La Liga Preview: Fixtures, Lineups, Injuries & Predictions

‎As the 2025-26 La Liga season approaches the midway point of its campaign, this weekend promises several high-stakes encounters that could heavily influence the title race, European qualification battles, and relegation struggles.

‎Here’s a full breakdown of the key matches this weekend.

‎Barcelona Look to Move Clear Against Elche

‎Barcelona will attempt to stretch their lead at the top of La Liga when they travel to Estadio Martinez Valero to face Elche on Saturday evening. The Catalan giants are one point clear of second-placed Real Madrid and could go four points ahead with a win.

‎Form and Context:

‎Elche have had a solid campaign since promotion, currently sitting 11th with 24 points. They have struggled in recent weeks, picking up only two points from four league games in 2026.

‎Barcelona, meanwhile, have just qualified for the Champions League last-16 with a 4-1 win over Copenhagen and are seeking consecutive league victories following a 3-0 win over Real Oviedo.

‎Team News:

‎Elche will be without Hector Fort (shoulder), Aleix Febas (suspension), and potentially Alvaro Nunez (muscle issue). Andre Silva is expected to return, while Alvaro Rodriguez may start in attack.

‎Barcelona remain without Gavi (knee), Andreas Christensen (knee), and Pedri (hamstring). Frenkie de Jong returns from suspension, likely starting alongside Kessie, while Ferran Torres could replace Dani Olmo in the XI.

‎Prediction:

‎Elche 0-2 Barcelona

‎Barcelona’s dominance over Elche is clear, and they are expected to secure a comfortable away victory.

‎Real Madrid Look to Extend Winning Streak Against Rayo Vallecano

‎Real Madrid aim to continue their resurgence in La Liga when they host Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday afternoon.

‎The Los Blancos are currently second in the table, one point behind leaders Barcelona, and a sixth straight league victory would keep them firmly in the title race.

‎Form and Context:

‎Madrid enters this clash on the back of a shocking 4-2 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League group stage, a result that has forced them into a playoff for a place in the last 16.

‎Despite the European disappointment, their La Liga form has been impressive, with consecutive wins over Alaves, Sevilla, Real Betis, Levante, and Villarreal.

‎Head-to-Head:

‎Historically, Real Madrid has dominated Rayo Vallecano, winning 33 of their 47 previous meetings and scoring 119 goals.

‎However, recent encounters have been tighter; only two wins in the last seven fixtures underline the potential for a close contest. Rayo Vallecano have not won at the Bernabéu since January 1996, highlighting the uphill task they face.

‎Team News:

‎Real Madrid will once again be without Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh), Eder Militao (hamstring), Ferland Mendy (hamstring), and Antonio Rudiger (knee).

‎Rodrygo is expected to replace Franco Mastantuono in attack, while Eduardo Camavinga could start in midfield for Arda Guler. Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior are set to start.

‎Rayo Vallecano will be without Abdul Mumin (knee) and Andrei Ratiu (leg), while Ivan Balliu is hopeful to feature. New signing Ilias Akhomach could start, with Alvaro Garcia continuing as the team’s leading goalscorer.

‎Prediction:

‎Real Madrid 3-1 Rayo Vallecano

‎Los Blancos’ firepower should be too much for Rayo, though the visitors could provide some attacking sparks.

‎Atletico Madrid Seek Recovery Against Levante

‎Atletico Madrid look to bounce back from a 2-1 Champions League loss to Bodo/Glimt when they travel to Levante on Saturday. Diego Simeone’s side are third in the table with 44 points from 21 matches, while Levante are 19th, still stuck in the relegation zone.

‎Form and Context:

‎Levante have shown signs of life, winning two of their last five league matches and securing a 3-2 home victory over Elche last weekend.

‎Despite their struggles, Levante remain capable of causing problems, particularly at home. Atletico are unbeaten in four of their last five league matches, including a 3-0 win over Mallorca.

‎Team News:

‎Levante will miss Roger Brugue through injury, while Unai Elgezabal, Victor Garcia, and Diego Pampin are doubts. Etta Eyong will look to impress before his summer departure, while Ivan Romero continues to contribute in attack.

‎Atletico will be without Antoine Griezmann (hamstring), but Clement Lenglet is fit, and Giuliano Simeone is expected to return to the starting lineup.

‎Johnny Cardoso could rotate into midfield, while Julian Alvarez leads the attack.

‎Prediction:

‎Levante 1-2 Atletico Madrid

‎Levante have improved recently, but Atletico’s quality should ensure a narrow victory.

‎Villarreal Aim to End Losing Streak at Osasuna

‎Villarreal will attempt to recover from a four-game losing streak in all competitions when they face Osasuna away on Saturday.

‎The Yellow Submarine sits fourth in La Liga, seven points clear of fifth-placed Espanyol, and a strong performance is vital to maintain their top-three ambitions.

‎Form and Context:

‎Osasuna have won three of their last five league matches and boast the sixth-best home record in La Liga.

‎Villarreal, meanwhile, are coming off a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League and losses to Real Madrid and Real Betis in the league.

‎Team News:

‎Osasuna will be without Iker Benito, though Alejandro Catena returns from suspension. Ante Budimir continues as their key striker, alongside Ruben Garcia and Victor Munoz.

‎Villarreal will miss Logan Costa, Pau Cabanes, Willy Kambwala, and Juan Foyth due to injury. Ayoze Perez and Alfon Gonzalez are in doubt.

‎Luiz Junior, Gerard Moreno, Alfonso Pedraza, and Georges Mikautadze are expected back in the starting XI, with leading goalscorer Alberto Moleiro likely to feature in attack.

‎Prediction:

‎Osasuna 2-2 Villarreal

‎Villarreal need points but Osasuna’s home form suggests a competitive fixture, likely ending in a draw.