La Liga
La Liga MD31 Preview: Full Team News & Predictions
The La Liga season is entering a decisive stage, and every fixture this weekend carries significance whether for the title race, European qualification, or survival.
Real Madrid vs Girona
Real Madrid return to the Santiago Bernabéu needing a response after a damaging 2–1 defeat to Mallorca that widened the gap between themselves and Barcelona.
With eight games remaining and a seven-point deficit to close, Los Blancos have entered must-win territory. Their Champions League loss to Bayern Munich added further pressure, leaving Álvaro Arbeloa with little margin for rotation.
Madrid’s record at home remains a source of optimism. Thirteen wins from fifteen league matches underline their strength at the Bernabéu, yet Girona poses a challenge.
The Catalan side has collected fifteen points from fifteen away games and arrives with confidence after victories over Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao in recent weeks.
Historically, Real Madrid have the upper hand in this fixture, winning eight of the thirteen meetings. But Girona have shown they can cause problems.
They famously won at the Bernabéu in 2019 and drew the reverse fixture 1–1 earlier this season.
Team News
Rodrygo, Thibaut Courtois, and Franco Mastantuono are ruled out for Madrid, though Ferland Mendy is expected to return.
Arbeloa is likely to adjust his side with Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Fran García, and Eduardo Camavinga all in contention to start. Jude Bellingham has been confirmed in the XI, while Aurélien Tchouameni should play due to his Champions League suspension.
Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé continue as the main attacking threats.
For Girona, Portu, Donny van de Beek, Juan Carlos, Marc-André ter Stegen, and Ricard Artero remain injured. Vladyslav Vanat and Daley Blind will be assessed, with Abel Ruiz ready to step in should Vanat miss out.
Ivan Martín is expected to keep his place.
Prediction:
Real Madrid 2–1 Girona
Madrid are struggling for rhythm, but the urgency of their situation and home advantage should be enough to secure a narrow but vital win.
Real Sociedad vs Alavés
Real Sociedad continues its push for European football after a 2–0 win over Levante strengthened its hold on seventh place. Pellegrino Matarazzo’s men have been particularly strong at Anoeta, winning eight of their fifteen home league games.
They have built momentum with three consecutive home victories in all competitions.
Alavés, however, remains something of a bogey side for La Real. They won the reverse fixture this season, have claimed the last three league meetings, and have not lost away to Sociedad in La Liga since March 2022.
Their recent form unbeaten in three adds another layer of intrigue.
Team News
Sociedad will be without Iñaki Rupérez, Álvaro Odriozola, Yangel Herrera, and Jon Gorrotxategi. Igor Zubeldia will undergo a late assessment, but the starting XI is expected to mirror it.
The side that beat Levante, with Mikel Oyarzabal again leading the line.
For Alavés, Carlos Protesoni is a doubt, though Denis Suárez returns from suspension. Lucas Boyé should start after scoring off the bench in the previous match, alongside the in-form Toni Martínez.
Carles Aleñá and Abde Rebbach could come into the midfield setup.
Prediction:
Real Sociedad 2–1 Alavés
Alavés have frustrated Sociedad in recent seasons, but the hosts’ improved form and home momentum may give them the edge in a tight encounter.
Barcelona vs Espanyol
Barcelona entered the Catalan derby after a 2–0 Champions League loss to Atlético Madrid, but Hansi Flick’s side remains dominant in La Liga.
Six consecutive league wins and a seven-point lead over Real Madrid have cemented them as clear favourites for the title.
Espanyol, meanwhile, is in free fall. They have not won a league match in 2026 and have dropped from potential top-four contenders to tenth place.
Their struggles are further amplified by a dreadful derby record they have not beaten Barcelona in La Liga since 2009.
Barcelona have also won the last four meetings between the sides and appear well-placed to extend that streak.
Team News
Barcelona is likely to be without Pedri due to hamstring discomfort. Gavi, who played the entire second half against Atlético, is in line for his first start since August.
Frenkie de Jong could return to the squad, while Christensen and Raphinha remain out. Flick is expected to rotate, with Ronald Araújo, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Fermín López, and Ferran Torres all candidates to start.
Pau Cubarsí, suspended for the next Champions League fixture, should retain his place here.
Espanyol welcome Pere Milla back from suspension. Javi Puado is still unavailable and Clemens Riedel is suspended.
Fernando Calero is expected to replace him in the back line.
Prediction:
Barcelona 3–1 Espanyol
Espanyol may aim to capitalise on Barcelona’s Champions League setback, but Flick’s side have been flawless domestically and should secure another convincing derby win.
Sevilla vs Atlético Madrid
Sevilla continues to battle relegation following a run of three consecutive league defeats. With just two points separating them from the drop zone, pressure is mounting on Luis Garcia Plaza and his players.
Their poor home record, the second worst in the division, only deepens concern.
Atlético Madrid arrives buoyed by a monumental 2–0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League. With a semi-final within reach and the Copa del Rey final looming. La Liga naturally becomes a lower priority for Diego Simeone.
Heavy rotation is expected, especially as Atlético have lost their last two league matches and remain comfortably in the top four.
Team News
Sevilla continues without Marcao, while César Azpilicueta faces a late fitness decision. Lucien Agoumé returns from suspension, and Gabriel Suazo along with Chidera Ejuke could slot into the starting lineup.
Tanguy Nianzou and José Ángel Carmona are suspended.
Atlético will be without Koke and Nico González due to suspension. José Giménez, Johnny Cardoso, Pablo Barrios, and David Hancko remain doubtful.
Simeone is likely to rest key players, meaning Giuliano Simeone, Julián Álvarez, Antoine Griezmann, and Marcos Llorente may all start from the bench. Alexander Sørloth should lead the line, with Obed Vargas involved in midfield.
Prediction:
Sevilla 1–1 Atlético Madrid
Atlético’s attention is focused elsewhere, but Sevilla’s poor form makes it difficult to back them for a win. A cautious, hard-fought draw appears the most probable outcome.
Osasuna vs Real Betis
Osasuna maintains its push for European places after taking four points from its last two matches. Their home record has been excellent all season, with only two defeats at El Sadar.
Another win would move them closer to sixth-placed Celta Vigo.
Real Betis travel to Pamplona without a league win in nearly two months. They continue to slip due to too many draws twelve in total, the most in La Liga. Balancing Europa League fixtures adds further physical strain, highlighted by their 1–1 draw away to Braga midweek.
Team News
Osasuna remain without Iker Benito, while Flavien Boyomo is suspended. Jorge Herrando is expected to replace him.
Ante Budimir, enjoying a standout season with seventeen goals, continues to spearhead the attack.
Real Betis remain without Giovani Lo Celso and Isco. Junior Firpo is a major doubt. Antony is likely to return to the starting lineup, and Sergi Altimira should also feature.
Cucho Hernández, with twelve goals in all competitions this season, is set to lead the frontline.
Prediction:
Osasuna 1–1 Real Betis
Despite a low historical draw rate between these clubs, the tactical profiles and recent performances suggest a balanced and low-scoring match.
