La Liga Preview: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Ready For Crucial Fixtures

‎As La Liga approaches the decisive months of the 2025-26 season, Spanish football fans are in for an action-packed weekend.

‎With the title race heating up and European spots still contested, every match carries significance.

‎From Madrid to Seville, here’s a detailed look at the upcoming fixtures, key players, and potential outcomes.

Real Madrid Look to Extend Winning Streak Against Osasuna

‎Real Madrid will be bidding for their ninth consecutive win in La Liga when they face Osasuna at Estadio El Sadar on Saturday evening.

‎The reigning champions are currently top of the table with 60 points from 24 matches, holding a slim two-point advantage over second-placed Barcelona.

‎Los Blancos have combined a rock-solid defense with a lethal attack, conceding only 19 goals while Kylian Mbappé has already scored 23 times in the league this season.

‎Osasuna, sitting 10th with 30 points, has been impressive at home, gathering 21 points from 11 matches.

‎They have won three of their last five league games, drawing two, including a goalless stalemate with Elche in their last outing. Despite this form, Osasuna have struggled historically against Madrid, failing to overcome the capital giants since January 2011, and they lost 1-0 at the Bernabéu earlier this season.

‎Team News

‎Injuries could play a role in the game. Osasuna will be without Iker Benito and Enzo Boyomo, while Real Madrid are missing Eder Militao and Jude Bellingham, with Rodrygo’s fitness to be assessed.

‎Raul Asencio is expected to return for Madrid, likely replacing Antonio Rudiger, while Arda Guler could again operate as the number 10 behind Mbappé and Vinicius Junior.

‎Despite Osasuna’s fresh legs and recent form, Real Madrid’s consistency makes them strong favorites to claim all three points.

‎We predict a 2-1 win for Los Blancos.

‎Atletico Madrid Seek Response Against Espanyol

‎Atletico Madrid will aim to avoid a third consecutive league defeat when they host Espanyol at the Wanda Metropolitano.

‎Sitting fourth in the table, three points behind Villarreal, Diego Simeone’s side have struggled for form recently. They suffered a 3-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano in their last La Liga outing but did secure a 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final, keeping their hopes alive in that competition.

‎Espanyol are enjoying a strong domestic campaign and sit sixth, although they have collected only two points from their last seven league matches in 2026.

‎The Catalan side defeated Atletico 2-1 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, showing their ability to challenge even the league’s top teams.

‎Team News

‎Atletico will be without Nico Gonzalez and Pablo Barrios, while Rodrigo Mendoza is suspended. Espanyol continue to be without long-term absentee Javi Puado, with Fernando Calero a doubt.

‎Given Atletico’s defensive vulnerability and Espanyol’s threat on the counter, a draw seems the most likely outcome, with the scoreline predicted to be 1-1.

‎Real Betis Eye Fourth Straight Win Against Rayo Vallecano

‎Real Betis are in fine form and will be aiming for their fourth consecutive league win when they host Rayo Vallecano at Estadio Benito Villamarín.

‎Sitting fifth with 41 points, Betis have won their last three games against Valencia, Atletico Madrid, and Mallorca, positioning themselves firmly in the race for Champions League qualification.

‎Rayo Vallecano sits 17th in the table, just one point above 18th-placed Mallorca. Despite their struggles, they delivered a stunning 3-0 victory over Atletico in their last match, highlighting their potential to cause an upset.

‎Betis will, however, have the advantage of a strong home record, having collected 22 points from 11 matches this season.

‎Team News

‎Injuries may impact both sides, with Betis missing Sofyan Amrabat, Giovani Lo Celso, and Isco, while Hector Bellerin is a major doubt. Rayo will see the return of Pep Chavarria and Pathe Ciss from suspension, giving them a boost.

‎Betis’ current momentum and home advantage should see them narrowly edge Rayo Vallecano, with a predicted 2-1 scoreline.

‎Villarreal and Valencia Battle for Vital Points

‎Villarreal will host Valencia on Sunday, looking to make it back-to-back wins in La Liga. The Yellow Submarine sits third with 48 points, just three ahead of fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, and has been dominant at home this season.

‎Their recent victories include a 1-0 win over Levante and a 4-1 thrashing of Espanyol, highlighting their attacking and defensive balance.

‎Valencia are 15th, just two points above the relegation zone, and have struggled away from home, collecting only nine points from 12 matches.

‎Their defensive issues, having conceded 37 goals in 24 matches, will be a concern against a Villarreal team capable of exploiting weaknesses.

‎Team News

‎Villarreal could field Nicolas Pepe and Georges Mikautadze in attack, with Alfonso Pedraza potentially earning a starting spot.

‎Valencia will rely on Hugo Duro for goals, though injuries to key players may limit their options.

‎The home side’s superior quality is expected to see them narrowly beat Los Che, with a 1-0 scoreline anticipated.

‎Getafe vs Sevilla

‎Getafe will aim for a third consecutive league win when they face Sevilla at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.

‎Sitting 11th with 29 points, Getafe have put together a four-game unbeaten run and secured victories against Alaves and Villarreal.

‎Sevilla, 13th in the table with 26 points, has struggled defensively and has only one league win in 2026, leaving them in a precarious position as the season enters its final months.

‎Team News

‎Injuries and suspensions affect both sides. Getafe will be without Davinchi, Abu Kamara, and Mario Martin, while Borja Mayoral remains a doubt.

‎Sevilla’s Ruben Vargas, Marcao, Oso, and Andres Castrin are sidelined, and Joan Jordan and Juanlu Sanchez are suspended. Despite Sevilla’s historical dominance over Getafe, the home side’s current form gives them the edge, with a predicted 2-1 win.

‎Barcelona Seek Redemption Against Levante

‎Barcelona will aim to return to winning ways when they host Levante at Camp Nou. The Catalan giants have suffered recent setbacks, including a 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final and a 2-1 league loss to Girona.

‎Sitting second, two points behind Real Madrid, a win is vital to maintain their title challenge.

‎Levante occupies 19th place and has struggled throughout the season. Barcelona holds a commanding record in this fixture, having won 33 of the 46 meetings in history, with Lionel Messi scoring an incredible 24 goals in this matchup over his career.

‎Levante’s last victory over Barcelona came in November 2019, emphasizing the gulf in quality between the sides.

‎Given Barcelona’s attacking firepower and Levante’s poor form, a comfortable home win is expected, with a predicted score of 3-0.