La Liga Matchday 18 betting tips, best odds & goalscorer picks

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

Saturday, December 21 – 7am AEDT – 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

Sunday, December 22 – 12am AEDT – 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

Sunday, December 22 – 2:15am AEDT – 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

Sunday, December 22 – 4:30am AEDT – 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

Sunday, December 22 – 7am AEDT – 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

Monday, December 23 – 12am AEDT – 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

Monday, December 23 – 2:15am AEDT – 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 in midweek, and leading sports betting sites are paying -125 for the Frenchman to strike again.

Las Palmas v Espanyol

Monday, December 23 – 4:30am AEDT – 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

Monday, December 23 – 4:30am AEDT – 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

Monday, December 23 – 7am AEDT – 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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