La Liga Weekend Preview: Barcelona Aim To Pull Clear As Madrid, Atletico Look To Respond

‎The La Liga title race resumes this weekend with several high-stakes fixtures across Spain.

‎Barcelona look to create daylight at the top of the table, Real Madrid aim to keep pressure on their rivals, Atletico Madrid attempt to respond after a setback, and the relegation battle takes on new life as Girona visit Elche.

‎Below is a full breakdown of the major matches, team news, predicted lineups, and scoreline prediction.

‎Real Betis vs Barcelona: 

‎Barcelona travel to the Estadio Benito Villamarín on Saturday knowing that victory would move them four points clear at the top of La Liga before Real Madrid play 24 hours later.

‎Hansi Flick’s side arrive in strong spirits after an impressive 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid, a result that helped them maintain their narrow lead at the summit.

‎Their hosts, Real Betis, are in excellent form and unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions. Manuel Pellegrini’s men approach this fixture full of belief following a 2-0 derby triumph over Sevilla and a comfortable 4-1 win against Torrent in the Copa del Rey.

‎With 24 points from 14 matches, Betis sit firmly inside the European positions and look capable of matching last season’s achievements or surpassing them.

‎Historically, the fixture has favoured Barcelona. Betis have not beaten the Catalans at home in La Liga since 2008, and Barca have often turned up in Seville with confidence.

‎Last season both league meetings ended in draws, highlighting how competitive Betis have become under Pellegrini.

‎Team News:

‎This time, the hosts will hope to capitalise on Barcelona’s notable absences, including Ter Stegen, Gavi, and Dani Olmo.

‎Barcelona, meanwhile, welcomes back Frenkie de Jong following illness, while Pedri is expected to operate as a number ten. Robert Lewandowski should spearhead the attack again, supported by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

‎With both teams in good attacking rhythm, the weekend opener promises goals, entertainment, and possibly a dramatic share of the points.

‎Prediction: Real Betis 2–3 Barcelona

‎A fiercely contested encounter is anticipated. Barcelona has enough quality to win, but Betis’ form, home strength, and momentum suggest a win for Barcelona with multiple goals is the most realistic outcome.

‎Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid: 

‎Athletic Bilbao host Atletico Madrid in a match that brings together two sides eager to bounce back from midweek disappointment.

‎Athletic suffered a bruising 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid, a result that exposed their defensive vulnerabilities and showed how severely injuries have affected their season.

‎With only 20 points from 15 games, Ernesto Valverde’s men are struggling to keep pace with the top four.

‎Team news:

‎Their home form, however, has been far more encouraging. Thirteen of their league points have been earned at San Mamés, and they will hope the return of Oihan Sancet sparks improvement. Nico Williams will again be central to their attacking threat, although Inaki Williams remains a significant fitness doubt.

‎Atletico Madrid also entered the match wounded following a 3-1 defeat to Barcelona, which ended their seven-game winning run.

‎Diego Simeone’s side remains firmly in the title race but desperately needs to rediscover composure, especially away from home, where their performances have been inconsistent.

‎With key players like Marcos Llorente and Robin Le Normand doubtful, Simeone may be forced into several midfield changes, with Koke and Conor Gallagher likely candidates to start.

‎Across their long rivalry, Atletico have dominated recent meetings, winning each of the last three encounters. Athletic’s home advantage may balance the scales slightly, but Atletico will be determined to avoid consecutive losses for the first time this season.

‎Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 0–1 Atletico Madrid

‎The San Mamés crowd may expect a fight, but this encounter could be cagey. Atletico’s defensive discipline and counter-attacking quality may be just enough to edge a narrow victory.

‎Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo: 

‎Real Madrid return to Bernabéu action on Sunday to reclaim top spot, if only temporarily depending on Barcelona’s result.

‎Their 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao midweek, led by another star performance from Kylian Mbappé, reminded the league that Los Blancos remain the team to beat. Their home form has been exceptional: six home league games, six victories, and only two goals conceded.

‎Celta Vigo arrives with mixed emotions. Their Copa del Rey penalty shootout win over Sant Andreu offered some relief, but their league defeat to Espanyol highlighted their struggle for consistency.

‎With just three victories from 14 matches, Claudio Giraldez’s team sits 12th, held back by a string of draws that reflect both resilience and lack of cutting edge.

‎Team news:

‎Yet Celta have been strong away from home this season, collecting 11 points from six matches, and will hope that forwards Borja Iglesias and Iago Aspas can trouble a Madrid defence weakened by injuries.

‎Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Ferland Mendy are confirmed absentees, leaving Xabi Alonso short of full-back options. Arda Güler is expected to return to the midfield alongside Valverde and Tchouameni, while Mbappé and Vinícius Junior lead the line once again.

‎Celta have not beaten Madrid away in La Liga since 2006, and the visitors will need a near-perfect display to change that.

‎Prediction: Real Madrid 3–1 Celta Vigo

‎Celta may find the net, but Real Madrid’s attacking firepower and home dominance should secure a convincing victory.

‎Elche vs Girona: 

‎Elche and Girona meet in a match that could have significant implications at the bottom end of the table. Elche’s return to La Liga has been steady rather than spectacular.

‎They sit 11th with 16 points and remain undefeated at home, a statistic that has been central to their survival hopes. Their Copa del Rey victory over Quintanar del Rey adds confidence, although their league winless run stretches back to September.

‎Girona, on the other hand, has endured a difficult campaign. Despite strong performances last season, they now sit 18th, winning just three of their 14 matches.

‎Their Copa del Rey exit to lower-tier Ourense CF was a major setback, but their recent league form offers hope particularly their gritty 1-1 draw with Real Madrid.

‎Team news:

‎Injuries have severely restricted Girona’s squad depth, leaving Michel without several key players, including Portu, Van de Beek, and Stuani.

‎Elche, meanwhile, enter the match with a fully fit squad, and their attacking pair of Rafa Mir and Andre Silva will look to exploit Girona’s defensive instability.

‎Prediction: Elche 1–0 Girona

‎Elche’s home strength and Girona’s travel struggles point toward a narrow but important home win.