Free La Liga soccer betting tips & preview | Matchday 3

La Liga 2025/26 continues with Matchday 3 this weekend, with the Spanish top flight set for a full slate of games before the first international break of the season.

Elche will host Levante to commence the action, while early-season leaders Villarreal will travel to Celta Vigo as they look to extend their unbeaten start.

There are some excellent soccer betting plays on offer across La Liga Matchday 3, and we have picked out the best bets for all 10 games.

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Elche CF vs Levante UD

Friday, August 29 – 7:30pm CEST – Estadio Martínez Valero

Elche finally get a friendlier landing at Martínez Valero after a rugged opening fortnight, while Levante’s counters look lively but tend to fade when they can’t control tempo. Expect long spells of possession for either team and few clean looks, especially before halftime. With neither side convincing in the final third, the sensible angle is the stalemate.

Valencia FC vs Getafe CF

Friday, August 29 – 9:30pm CEST – Mestalla

Mestalla will be loud, but Getafe thrive in scrappy, stop-start games. Valencia’s young attack drifts in and out, and José Bordalás’ side are experts at slowing the tempo and living off set pieces. Expect few clear chances and thin margins.

Deportivo Alaves vs Atlético Madrid

Saturday, August 30 – 5pm CEST – Mendizorroza

Alavés struggle to create against organized defenses. Atlético on the road are ruthless: keep it tight, punish mistakes, then shut the game down. Expect Diego Simeone’s side to control territory and nick it after the break. With the straight head-to-head too short, the smarter play is backing Atlético Madrid to win to nil.

Real Oviedo vs Real Sociedad

Saturday, August 30 – 7pm CEST – Carlos Tartiere

Oviedo’s approach has been structure first, risk second; that invites Sociedad to park in their half and rack up territory. La Real don’t need chaos to win — just patience and one moment through the half-spaces. After two draws to begin their season, Real Sociedad get a perfect opportunity to break through.

Girona FC vs Sevilla FC

Saturday, August 30 – 7:30pm CEST – Municipal de Montilivi

Girona have conceded eight times in their two matches, losing 3-1 against Rayo Vallecano and 5-0 at Villarreal, while Sevilla’s openers finished 3-2 and 2-1. That’s four out of four hitting over 2.5 goals, with both teams scoring in three of those. Sevilla also sling plenty of service from wide areas, so attacks can flip quickly.

Real Madrid vs RCD Mallorca

Saturday, August 30 – 9:30pm CEST – Santiago Bernabéu

Mallorca can grit their teeth for an hour, but the Santiago Bernabéu usually turns pressure into volume late. Real Madrid’s wide supply line should generate plenty of corners and second-phase attacks, and once the first punch lands, the gap in finishing quality will show.

Celta Vigo vs Villarreal CF

Sunday, August 31 – 5pm CEST – Estadio Abanca-Balaídos

Celta will try to stitch moves through midfield, while Villarreal are lethal on the break and at the back post. Both defenses leave lanes when pressed, so the first goal should open the game rather than close it. Expect bursts of end-to-end play with chances at both ends.

Real Betis vs Athletic Club

Sunday, August 31 – 7pm CEST – Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla

By the numbers, this sets up as attritional. Athletic finished with the fewest goals against in La Liga last season (26), while Betis have opened 2025/26 with three low-margin results. Considering 15 of the last 44 clashes between the two have ended in draws, the trend looks set to continue.

RCD Espanyol vs CA Osasuna

Sunday, August 31 – 7:30pm CEST – RCDE Stadium

Espanyol are measured at Cornellà-El Prat, and their recent home form suggests tight margins rather than blowouts. Osasuna drew 16 times last season and were seventh for yellow cards (88), yet they were the only La Liga side with zero reds — disciplined, compact, and content to slow the game. Unless a set piece lands early, shot quality should be capped.

Rayo Vallecano vs FC Barcelona

Sunday, August 31 – 9:30pm CEST – Estadio de Vallecas

Vallecas has been sticky for Barcelona: their last three league trips here ended in a 2-1 win, a 1-1 draw, and a 2-1 defeat. Even so, the visitors still create enough threats early against Rayo for a difference-maker to strike first. Robert Lewandowski has yet to score this season, and he will be looking to right those wrongs early.