The third round of La Liga brings some great matches, and the defending champion Real Madrid opens this Saturday’s schedule against Levante at Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos will be looking for three points after they lost two in the last round when Valencia pulled a shocker on them. On the other side, Levante will try to do the same, and to keep on with their undefeated streak. Everyone’s expecting an entertaining game, as Zidane’s boys can’t allow another surprise at the home stadium.
The second match of the day is a true derby between Valencia and Atletico Madrid at Mestalla Stadium. The home team played brilliantly against Atletico’s city rival, and now they want to take full prey in front of their own fans. On the other side, Atleti will try to repeat their attacking performance from the start of the season, and eventually, keep a clean sheet this time.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what we can expect from these two games on Saturday’s afternoon.
Real Madrid vs. Levante
Three-Way: 1: Real Madrid -556; X: +1575 Draw; 2: Levante +4675
Spread -2.5: Real Madrid -143; Levante +145
Total +4.5: Over +112; Under -110
REAL MADRID
A draw against Valencia at Santiago Bernabeu in the last round of the La Liga surely hurts the defending champion who now have a priority to win their next game against Levante. Zidane’s guys had a quite busy weekend playing for national teams, so there will be a lot of tired legs among the squad. Nevertheless, they have to win this game and keep the pace with Barcelona, who hosts Espanyol later on Saturday.
Real Madrid will play once more without Cristiano Ronaldo who’s still suspended after a red card in a Spanish Super Cup. It is another chance for other players in the front to step up, especially for Marco Asensio. The youngster had a tremendous game against Valencia, scoring both goals for his side, and he’s in a top form from the start of the season. Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema will complete the attacking trio, while Isco, who was sparkling during the International break, should be in the starting eleven, too.
Los Blancos will have to play much better at the defensive end than in a previous La Liga round when Valencia could score a couple more. Against Levante, Zinedine Zidane will have Sergio Ramos on the defensive line. The captain was suspended in the previous match so Casemiro had to play at centre-back. However, they need to stay focused against obviously weaker Levante’s side. If they avoid the same mistakes, the triumph in this match will be a lot easier. Raphael Varane will not be able to help because of the injury.
LEVANTE
After a promising start to their La Liga season, and four points out of two rounds, Levante is now facing one of the toughest challenges of the La Liga – a visit to Santiago Bernabeu. They are traveling to Madrid as the absolute outsiders, so nobody expects them to take anything from this game. In the previous round, Levante played 2:2 at home against Deportivo La Coruna, but they’ve already upset the odds beating Villareal 1:0 in the opening match of the season.
The 22-year old midfielder Enis Bardhi, who scored the first goal against La Coruna, will lead his teammates while the whole team needs to play disciplined and well-organized defense if they want a positive result. Of course, they’ll need the best of luck to succeed. Jose Morales, one of the Levante’s best players, is serving a suspension, and it’s a big blow for Juan Muniz’s team. Marti Roger is still out due to injury.
REAL MADRID vs. LEVANTE – Match Prediction
Real Madrid has won the last nine games against Levante, and this time it should be the same story. They need a win, particularly after they lost two points against Valencia. Maybe Levante has hopes, but I think it’s going to be an easy win for the host. Still, I dont think that the over will be topped, so I would stick with the under, considering the Real Madrid will be without Ronaldo and the fact that they will play in the first round of the UEFA Champions League next week.
MY PICK: Under 4.5 goals (-110)
Valencia vs. Atletico Madrid
Three-Way: 1: Valencia +275; X: +250 Draw; 2: Atletico Madrid +129
Spread +0.5: Valencia -132; Atletico Madrid +127
Total +2.5: Over +122; Under -118
VALENCIA
The Los Murcielagos have started their La Liga season in the best possible way, with a home win against Las Palmas in the first round, and a surprising draw at Santiago Bernabeu in the second round. On this Saturday they host another big team from the capital – Atletico Madrid, hoping for one more good performance. They showed a lot of positivity in regards to the last season, indicating this one could be a lot better. The clash against Atletico will be a proper test.
After Andreas Pereira has joined the team on a loan from Manchester United a week ago, the competition in Valencia’s midfield is now pretty stiff. The 21-year old Brazilian played for Granada last season, creating more chances than any other U-23 player in La Liga. He’s a creative force, but against Atletico Madrid, he’ll probably start from the bench. Parejo, Kondogbia, and Soler should orchestrate the midfield, after some impressive displays in the first two La Liga rounds.
Simone Zaza and Rodrigo will be main treats in the front, while there are some issues at the defensive end. Ezequiel Garay is doubtful with a back trouble, Gabriel Paulista has a knee injury while Ruben Vezo will be out due to a fractured toe.
ATLETICO MADRID
Nobody expected a bunch of goals, but only after the first two rounds Atletico Madrid has a 7:3 goal difference. Diego Simeone is well known for his defensive tactical approach, especially after his team takes the lead. Against Las Palmas, Correa and Carrasco made it 2:0 after just five minutes. The final result – 5:1! Atletico has scored five times recording just eight shots. Something’s different in their game, with some defensive vulnerabilities while they are still aggressive and efficient in the final third.
Diego Simeone has a lot of different options with his forwards, and against Las Palmas, we saw how effective his midfielders are attacking from deep. Koke’s magnificent brace and Correa’s two goals in two games can please El Cholo. Regardless, he can’t be satisfied with defending. Three goals conceded against Girona and Las Palmas, and a missed penalty – enough reasons to worry. Valencia is a tough opponent, and probably the biggest test so far, so the Argentinian tactician should insist on more responsible defending.
Antoine Griezmann is still suspended, so we can expect Fernando Torres in the starting eleven. He was on the bench against Las Palmas, coming in as a substitute for Luciano Vietto. It seems like Koke, Correa, and Carrasco all have granted a place on the field. At the back, we could see some changes, as there are no injury worries. Still, Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez looks like the best centre-back duo.
Valencia vs. Atletico Madrid – Match Prediction
Last year Valencia lost both games without scoring, so it could make this clash a bit more interesting to watch, and a bit more difficult to predict. They have a lot to prove against Atletico Madrid, who’s certainly a stronger team on the paper. Because of all Valencia’s troubles with injuries among defenders, maybe it’s the best to put your money on Both teams to score.
MY PICK: Both teams to score YES (-105)
