La Liga Matchday 2 preview, betting picks & top odds

La Liga has a host of thrilling matches lined up this weekend. Below are our free soccer betting picks and predictions for Matchday 2 of the 2024/25 Spanish Primera Division.

Celta Vigo v Valencia

Friday, August 23 – 7pm CEST – Estadio Abanca-Balaidos

Beaten 2-1 by Barcelona on the opening weekend, Valencia will be hoping to return to winning ways against Celta Vigo — the joint league leaders following their win over Alaves. With their previous two meetings featuring plenty of goals, both sides have a strong chance of scoring.

Sevilla v Villarreal

Friday, August 23 – 9:30pm CEST – Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium

Sevilla and Villarreal will be chasing their first wins of the season, having drawn against Las Palmas and Atletico Madrid, respectively. Expect both sides to find the back of the net, as they have in their last five meetings.

Osasuna v Real Mallorca

Saturday, August 24 – 5pm CEST – El Sadar Stadium

Real Mallorca held champions Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw last Sunday, while Osasuna will feel they could have done better in their 1-1 draw with newly promoted Leganes. Winless against Mallorca last season, Osasuna could be vulnerable on home soil.

Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao

Saturday, August 24 – 7pm CEST – Estadio Olimpico de Montjuic

Barcelona will be aiming to secure two consecutive wins when they host Athletic Bilbao. After Robert Lewandowski netted twice on the opening weekend, online bookmakers are paying +120 for the Barca striker to score against Bilbao.

Espanyol v Real Sociedad

Saturday, August 24 – 9:30pm CEST – Estadi Cornella-El Prat

Real Sociedad will be determined to make up for their home loss to Rayo Vallecano when they face Espanyol, who went down to Real Valladolid in their opener. While they are on the road, Sociedad have won six of the last seven meetings between these teams.

Getafe v Rayo Vallecano

Saturday, August 24 – 9:30pm CEST – Estadio Coliseum

Getafe held Athletic Bilbao to a 1-1 draw in their opener, while Rayo Vallecano beat Real Sociedad 2-1. With four of their last five meetings ending in draws, and three of those finishing goalless, anticipate another tightly contested match.

Real Madrid v Real Valladolid

Sunday, August 25 – 5pm CEST – Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Although newly promoted Real Valladolid secured a shock 1-0 win over Espanyol in Matchday 1, their dream start could be halted by champions Real Madrid, who will be determined to bounce back after stumbling against Mallorca.

Leganes v Las Palmas

Sunday, August 25 – 7pm CEST – Estadio Municipal de Butarque

Las Palmas and newly promoted Leganes have a point apiece after securing draws in Matchday 1. With their recent encounters being low-scoring affairs, expect the trend to continue this weekend.

Deportivo Alaves vs Real Betis

Sunday, August 25 – 7:15pm CEST – Mendizorrotza Stadium

Deportivo Alaves fell to Celta Vigo in Matchday 1, while Real Betis secured a valuable point against Girona. Given the low-scoring nature of this encounter last season, another close contest could be on the cards.

Atletico Madrid v Girona

Sunday, August 25 – 9:30pm CEST – Estadio Metropolitano

Both winless after the opening weekend, Atletico Madrid and Girona will be eager to secure victory on Sunday. Atleti have won each of their last three matches against Girona at the Metropolitano, and that trend looks set to continue.

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