Madrid vs Osasuna
The final match of the opening round of the Spanish La Liga will be the encounter between Real Madrid and Osasuna. The "Los Blancos" are one of the most intriguing teams this season, largely characterized by the arrival of Xabi Alonso. As we saw in the Club World Cup, the Spanish specialist is not intending to deviate from his principles and plans to integrate most of the tactical ideas that gained recognition at Bayer. The last home defeat of the "Los Blancos" by Osasuna was recorded in the 2003/04 season (0:3). Considering the "restructuring" happening at Osasuna, we do not expect a surprise in the capital. Our pick is a Real Madrid victory with a (-1.5) handicap.
