Predictions for the 13th round of La Liga, November 21-24
Valencia vs Levante
The opening match of the 13th round of the Spanish La Liga is intriguing due to its headline – a face-off between participants in the relegation battle. The "Bats" are experiencing a serious playing crisis, having not won in their last 7 rounds of the national championship. The "Frogs" have also not tasted victory in 4 consecutive games. It is important to note the unconvincing defensive performances of the teams: Valencia concedes an average of 1.75 goals per match, Levante – 1.92. Considering such serious defensive issues and the need for points, it is reasonable to expect a high number of individual errors and an exchange of goals.
Match Prediction for Valencia vs Levante: Both Teams to Score (Yes)
Alaves vs Celta
For the past two seasons, the "Glorious" have not lost to the "Celts" at their home "Mendizorrotza". It is also important to consider Alaves' excellent performance in home matches this season – only one defeat in 6 games. Additionally, focus should be on the tactical characteristics of each team. Eduardo Coudet's squad is known for its compact defense, conceding only 0.92 goals per game (3rd best in the league). Meanwhile, Celta struggles with ball possession and breaking down strong defensive lines. In our opinion, we are in for a scrappy match that will not deliver spectacular football or a high number of goals.
Match Prediction for Alaves vs Celta: Total Under 2.5 Goals
Barcelona vs Athletic
The current form of the "Basques" does not inspire confidence – Ernesto Valverde's team has suffered 3 defeats in their last 4 matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, the "Blaugrana" are incredibly motivated and cannot afford to drop points in the context of the title race. Let's pay attention to the head-to-head statistics between Barcelona and Athletic on Catalan soil – the last away victory for the "Lions" dates back to the distant 2001/02 La Liga season (2:1). We also cannot ignore the following pattern – the team from Bilbao has secured only one away victory in all competitions this season (out of 7 attempts). Our editorial team expects an extremely difficult game for the "Red and Whites" and does not anticipate a change in the current trends.
Match Prediction for Barcelona vs Athletic: Barcelona to Win with Handicap (-1)
Osasuna vs Real Sociedad
It seems Sergio Francisco has convinced the club's management with his recent work, and rumors of his dismissal are gradually dissipating. The "White and Blues" have gone unbeaten in 6 consecutive matches across all competitions, allowing them to pull away from the relegation zone, thereby reducing the pressure from the football community. The team from Pamplona, however, cannot boast of good form – not a single victory in the last 4 rounds.Examples. Moreover, in 3 out of 4 instances, the "reds" failed to even hit the target against their opponent. Despite the classic tactical mechanisms employed by Alessio Lisci, Osasuna's football cannot be described as simple or overly banal. Establishing balance and stability definitely requires more time.
Match Prediction for Osasuna vs Real Sociedad: Real Sociedad will not lose
Villarreal vs Mallorca
Interestingly, Villarreal is currently among the contenders in the championship race. The "Yellow Submarine" is only 5 points behind the top position in the league standings. It is important to highlight Marcelino's team's exemplary efficiency in home matches – 5 wins and 1 draw in 6 matches played. Finally, Villarreal's unbeaten streak in head-to-head matches with Mallorca has reached 4 consecutive games. The "Islanders" are quite mediocre in away matches – only one win in 6 La Liga rounds. Poor form and significant problems with positional attacks are unlikely to allow the visitors to achieve a positive result.
Match Prediction for Villarreal vs Mallorca: Villarreal to win with a handicap (-1)
Real Oviedo vs Rayo Vallecano
The "Carbayones" continue their efforts to climb up from the bottom of the league table. Real Oviedo has faced Rayo Vallecano quite often in recent years in the Segunda – in 6 out of the last 7 encounters, the "Bees" did not lose to their opponent. This season, Real Oviedo is experiencing significant problems even in home matches – only one win in 6 attempts. The statistics are not in favor of Luis Carrión's team either, with a scoring rate of 0.58 goals per game (the worst in the league) and conceding 1.67. In our opinion, Rayo Vallecano is a much more organized team, capable of taking the initiative and capitalizing on it.
Match Prediction for Real Oviedo vs Rayo Vallecano: Rayo Vallecano to win with a handicap (0)
Betis vs Girona
The "Heliopolitans" continue their ascent up the league table. Currently, Manuel Pellegrini and his team are content with the 5th position in the league standings and are seriously aiming for a top-4 finish thanks to the excellent form of their players. The "Green-and-Whites" are particularly convincing at their home ground, "Benito Villamarín" – only two defeats in 8 matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, Girona is likely to fight for survival in the current La Liga season – only 2 victories in 12 rounds and a provisional 18th place in the table contribute to this. Notably, only once in history have the "White-and-Reds" been stronger than the "Beticos" away (in the 2009/10 Segunda season – 1:0).
Match Prediction for Betis vs Girona: Betis Victory
Getafe vs Atletico
In the 13th round of the Spanish La Liga, the "city" team will try to withstand the attacking pressure of the "mattress makers" and secure a position within the TOP-10 of the league table. Surprisingly, Atletico Madrid has not been convincing in away matches – only 1 win in 7 matches across all competitions. The last encounter between the teams at the "Coliseum Alfonso Perez" ended in a victory for the home side – Jose Bordalas' squad was stronger with a score of 2:1 (in March of this year). Getafe has only slipped up once at their home ground this season – a defeat to Real Madrid (0:1). Our editorial team does not expect an easy ride for the "Indians".
Match Prediction for Getafe vs Atletico: Getafe to Win with Handicap (+1)
Elche vs Real Madrid
After dropping points in the last round, the "Whites" allowed Barcelona to close the gap to 3 points. It's no secret that Real Madrid is particularly strong and remarkably efficient in home matches – the maximum possible 18 points after 6 matches (the best result in the league). Additionally, the "Galacticos" boast the best defense in the league – conceding 0.83 goals per game. The head-to-head history is also intriguing – Elche's last home victory over Real Madrid dates back to the 1977/78 La Liga season (3:1). Current statistical trends and the teams' current form practically leave no chance for the "Green-Striped".
Match Prediction for Elche vs Real Madrid: Real Madrid to Win with Handicap (-1)
Espanyol vs Sevilla
Sevilla is an extremely challenging opponent for the "Parakeets". Over the last 12 head-to-head matches, the Catalan team has been unable to succeed against the "Nervionenses". Espanyol's last victory dates back to the 2016/17 La Liga season (3:1). Strangely enough, Matias Almeyda's squad has been quite effective on the road this season – 9 points after 6 matches (4th best in the league). Currently, Sevilla is undergoing a rebuilding phase, so the club's instability is quite natural. Our editorial team expects the visitors to capitalize on their strengths and continue the current trends.
