Will Barcelona take a huge step toward the title on Sunday, or will the race become even tighter?
Barcelona face Rayo Vallecano in the early kickoff, and a win would temporarily put them seven points ahead of Real Madrid, who have the Madrid derby later in the day. In between those two matches, we have two others featuring Real Betis and Celta Vigo, who are battling for fifth place.
This round could prove decisive in the La Liga title race, so keep reading for our expert tips and predictions.
Today’s La Liga betting tips & predictions
Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano (1pm)
Both Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano secured their places in European competition this week, but the hosts had an extra day of rest before this match.
Barcelona remain undefeated at home, with 14 wins in 14 matches. Rayo Vallecano have improved their form significantly, but remain closer to the relegation zone than to Europe.
The Blaugrana average 3.29 goals per home game, having last scored fewer than three goals at home in early December. Everything points to another such victory, and a clean sheet is also quite possible.
Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano top betting tip: Barcelona to win at HT
Celta Vigo vs. Alaves (3:15pm)
Celta Vigo took care of Lyon in Europe, and now their task is to secure their spot in the top six with a win over Alaves.
An interesting fact is that Celta Vigo are one of the weakest home teams in the league, having had almost no wins until recently. On the positive side, however, they have won three of their last five home league matches. And even better, Alaves are among the worst away teams.
No team has scored fewer away goals than the Babazorros, and they have not won at this stadium since 2018.
Celta Vigo vs. Alaves top betting tip: Celta Vigo to win
Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Betis (5:30pm)
Athletic Bilbao missed several opportunities to close the gap on the top teams, and now they face Real Betis, who are their direct rivals for a European spot.
Athletic’s problems in attack are the main reason for their position in the table, as the team has scored only 30 goals in 28 matches and just one in the last three. Betis’ form is far from better, as they haven’t won in four consecutive rounds, but at least they’re scoring goals.
It’s important to note that Bilbao has eight wins in their last 10 home matches against Real Betis. However, this match looks like a likely draw given the inconsistent form of both teams.
Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Betis top betting tip: Draw
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid (8pm)
After dominating in Europe, the Madrid giants will face off for the third time this season on home turf.
Real Madrid haven’t beaten Atletico Madrid in La Liga since 2022, but more importantly, they haven’t lost to them at home since 2016. Atletico’s poor form on the road will be key in this match, and in our view, Los Blancos won’t get a better opportunity to snap their winless streak.
We don’t expect the visitors to go down without a fight, so we’ll definitely include Over 2.5 in our options, but Real Madrid must win this match, or they can kiss their title hopes goodbye.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid top betting tip: Real Madrid to win, Over 2.5 goals
Vladislav has been professionally engaged in freelance journalism for seven years and has worked with numerous leading sports publications. A football and martial arts fanatic, he spent years training in both disciplines before turning to writing.
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