Predictions for the 2nd Round of La Liga, August 22-25
Betis vs Alaves
Betis did not look their best in the opening match against Elche (1:1). Manuel Pellegrini's team appeared passive during the attacking phases and often failed to keep up with their opponent. Alaves, on the other hand, managed to overcome Levante (2:1) with some difficulty, but the club's creative issues have not disappeared. It is evident that both "Beticos" and "Glorious" will continue to ease into the season in the upcoming rounds, which will limit the number of goals scored in matches involving them.
Match Prediction for Betis vs Alaves: total under 2.5 goals
Mallorca vs Celta
Celta was an unpleasant surprise in the first round – Claudio Giraldez's men unexpectedly lost to Getafe (0:2) at "Balaidos". It was noticeable that the "Celts" are extremely unbalanced and not yet in optimal form to deliver consistent results. It was difficult to expect anything from Mallorca in their clash with Barcelona (0:3). Nevertheless, if not for the two red cards in the first half of the match, the "Vermilions" could have posed some problems for the reigning national champions. In our opinion, it will be extremely difficult for the visitors to secure a victory at "Iberostar". Editor's choice – Mallorca will not lose.
Match Prediction for Mallorca vs Celta: Mallorca will not lose
Atletico vs Elche
It will be interesting to observe Elche after their somewhat sensational draw with Betis (1:1) in the opening round of the championship. The "White-Greens" are the only newcomers in the championship who managed to earn points in their first match of the season. Meanwhile, Diego Simeone's team was defeated by Espanyol (1:2) in the capital of Catalonia. Note that the "Colchoneros" appeared extremely passive and found it difficult to move the ball to the opponent's half of the field. The match against Elche is an excellent chance to redeem themselves in front of their own fans. Especially since the "Green-Striped" have never earned points at "Wanda Metropolitano" – 8 defeats.
Match Prediction for Atletico vs Elche: Atletico to win with a handicap (-1.5)
Levante vs Barcelona
Finally, the "Ciudad de Valencia" stadium will once again witness a La Liga match. In the 2nd round of the championship, the local team will face the reigning national champions. The heartbreaking defeat of the "Frogs" in the final minutes against Alaves (1:2) was a real psychological blow for the league newcomer. Note that the head-to-head encounters between the teams in Valencia have been extremely high-scoring – at least 3 goals scored in 8 of the last 9 matches. There is no reason to expect a different outcome this coming Saturday.
Match Prediction for Levante vs Barcelona: total over 3 goals
Osasuna vs Valencia
The upcoming match between Osasuna and Valencia holds a lot of intrigue. Firstly, the "Reds" have not beaten the "Bats" in their last 4 home matches – 1 draw and 3 losses. In the previous La Liga season, both head-to-head encounters ended in a draw – 0:0 at "Mestalla" and 3:3 at "El Sadar". Currently, Osasuna is experiencing some gameplay issues related to a change in direction – the departure of Vicente Moreno, as well as Jesús Areso and Pablo Ibáñez, has inevitably impacted the team from Pamplona. Our editorial team anticipates potential gameplay problems in the home game against Valencia.
Match Prediction for Osasuna vs Valencia: Valencia will not lose
Villarreal vs Girona
Michel urgently needs to address Girona's problems. Gameplay instability and complete imbalance in the lines have plagued the team since last season when the departure of leaders marked dark times for the club. The start of the new championship also did not please the "white-red" fans – a defeat to Rayo Vallecano (1:3). It is worth noting that in the last 9 head-to-head matches with Villarreal, "Gironistes" have secured only 1 victory. The gameplay crisis, lineup uncertainties, and the lack of flexibility from the head coach are unlikely to allow Girona to succeed in the upcoming weekend.
Match Prediction for Villarreal vs Girona: Villarreal to win
Real Sociedad vs Espanyol
The "Parakeets" started the new season very ambitiously, managing to defeat Atlético Madrid (2:1). However, the trip to "Reale Arena" is unlikely to be easier. Over the last 6 head-to-head matches in San Sebastián, the hosts have consistently won. The previous success of the Catalan team dates back to the 2015/16 La Liga season (3:2). We assume that the local stands will be a key factor in determining the winner – the "Royals" are traditionally strong at their home ground, and this is unlikely to change against a clear underdog. Our pick – Real Sociedad to win.
Match Prediction for Real Sociedad vs Espanyol: Real Sociedad to win
Real Oviedo vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid struggled to overcome Osasuna (1:0) in the opening round of the championship. Nevertheless, the upcoming weekend presents the royal club with a great opportunity to achieve a convincing victory. The "Carbayones" completely fell apart after missing a penalty in the 14th minute of the first-round match, which led to total domination by Villarreal. Expecting anything different in the clash with Xabi Alonso's squad is quite naive. The previous success of Real Oviedo over the "Galacticos" dates back to December 1998 (1:0).
Match Prediction for Real Oviedo vs Real Madrid: Real Madrid to win with a handicap (-1)
Athletic vs Rayo Vallecano
Upcoming The matchup between Athletic and Rayo Vallecano is quite intriguing due to its headline. Under the guidance of Iñigo Pérez, the "Bees" have become a truly dangerous opponent for any team in La Liga. Their convincing away victory over Girona (3:1) in the opening round of the championship is a testament to that. It is also important to note the scoring trend in their head-to-head encounters at "San Mamés" – in the last 5 instances, there have been at least 3 goals scored. The proactive football of the "Lions" and the "Bees" at the start of this season gives hope for the continuation of this trend.
Match Prediction for Athletic vs Rayo Vallecano: total over 2 goals
Sevilla vs Getafe
Expecting significant progress from Sevilla during this season is rather naive. The "Nervionenses" have fallen victim to financial problems and an inability to adequately strengthen their squad. This is due to a prolonged crisis in recent years, which has often left the club without European competitions. In the first round match, the "Sevillistas" were close to a draw with Athletic (2:3) largely against the odds. We doubt that the organized Getafe will allow such a large number of positional errors, considering José Bordalás' focus on a low defensive block and strictness in build-up play.
