La Liga betting tips, prop picks & best odds | Matchday 18

Matchday 18 of La Liga 2024-25 features a stack of exciting matches, headlined by the clash between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Below are our free soccer betting predictions for this week’s action in the Spanish Primera Division ahead of the Christmas break.

Girona v Real Valladolid

Friday, December 20 – 9pm CET – Estadi Montilivi

After back-to-back losses to Real Madrid and Mallorca, 10th-placed Girona will be looking to end their three-match winless streak when they host Real Valladolid, who lifted themselves off the bottom of the table with their shock victory over Valencia. Unbeaten in their last eight home games against Valladolid, with six wins and two draws, expect the trend to continue.

Getafe v Real Mallorca

Saturday, December 21 – 2pm CET – Estadio Coliseum

Mallorca climbed to sixth on the table following last Saturday’s win over Girona, while Getafe slipped to 16th after their defeat to Atletico Madrid. Triumphant on their last trip to Getafe, back Mallorca to emerge from the capital with three crucial points.

Celta Vigo v Real Sociedad

Saturday, December 21 – 4:15pm CET – Estadio de Balaidos

Celta Vigo are 13th on the table with 21 points, while Real Sociedad are six positions above them with four more points. Although Celta have been solid at home this season, Sociedad should do just enough to secure a sixth consecutive league win at the Balaidos.

Osasuna v Athletic Bilbao

Saturday, December 21 – 6:30pm CET – El Sadar Stadium

After ending their four-game winning spree with a draw against Alaves, fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao will be aiming to bounce back against Osasuna, who are eighth after a poor run of four draws and a defeat. Comfortable winners on their most recent trip to Pamplona, Bilbao have all it takes to secure three points on the road.

Barcelona v Atletico Madrid

Saturday, December 21 – 9pm CET – Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys

Level on 38 points apiece, league leaders Barcelona face a trick clash with Atletico Madrid, who are second due to their inferior goal difference. With just one win in their last six games, Barca may struggle against an Atleti side chasing their seventh consecutive league victory.

Valencia v Deportivo Alaves

Sunday, December 22 – 2pm CET – Mestalla Stadium

Valencia are at the foot of the table with 11 points, while Alaves are three places above them with 16 points. Given that these two sides are struggling, expect a close contest with neither side willing to lose ground in their early quest for survival.

Real Madrid v Sevilla

Sunday, December 22 – 4:15pm CET – Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Real Madrid dropped to third after being held by Rayo Vallecano, while Sevilla elevated themselves to 11th after their marginal win over Celta. Kylian Mbappe scored as Madrid beat Mexican side Pachuca 3-0 to lift the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup on Wednesday, and leading sports betting sites are paying -125 for the Frenchman to strike again.

Las Palmas v Espanyol

Sunday, December 22 – 6:30pm CET – Estadio Gran Canaria

Las Palmas are 14th on the table with two wins and a draw in their last three games, while 18th-placed Espanyol are have two draws and a defeat in their last three outings. With momentum on their side, back the hosts to edge out a victory.

Leganes v Villarreal

Sunday, December 22 – 6:30pm CET – Estadio Municipal de Butarque

Winless in their last five La Liga games, fifth-placed Villarreal will be seeking to rediscover their winning touch against Leganes, who sit 15th after their surprise win over Barca. With little time to recover after their midweek encounter with Vallecano, Villarreal could settle for a point against the well-rested Pepineros.

Real Betis v Rayo Vallecano

Sunday, December 22 – 9pm CET – Estadio Benito Villamarin

Real Betis climbed to ninth with their victory over Villarreal, while Vallecano remain 12th after two consecutive draws. Triumphant in their last four home games against Vallecano, the Verdiblancos are more than capable of extending that streak.

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