Tip: Atletico Madrid to win
Alavés entered the new season with a victory over Levante, but then lost to Betis and showed the limits of their attacking play. Eduardo Coudet mainly builds on a compact defense and the advantage of playing at home, where they have occasionally troubled big opponents in the past. Atlético, however, arrive under big pressure – Diego Simeone’s men have only one point so far, and inconsistency together with inefficiency in attack is their main problem. Interestingly, Atlético have not won at Mendizorrotza since January 2021, which gives Alavés confidence. The visitors still have big names such as Griezmann and Julián Álvarez, but their teamwork has not clicked yet. Alavés will rely on collective discipline and team effort, hoping to once again upset the giants. For Simeone, the key will be keeping a disciplined defense and taking their chances, because another setback would mean a critical situation already after three rounds. Despite everything, Atlético’s quality should prevail here.
Tip: Real Sociedad to win
Real Oviedo are enjoying their return to La Liga after more than twenty years, but their start has been disastrous – two defeats and not a single goal scored. Their squad was reinforced in the summer with experienced players like Bailly and Ilić, but so far they look disjointed and unable to adapt to the pace of the top flight. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, aim to fight for European football, even if they have only started with two draws. They still look more balanced and have more quality across the squad. The statistics are clear – Oviedo have not beaten Sociedad since 2000, and even recent Copa del Rey meetings usually ended in Sociedad’s favour. Oviedo will depend on veteran striker Rondón, but without better service from midfield their attack is predictable. Sociedad should dominate possession and create more chances, especially through Oyarzabal and Guedes. Unless the hosts improve their defensive stability, they are in for another tough night.
Tip: Girona or draw (1X)
Girona experienced a fairytale season in 2023/24, but now they are facing a sharp decline, sitting bottom of the table after two rounds. Their defense has already conceded eight goals, showing huge organizational problems. Sevilla are not much better – they also have zero points and look set for another survival battle. Both squads are hit by injuries, limiting the options of their coaches. Historically, Girona have a positive record against Sevilla, but the last meeting ended with a 2-1 win for the Andalusians. For Girona, the key will be to regain discipline and take full advantage of home support. Sevilla, meanwhile, need strikers like Isaac Romero to step up, because finishing chances has been their biggest weakness so far. Considering the form of both sides, this match should be very balanced and full of tension. Still, Girona might use the Montilivi atmosphere to finally turn their fortunes around.
Tip: Real Madrid to win
Real Madrid have made a perfect start to the new season – two wins, Mbappé in form, and the team looking compact. Xabi Alonso has implemented a clear system, and although the performances are not always flawless, the individual brilliance of his stars has kept them flawless so far. Mallorca started with a tough fixture against Barcelona, losing heavily, but at least managed a point against Celta at home. Historically, Madrid dominate this matchup and almost always win at the Santiago Bernabéu. Even with absentees like Bellingham or Camavinga, Real’s squad depth is overwhelming. Mallorca will rely mainly on Vedat Muriqi, but against a defense led by Rüdiger and Militão, he will find it hard to make an impact. The visitors have not won at the Bernabéu since 2009, so realistically this game is more about damage limitation. The home fans expect nothing less than a clear victory.
Tip: Villarreal to win
Celta Vigo have so far collected mainly draws and look rather average in their play. Claudio Giráldez has a decent squad, but the transitions are not working well, and they struggle to create enough in attack. Villarreal, on the other hand, are flying – two wins, seven goals scored, and attacking stars like Buchanan and Pepe already shining. The head-to-head record is interesting though, as Celta have beaten Villarreal at home in their last two meetings. If they manage to press high and use Iago Aspas’ experience, they could be dangerous. Villarreal, however, have a deeper squad, much better form, and a very cohesive midfield. Marcelino has also instilled stability and confidence into the team, which makes a big difference. This should be an attractive attacking clash, but based on current form Villarreal are clear favourites.
Tip: Espanyol or draw (1X)
Espanyol started their season in style with a comeback win against Atlético Madrid and followed it up with a draw at Real Sociedad, which boosted their confidence. The club strengthened well in the summer, with Roberto Fernández showing signs he could be a key player. Osasuna have three points thanks to a narrow win against Valencia, and while they lost to Real Madrid, their display at the Bernabéu was respectable. Historically, though, Espanyol have struggled against Osasuna – they have failed to win any of the last nine meetings. That could play a psychological role as the hosts are desperate to end the negative streak. Osasuna remain compact and have Budimir leading the line, making them dangerous in attack and solid at the back. Espanyol, however, will count on their home crowd and proactive style to tilt the balance. This is expected to be a tight contest, but with a slight advantage to the hosts.
Tip: Barcelona to win
Rayo are celebrating a historic qualification to the group stage of the Conference League, a huge achievement for the club. At the same time, this means a heavier schedule, which could affect their league performances. Barcelona started with two wins, but their game against Levante exposed defensive weaknesses – they conceded twice and only turned it around thanks to luck and their attacking power. Historically, Barcelona dominate this matchup, but Rayo have managed to surprise them at Vallecas in the past. This current Rayo squad has pace and technical ability to exploit defensive errors from the visitors. Barcelona, however, have too much firepower with Mbappé, Ferran Torres and a strong midfield led by De Jong and Pedri. If Flick’s men improve their defensive organization, they should control the match. Rayo will be dangerous, but the difference in quality remains too big to ignore.