Predictions for the 21st round of La Liga, January 23-26
Levante vs Elche
The clash of newcomers to the elite Spanish division is always intriguing. This time, the "green-striped" team is in a winning position, but it's too early to write off Luis Castro's squad. Maintaining defensive reliability is the main issue for both clubs throughout the current La Liga season. While Elche concedes about 1.3 goals per game, Levante concedes as many as 1.7. The "Frogs" are forced to take risks as the gap from the safe 17th position increases with each round. The visitors could capitalize on this – Elche is effective in transition phases and has repeatedly punished opponents for overconfidence in ball control. We expect dynamic football with a good number of goals.
Match Prediction for Levante vs Elche: Both Teams to Score (Yes)
Rayo Vallecano vs Osasuna
In recent rounds, both teams have managed to solidify their positions in La Liga. Now, Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna are situated in the middle of the league table. It's important to note that the upcoming match will take place at "Campo de Vallecas." It is here that the "Bees" have succeeded in the last 3 head-to-head games. It's also crucial to consider that Osasuna is characterized by the worst away performance in the league – only 2 points earned in 10 matches. Alessio Lisci has yet to bring stability to the team – the "Reds" continue to make overly simplistic errors that prove costly. Our editorial team doubts the prospects of the visitors.
Match Prediction for Rayo Vallecano vs Osasuna: Rayo Vallecano to Win with Handicap (0)
Valencia vs Espanyol
In the upcoming La Liga round, the "Parrots" will visit the atmospheric "Mestalla." Despite another unconvincing season by the "Bats," their performances at home continue to be characterized by solid football. This season, the "Oranges" have recorded only 2 home defeats. Espanyol, on the other hand, is rightfully considered the revelation of the current La Liga season – the club continues to fight for European competition spots. Note that in the last 6 head-to-head encounters, neither team has managed to come out on top. Moreover, in the previous 7 instances, both teams scored. Considering the current statistical trends and the motivation of each side, we anticipate a dynamic development of events in this match.
Match Prediction for Valencia vs Espanyol: Both Teams to Score (Yes)
Sevilla vs Athletic
The "Nervionenses" are still under the threat of relegation. Matías Almeyda's squad is struggling to create a significant gap from the danger zone. In the last round of the national championship, Sevilla once again dropped points – this time in a match against Elche (2:2). The "Red-Whites" are on a winless streak.has reached the mark of 5 matches across all tournaments. Strangely enough, Athletic is experiencing similar issues. Ernesto Valverde's squad hasn't won in the last 4 rounds of the national championship. Head-to-head encounters between these teams are usually characterized by a slow pace and a minimal number of goals. In fact, in 9 of the last 10 meetings, no more than two goals were scored.
Match Prediction for Sevilla vs Athletic: Total Under 2.5 Goals
Villarreal vs Real Madrid
Arguably the most intriguing fixture of the upcoming La Liga round. Villarreal is still hoping to pose at least a nominal challenge in the title race. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is in dire need of a boost following a series of high-profile events – the sacking of Xabi Alonso and an early exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of a Segunda División side stand out among them. Despite a loss to Betis (0-2) in the last round, Villarreal is in excellent form. The team has suffered only one home defeat in the current La Liga season – to Barcelona (0-2). Moreover, the "Merengues" have only twice in their last 9 visits to "La Cerámica" returned with the maximum points. We anticipate serious resistance from Marcelino's squad.
Match Prediction for Villarreal vs Real Madrid: Villarreal Will Not Lose
Atletico vs Mallorca
Recently, Atletico Madrid has been successful in their encounters with Mallorca – their unbeaten streak has reached 6 consecutive matches. This season, the "Colchoneros" are actively competing for the championship – trailing the top spot by 8 points. Special attention should be given to Atletico's high efficiency in home matches – 9 wins and 1 draw in 10 games. The "Islanders" have only managed one away victory this season. We suggest placing a bet based on current statistical indicators. Diego Simeone's squad scores an average of 1.75 goals per game, while the "Vermilions" concede around 1.5 goals per match. We expect increased activity from the home side.
Match Prediction for Atletico vs Mallorca: Atletico Individual Total Over 1 Goal
Barcelona vs Real Oviedo
In the first round of the current championship, Barcelona achieved a convincing victory over Real Oviedo (3-1). Hansi Flick's squad is on a different development level, and the class difference between the clubs is immense. While the "Blaugrana" are steadily moving towards triumph in the championship, the "Carbayones" are, by most key statistical indicators, the worst team in the league. The club from Oviedo has undergone two managerial changes this season – an indicator of significant structural issues. Special attention should be paid to the dismal scoring rate of Guillermo Almada's squad – 0.55. Considering the away status of the match, we do not expect increased attacking activity from Real Oviedo.
Match Prediction for Barcelona vs Real Oviedo: Real Oviedo Will Not Score
Real Sociedad vs Celta
Celta is quite effective in away matches, having earned 18 points from 9 games (3rd best in the league). However, the trip to an in-form Real Sociedad will be a real test. The recent head-to-head history at the "Reale Arena" also does not favor the "Celts" – only one win in the last 5 encounters. The emotional factor should not be overlooked – the "Royals" are on the rise after appointing Pellegrino Matarazzo as head coach – the American specialist simplified the team's play by assigning clear roles to the players. The result was a recent sensational victory over Barcelona (2:1).
Match Prediction for Real Sociedad vs Celta: Real Sociedad to Win with a Handicap (0)
Alaves vs Betis
The current La Liga season is inconsistent for the "Glorious" team. Regular point losses and issues with attack development are reasons for the team's position in the relegation zone. Meanwhile, the Seville club is once again fighting for a spot in European competitions and is demonstrating quite mature football. Manuel Pellegrini's squad is one of the best in the league in terms of efficiency during transition phases. Fast wingers and a target forward regularly contribute to creating threats at the opponent's goal. It is also important to consider that both teams are capable of playing pragmatically and building on the strengths of their opponent. We note the average number of goals conceded by each side this season: 1.25 goals per game. Head-to-head encounters between the teams are not known for high scoring – in 5 out of the last 6 cases, no more than two goals were scored.
Match Prediction for Alaves vs Betis: Total Under 2.5 Goals
Girona vs Getafe
The final fixture of the 21st round of the Spanish La Liga is the clash between Girona and Getafe. The teams share similar issues with attacking efficiency: the "Red and Whites" score once per game, while the "Dark Blues" score about 0.75 times. Jose Bordalas' squad is a typical defensive team – employing a 4-4-2 formation with an emphasis on a high amount of duels. For Girona, this season is a real challenge – the loss of leaders and a crisis of coaching ideas force the club to fight for survival. Due to the aforementioned points, we do not expect a dynamic development of events or a high-scoring match.
