Predictions for the 27th round of La Liga, March 6-9
Celta – Real Madrid
The "Los Blancos" find themselves in a tough spot – they have lost the last two matches in the national championship. It's particularly disappointing that Álvaro Arbeloa's team dropped points where it was least expected. Now, the gap from Barcelona has increased to 4 points. Expecting the match against Celta to be an easy walk for the visitors is very naive. It's enough to recall the head-to-head clash in the first round of the championship – back then, the "Sky Blues" won 2-0 at the "Santiago Bernabéu". It's also important to note that Celta's unbeaten streak across all competitions has reached 5 matches in a row. Our editorial team anticipates strong resistance from the hosts.
Match Prediction Celta – Real Madrid: Celta will not lose
Osasuna – Mallorca
Mallorca's management has run out of patience and recently dismissed head coach Jagoba Arrasate. Currently, the "Islanders" are within the relegation zone, trailing the safe 17th spot by 2 points. The club's current losing streak has reached 4 matches in a row. Meanwhile, Osasuna has managed to find balance in their play and is gradually adapting to Alessio Lisci's tactical demands. The Italian specialist emphasizes clear actions in the build-up and reliable defense. In 5 of the last 6 matches, the "Reds" conceded no more than 1 goal. Meanwhile, Mallorca has only managed to score once in their last 4 games.
Match Prediction Osasuna – Mallorca: both teams to score (no)
Levante – Girona
The "Frogs" are desperately trying to escape the relegation zone and maintain their place in the elite of Spanish football for the next season. Meanwhile, Girona has also not secured their participation in the upcoming La Liga season – the gap from the 18th spot is 6 points. In the context of this matchup, it's important to note that both clubs are known for their defensive issues. Let's record the average number of goals conceded by each team this season: "Frogs" – 1.69, "White and Reds" – 1.62. It's equally important to note that in 5 of the last 6 head-to-head meetings, both teams have scored.
Match Prediction Levante – Girona: both teams to score (yes)
Atletico – Real Sociedad
The "Colchoneros" had a physically demanding match against Barcelona midweek (0-3), which will continue to be a subject of criticism towards Diego Simeone and his team. Meanwhile, the "Royal" team is in good form under the guidance of Pellegrino Matarazzo, who has managed to identify the strengths of his squad. Recall that in the first round of the current championship, the teams couldn't determine the stronger side – the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Only twice in the previous 12 head-to-head encounters has the capital club managed to win by more than 1 goal. This once again highlights that Real Sociedad is a challenging opponent for Diego Simeone and his team.
Match Prediction for Atletico – Real Sociedad: Real Sociedad to win with a handicap (+1.5)
Athletic – Barcelona
The "Blaugrana" are by far the most prolific team in the league, averaging 2.73 goals per match. Hansi Flick employs the beloved "tiki-taka" in the Catalan capital, allowing for territorial dominance over opponents and forcing them to play by their rules. Note that in Barcelona's last 3 matches across all competitions, the team has managed to score at least 3 goals per game. Meanwhile, denying Athletic's organizational issues is pointless – Ernesto Valverde is still far from returning his team to last season's form. In the last 15 consecutive games across all competitions, the "Basques" have been unable to keep a clean sheet.
Match Prediction for Athletic – Barcelona: Barcelona's individual total over 1.5 goals
Villarreal – Elche
At the end of the first half of the season, few could have imagined that Elche would be fighting for survival. Currently, the "Green-striped" are in 17th place in the standings, just 2 points above the relegation zone. It's important to note that Eder Sarabia is simply unable to cope with the ongoing game crisis – their winless streak has reached 10 consecutive matches. Pay attention to the following interesting trend – Elche has yet to win an away game in the current Spanish Primera season. Meanwhile, the "Yellow Submarine" is quite convincing at the "Ceramica" – 31 points collected after 13 matches. Finally, Villarreal has not lost to Elche at home since 2013.
Match Prediction for Villarreal – Elche: Villarreal to win
Getafe – Betis
One of the highlights of Sunday's program in the Spanish Primera is the clash between Getafe and Betis. Both clubs are in good form and have decent chances to finish the current season on a high note. José Bordalás' team is deservedly considered one of the most challenging opponents for any representative of the Spanish Primera. In the last 6 matches, the "City" team has suffered only one defeat. Moreover, Getafe has not conceded more than one goal in 7 consecutive games. Meanwhile, the "Beticos" are not known for desperate and aggressive pressing – Manuel Pellegrini is more of a proponent of a waiting game. We anticipate low scoring in the match.
Prediction for the match Getafe – Betis: total under 2.5 goals
Sevilla – Rayo Vallecano
The "Nervionenses" have traditionally been effective in head-to-head encounters with the "Bees" – Sevilla has been unable to defeat their opponent for 6 consecutive games. It's equally important to note that this season, even Matias Almeida's team looks more convincing than Rayo Vallecano. Inigo Perez has faced a serious issue with emotional burnout and has to endure scandals off the pitch. This inevitably affects the club's stability and its results. Rayo Vallecano's last away victory in the Spanish Primera dates back to October of last year against Levante (3:0). Our editorial team does not expect positive news for the visitors.
Prediction for the match Sevilla – Rayo Vallecano: Sevilla to win with a handicap (0)
Valencia – Alaves
The final fixture of the Sunday program in the Spanish Primera will feature a clash between Valencia and Alaves at "Mestalla". Both clubs are positioned in the lower half of the league table, maintaining chances of relegation. It's especially disappointing for the "Bats" – the club has one of the best fan bases in the country, a grand history, and now has to fight to stay in the elite of Spanish football. Our editorial team anticipates a match filled with aerial duels and characterized by a high degree of competition. Let's note the following trend – in 6 of the last 7 head-to-head matches, there were no more than two goals scored.
Prediction for the match Valencia – Alaves: total under 2.5 goals
Espanyol – Real Oviedo
The "Carbayones" still don't see the light at the end of the tunnel – their results continue to disappoint fans. Currently, the gap from the safe 17th position has increased to 9 points. Espanyol is also in poor form, yet they maintain the 7th position in the league table. However, it should be noted that the "Parakeets" have been unable to win in their last 9 matches. This series not only affects the team's league standing but also contributes to a worsening mental state. Both clubs are experiencing some defensive issues, and it's hard to believe they will manage to play securely at their own goal.
