Predictions for the 26th Round of La Liga, February 27 – March 2
Levante vs Alaves
Both teams have struggled to find success in their matches for quite some time. Their standings in the league table further prove that the situation for the "Glorious" and the "Frogs" is far from positive. However, it's important to note that Alaves has only managed one away victory against Levante in the last 6 years. The "Frogs," with their flexibility, are capable of adapting to the slow-paced football of their upcoming opponent and can delight their fans with a satisfactory result. Moreover, in their last 6 games at the "Ciutat de València" this season, the Valencian club has suffered only 2 defeats. We expect the hosts to earn some points.
Match Prediction for Levante vs Alaves: Levante to win with a handicap (0)
Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic
The "Basques" are gradually strengthening their position in the league table after a frankly disastrous first half of the season. In their last 4 matches in the Spanish Primera, Athletic has secured three victories and one draw. Currently, the "Lions" are just 3 points away from the TOP-6. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano continues to struggle, sitting just 2 points above the relegation zone. Significant structural issues and disagreements between the head coach and management could lead to dire consequences. Interestingly, Athletic's unbeaten streak against Rayo Vallecano has reached 8 consecutive matches. We do not expect this trend to change on the upcoming Saturday.
Match Prediction for Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic: Athletic will not lose
Barcelona vs Villarreal
Arguably, the main match of the 26th round of the Spanish Primera will take place at "Camp Nou." After the last round, the "Blaugrana" managed to regain the top spot in the league table, but maintaining it will be significantly more challenging. It is especially important to consider the factor of the resurgent Villarreal – the "Yellow Submarine" has suffered only one defeat in their last 5 matches. In the first round of the current championship, Marcelino's team also put up a commendable fight against "Barça," posing serious resistance at "La Cerámica." According to our editorial team, a walk in the park should not be expected for the Catalan club this coming Saturday.
Match Prediction for Barcelona vs Villarreal: Villarreal to win with a handicap (+2.5)
Mallorca vs Real Sociedad
Pellegrino Matarazzo and his team will visit "Iberostar" this time to face Mallorca in a head-to-head clash. The "White and Blues" are having a fantastic run and have seriously joined the race for European competition spots. The gap from the TOP-6 in the Spanish Primera is 5 points – a quite recoverable distance. It's important to note that with the arrival of the American specialist, Real Sociedad has become one of the highest-scoring teams in the league, averaging 1.48 goals per match (6th result in the league). However, Mallorca cannot boast a reliable defense in the current tournament – conceding 1.64 goals per match. Even Jagoba Arrasate's principles do not contribute to improving their defensive play.
Prediction for the match Mallorca vs Real Sociedad: Real Sociedad's individual total over 1 goal.
Real Oviedo vs Atletico
Atletico Madrid managed to qualify for the Champions League Round of 16 midweek, but they must not forget their objectives in La Liga. The trip to the "Carbayones" is a great opportunity to strengthen their position in the league table. Real Oviedo is rightly considered the weakest team in the league, not only based on their table position but also the quality of football they display. In the context of choosing a bet, we strongly recommend paying attention to the average scoring of Guillermo Almada's team – 0.67 goals per game (the absolute worst result in the league). Meanwhile, the "Colchoneros" remain one of the most effective teams in the league in terms of defensive play.
Prediction for the match Real Oviedo vs Atletico: both teams to score (no)
Elche vs Espanyol
Among the teams experiencing a catastrophic crisis in the second half of the season is Elche. The "Green-striped" have been unable to win in their last 9 matches. From a team that at one point even contended for European competition spots, Elche now leads the relegation zone by just 1 point. Interestingly, a similar situation characterizes Espanyol – no wins in 2026 and, as a result, a drop to the 7th position in the league table. Both clubs are not known for high scoring and are quite pragmatic in their tactical approach. In 3 of the last 4 head-to-head encounters between the "Green-striped" and the "Parakeets," no more than two goals were scored. We anticipate this trend to continue.
Prediction for the match Elche vs Espanyol: total under 2.5 goals
Valencia vs Osasuna
The "Bats," despite glimpses of decent play, continue to be highly unstable and are balancing between the relegation zone and the safe spots. Currently, they are only 2 points clear of the 18th position. Such a situation inevitably puts pressure on the coaching staff and players. Osasuna, on the other hand, is showing the opposite trend – a series of 6 matches without a loss and a position within the top half of the season. Alessio Lisci has managed to instill a systematic style of play in his team, based on sound defensive actions. Notably, in the last 5 personal meetings at "Mestalla," Osasuna has suffered only one defeat.
Prediction for the match Valencia vs Osasuna: Osasuna will not lose
Betis vs Sevilla
One of the most intriguing fixtures of the upcoming round of the Spanish La Liga is the "Seville derby." The clubs are fighting for different objectives, but there is no doubt that the match will maintain a high level of intensity throughout. Interestingly, historically, head-to-head encounters between these teams are characterized by a low number of goals – in 7 of the last 8 instances, no more than 2 goals were scored. Both Manuel Pellegrini and Matias Almeida are not proponents of an aggressive pressing style – they prefer to play to the strengths of their opponents. Our editorial team expects a slow-paced development and a lot of contest.
Match Prediction for Betis vs Sevilla: Total under 2.5 goals
Girona vs Celta
The "White and Reds" are characterized by one of the most unreliable defensive lines in the league. On average, Michel's team concedes 1.6 goals per game (18th in the championship). Meanwhile, Celta is capable of creating sharpness in transitional phases. Considering Girona's regular problems in build-up play, there is a high probability of numerous defensive issues for the home side. In 7 of the last 9 head-to-head matches, the team from Vigo has managed to score against their opponents. It is also important to note the following trend – in the last 5 games of the current season, the "White and Reds" have conceded in every match. We anticipate increased activity from the visitors, especially given their decent chances to secure a spot in the TOP-6 of La Liga.
Match Prediction for Girona vs Celta: Celta's individual total over 1 goal
Real Madrid vs Getafe
In the final fixture of the 26th round of the Spanish La Liga, the "Santiago Bernabeu" will witness a head-to-head clash between local Real Madrid and Getafe. The "Whites" unexpectedly lost in the last round, allowing Barcelona to regain the lead in the standings. Now, Alvaro Arbeloa's team cannot afford to drop points – it could cost them the coveted championship. Interestingly, Getafe will be visiting the "Galacticos." In recent years, the "City" team has been causing significant problems for the formidable opponent. For 11 consecutive head-to-head games, Real Madrid has not been able to secure a large victory over the "Dark Blues."
