Considering what we saw in La Liga a week ago, it would be almost impossible for this weekend’s results to be any more shocking. But a strong cast of games should make for another exciting week in Spain.
Barcelona squandered a perfect opportunity to jump over Real Madrid and in to top spot with both teams losing winnable games and helping Atletico Madrid climb back in to the title race in time for their showdown with Barcelona this weekend.
Real Madrid vs. Espanyol – Saturday, 10:00 AM ET
La Liga Odds: Real Madrid -1655, Espanyol +2341, Draw +1069
Real Madrid’s win streak fell just two shy of the world record when Valencia brought in to an unceremonious end this past weekend. Valencia was resilient as they had to dig themselves out of a hole in the 2-1 come-from-behind result. It was a stunning finish that left Cristiano Ronaldo and company shaking their heads. Ronaldo’s penalty shot goal gave Real the early lead but their offense was stymied the rest of the way as Valencia once again stood tall at the Mestalla.
The good news for Real Madrid is they should have no trouble bouncing back this week. They’ll be back in their comfortable confines, playing in front of their home fans playing a team that’s 10th in the table. While a hangover is very possible following the loss, the fact that Espanyol has one win in their eight away games probably means that Real Madrid gets back on track. This is a favorable match up and the oddsmakers clearly agree. If you feel like laying some heavy juice, bet Real Madrid to win. It would be a minor miracle if they don’t finish with three points here. Pick: Real Madrid
Malaga vs. Villareal – Saturday, 12:00 PM ET
La Liga Odds: Villarreal +161, Malaga +173, Draw +213
Villareal was held to a 2-2 draw versus Elche last week and will be forced to continue their show on the road with a tough test against a team they are jockeying for position with in the La Liga standings this weekend. Malaga fell 2-1 to Almeria last week to fall a point back of Villareal for sixth in the table but they have the perfect opportunity to get back on track at home this weekend. Look for both teams to bring their best in a stingy game that goes down to the wire with both teams desperate for points as they continue to fight for that sixth spot. Pick: Draw
Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid – Sunday, 3:00 PM ET
La Liga Odds: Barcelona -196, Atletico Madrid +505, Draw +312
Atletico’s win over Levante could not have come at a better time as they capitalized on a pair of losses by the top two teams in the La Liga standings. That means they are just one point behind first-place Real Madrid and they’ve tied Barcelona just in time for their all-important showdown.
Atletico is very confident right now as they’re fresh off a very impressive 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey on Wednesday. However, the affair with Barcelona figures to be a steeper challenge is it’s going to be on the road at Camp Nou where Barcelona has won seven of their eight matches this season.
Both teams are capable of scoring a ton of goals and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if we saw another high scoring game that goes to the team that scores last. Lionel Messi seems to save his best football for the biggest games and Barca certainly has the weapons up front, but Atletico has come on strong of late and won’t let this opportunity slip from their grasp without a fight.
Lastly, one subplot will be the performance of Messi. There are rumors that his departure from Barcelona is imminent and he stirred up some controversy – or maybe the media made too much of it – when he followed Chelsea’s account on Instagram this week. We’ll see if this is a distraction for the team on Sunday. Pick: Draw
