Predictions for the 18th round of La Liga, January 2-4
Rayo Vallecano vs Getafe
The opening fixture of the Spanish Primera in 2026 will be a clash between Rayo Vallecano and Getafe at the "Campo de Vallecas." Both clubs have somewhat forgotten the taste of victory in the national championship. While the "city team" has lost in the last three rounds, the "bees" have not experienced a win for 7 consecutive games. It is important to note that both teams have an identical problem related to low scoring – 0.76 goals per match (only Real Oviedo is worse with 0.41). Notably, head-to-head encounters between Rayo Vallecano and Getafe have never been known for dynamic football – in 8 out of the last 9 instances, no more than 2 goals were scored.
Match Prediction for Rayo Vallecano vs Getafe: Total under 2 goals
Celta vs Valencia
The "Bats" are once again having a season where they are forced to fight to stay in the top flight. Currently, Valencia is only 1 point ahead of the relegation zone, which only increases the importance of the upcoming match. Meanwhile, the team from Vigo is having another quality season, competing for a spot in European competitions. It is important to consider that Carlos Corberan's team shows dismal efficiency in away matches – not a single win in 8 games. Valencia's current form, which includes 4 consecutive matches without a win, does not allow the club to be considered a favorite.
Match Prediction for Celta vs Valencia: Celta to win
Osasuna vs Athletic
Ernesto Valverde's team is desperately trying to improve their game, but futile attempts are not bringing the desired result. Currently, the "Basques" are content with the 8th place in the Spanish Primera standings, trailing the European competition zone by as much as 5 points. Athletic fans are concerned about the trip to "El Sadar" – this venue is a real fortress for the club from Pamplona. After 8 home matches, the "reds" have added 16 points to their tally. Athletic cannot boast the same efficiency in away matches – 7 points after 8 games. We suggest focusing on the strengths of the home team.
Match Prediction for Osasuna vs Athletic: Osasuna will not lose
Elche vs Villarreal
The "Yellow Submarine" hopes to continue participating in the title race – for this, they need to start the new calendar year with a victory. The trip to "Manuel Martinez Valero" will illustrate how resilient Villarreal's tactical model is against the opponent's effective counter-pressing. Interestingly, Elche has not lost at home this season – 5 wins and 4 draws (5th best in the league). It is important to note that the "green-striped" have traditionally been successful in recent years in head-to-head encounters with the "Yellow Submarine" at home – a series of 5 games without a loss.defeats. Our editorial team would not underestimate Eder Sarabia's squad.
Match Prediction for Elche vs Villarreal: Elche Will Not Lose
Espanyol vs Barcelona
What intrigues does the "Catalan derby" hold? This season, the head-to-head clash between Espanyol and Barcelona is particularly intriguing as both teams are in the European competition zone of the league table. In the current Spanish Primera campaign, the "Parakeets" have suffered only 2 defeats – against Betis (1:2) and Villarreal (0:2). Their current 5th position in the table clearly illustrates the ambitions of Manolo Gonzalez's squad. Espanyol's strength lies in their defense – conceding only 1 goal per match (for comparison, even Barcelona concedes more – about 1.11 goals per game). We do not expect a landslide victory for the visitors.
Match Prediction for Espanyol vs Barcelona: Barcelona's Individual Total Under 2.5 Goals
Sevilla vs Levante
Sevilla and Levante share one common trait – high instability. The "Nervionenses" under Matias Almeyda are showing solid game progress, but a lack of tactical flexibility and a shortage of mental leaders impact their variable results. The Valencian club remains at the bottom of the league table, trailing the safe 17th spot by 6 points. Let's note the average number of goals conceded by each side during the current Spanish Primera campaign: Sevilla – 1.53 goals per game, Levante – 1.81. Considering these statistical trends, we expect a high number of scoring errors from both teams.
Match Prediction for Sevilla vs Levante: Both Teams to Score (Yes)
Real Madrid vs Betis
A few unexpected slip-ups have led to Real Madrid currently playing the role of the chaser in the title race. It is important to consider that Xabi Alonso is still implementing his tactical ideas and needs time to build a stable project. What the "Galacticos" cannot be denied in the current Primera campaign is their effectiveness at the "Santiago Bernabeu" – only one defeat (against Celta – 0:2). However, we recommend considering the scoring outcomes of recent head-to-head matches in the capital – in 7 out of the last 8 instances, no more than two goals were scored. Both clubs are quite reliable in defense this season: the "Beticos" concede about 1.12 goals per game, while the "Los Blancos" – 0.89.
Match Prediction for Real Madrid vs Betis: Total Under 2.5 Goals
Alaves vs Real Oviedo
The "Carbayones" continue to be the least effective team in the league in terms of attacking play. In On average, Real Oviedo scores about 0.41 goals per game. A dismal result made possible by the absence of a skilled forward and an imbalance in the lines. It is also worth noting that the newcomer to the Spanish Primera has already managed to fire two coaches during the current Primera season—an indicator of not only a gameplay crisis but also an internal club crisis. Alaves, on the other hand, appears to be a more stable team with a clear strategy—at "Mendizorroza," Eduardo Coudet's squad is particularly convincing (14 points after 9 games). It is rational to build on the strengths of the home team.
Match Prediction for Alaves vs Real Oviedo: Alaves to Win
Mallorca vs Girona
The "Islanders" and "Girona" are hoping to start the new calendar year with a positive result for themselves. Both clubs are participants in the relegation battle—the difference between them is only 3 points. It is important to note that Mallorca is almost flawless at "Iberostar"—only one defeat in the current Primera season (against Barcelona in the opening round—0:3). The same cannot be said for Girona in away matches—only one win in 8 attempts (against Real Sociedad—2:1). Finally, the "red and whites" have only once in history triumphed at "Iberostar"—during the 2014/15 Segunda season (1:0). Our editorial team does not expect a change in trend or miracles from the visitors.
Match Prediction for Mallorca vs Girona: Mallorca to Win with a Handicap (0)
Real Sociedad vs Atletico
The "Colchoneros" are in good form and are looking to extend their winning streak in their first match of 2026. Despite being 9 points behind the top spot in the Spanish Primera, there are high chances that the capital club will pose serious competition to Real and Barcelona in the title race. Atletico traditionally performs well against Real Sociedad—only one defeat in the last 13 matches. The coaching change in the "royal" ranks will also affect the stability and quality of their football. Incidentally, the upcoming match will be the debut for Pellegrino Matarazzo at the helm of the "white and blues."
