La Liga: Five Players Ready to Write the Headlines
After four weeks of scintillating football the 2022 World Cup is all but over and when the final concludes on Sunday our attention will turn to domestic matters and, hey, there is plenty to look forward to.
Europe’s top leagues are set to reconvene and there are some fascinating situations to return to. In England, Arsenal have opened up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League, while Napoli’s lead in Serie A stretched to eight. FC Bayern are leading the Bundesliga and Paris Saint Germain are pulling away at the top of Ligue 1.
And the La Liga title race is bubbling up nicely, with Xavi’s Barcelona leading the way at the top of the table and El Clasico rivals Real Madrid two points behind, while Atleti are way off the pace, in fifth place and a full 13 points of the pace. With Real Sociedad in third, and nine points behind Los Blancos, it already looks like a two-horse race between La Liga’s most successful clubs.
So buckle up and let’s get ready to go again, and there will be plenty of stars getting fans off their seats as the title race gathers pace: the attacking players make the big plays that decide the games, and here are five who are sure to hit our screens over the next five months.
Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona
The latest La Liga 2022 betting oddshave installed Barcelona as the outright favourites to win the title and that would mean the big call to bring Robert Lewandowski to the Camp Nou has paid off handsomely. Barca last won La Liga in 2019, and has since watched Real Madrid win in 2020 and 2020 while Atleti picked up the title in 2021. Los Blancos will undoubtedly push the Catalans all the way but this year it is Barcelona’s title to lose.
Uruguayan winger Valverde is having his best ever La Liga season having been challenged by head coach Carlo Ancelotti to score more goals. And how he has responded, having scored five in his first four seasons at the club, he has already bagged six this season and made two assists. He impressed for Uruguay at the World Cup and Valverde is ready to link up with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo back in Madrid.
Antoine Griezmann – Atletico Madrid
Antoine Griezmann has performed brilliantly at the Qatar World Cup
France forward Griezmann is back to his best having returned from Barcelona to the Wanda Metropolitano and he has been one of the stand-out players in Qatar over the past four weeks. He has a chance to cement his reputation as one of the world’s best players in the World Cup final on Sunday as France aim to make it back-to-back world crowns, while Lionel Messi hopes to lead Argentina to long awaited glory. And if Griezmann brings his World Cup form back to Madrid then Los Rojiblancos can be confident of a better second half of the campaign.
Inaki Williiams – Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao are currently in the sought after fourth place and it looks like a four way battle for two Champions League spots, also involving Real Betis alongside Sociedad and Atletico. The Basque club is as well placed as any and they are relying again of one of their most established stars, Inaki Williams, who has been at the San Mames since 2014. With five goals and an assist this term the Ghana star is still the main man in Bilbao’s attacking unit and Los Leones will be counting on him to stay fit and firing until May.
Los Ches are in mid table with 19 points from 14 games; five wins, four draws and five defeats and, with five points to make up to a European place they need to find some consistency over the second half of the campaign. One man they can rely on is another Uruguayan striker, Edinson Cavani. The legendary goal scorer was incensed when his national team exited the World Cup, toppling a VAR screen in his anger at the referee’s performance in their final match, and Valencia will rely on his fire and passion back in Spain.
After a stint at Manchester United Cavani has moved back to the continent and seems happier in the warmer weather. Valencia fans will hope he is in red hot form on his return.
The SBOTOP team are ready and raring to kick off the new La Liga season and we’ll be watching these five players closely – we’ll get more than enough La Liga 2022 highlights from these boys!
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After an underwhelming start to their 2022-23 La Liga campaign, Atletico Madrid have a real conundrum on their hands as they must find a way to make it back into the top four while balancing their books.
They’ve slumped to fifth in the league standings with 24 points – level with Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis – but they still have enough time to turn their season around.
So, the upcoming January transfer window is going to be crucial as they’re reportedly keen on moving on between three and five of their players.
Meanwhile, Barcelona and Real Madrid are leading the pack and both sides are looking to pick up positive La Liga 2022 results as we open the second half of 2022-23.
With the restart on the horizon, read on below as SBOTOP briefs you on the latest in Spanish top-flight.
Atleti players made available for January window
Atletico Madrid are open to offloading some of their players come January – namely Joao Felix, Matheus Cunha, Felipe, and Mario Hermoso.
However, he struggled to make a consistent impact due to injuries that he sustained throughout his stay so far, notching only 33 goals and 18 assists in 129 competitive appearances.
This season, though, Felix has recorded three goals and three assists – providing Diego Simeone and co. some hope that he can live up to his potential at the Wanda Metropolitano.
The 23-year-old striker has been linked to a Premier League move, with Arsenal and Manchester United claimed to be keen on bringing him on. Since he still has huge upside, Atleti are expected to demand a hefty fee for the Portuguese.
Matheus Cunha is another 23-year-old that is available for another possible Premier League move. He joined Atleti from Hertha Berlin for €30-M back in 2021, but his playing time has been sporadic. The Brazilian is reportedly linked to Wolves over a possible deal.
Felipe, 33, is also being eyed by Wolves, while the 27-year-old Mario Hermoso has yet to receive any formal offers.
Assuming all of them are sold by January, Atletico Madrid’s finances should be back on track. They’ll look to rely on their World Cup 2022 standouts in Antoine Griezmann, Alvaro Morata, and Rodrigo de Paul either way moving forward.
Real Madrid looking to make their team younger
This season, Real Madrid are all about refreshing their squad while staying competitive to win trophies, and they’ve been consistent with their mantra.
After selling Casemiro to Manchester United, they brought in Aurelien Tchouameni from AS Monaco last summer. And the 22-year-old midfielder has been solid, not only for Los Blancos, but for Les Bleus too.
With Toni Kroos and Luka Modric approaching the twilight of their careers, Tchouameni and fellow Frenchman Eduardo Camavinga are expected to lead their midfield for the foreseeable future.
The Palmeiras forward just turned 16 last July, and he’ll join Los Blancos when he reaches legal age in July 2024. Endrick was reportedly signed for $63.6-M.
Reports from South America also claim that Real Madrid aren’t stopping there since they’re keeping tabs on 16-year-old Gianluca Prestianni. He is currently playing for Velez Sarsfield in Argentina’s Primera Division.
Barcelona aiming for trophies and Messi reunion
Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski with coach Xavi after being sent off
Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently outlined his expectations for the club this season. Basically, he said that he wants the Blaugrana to be on top of the food chain once more.
Finance was the big problem for them, but their La Liga 2022 odds aren’t affected much, especially since they’re on top of the table.
As a squad, Barcelona have a unique mix of veterans and youngsters – from the likes of Robert Lewandowski and captain Sergio Busquets to the duo of Pedri and Gavi – which might be enough to win silverware.
Furthermore, Laporta is not giving up on bringing back Lionel Messi to Catalonia despite reports that the Argentine superstar has committed to a contract extension with PSG. Messi, who recently celebrated his World Cup triumph, is said to remain in Paris until 2024. He has 12 goals and 14 assists for the Parisiens across all competitions this season.
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La Liga: Embattled Atleti Need to Make Winning Return Against Elche
Atletico Madrid vs Elche CF
Atletico Madrid are all set to resume their La Liga campaign, and their first assignment back from the World Cup break seems like an easy one on paper as they host bottom club Elche at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Atleti are desperate for all three points after failing to win any of their last three games, all of which were against teams in the bottom half of the table.
Still, the La Liga 2022 betting odds will have the Rojiblancos as overwhelming favourites to beat Elche, who are the only team in La Liga who have yet to win a single match this season.
Talking Points
Question marks abound at Atleti
All is not well at Atletico Madrid. The Rojiblancos return from the break fifth in La Liga after going winless in their last three games. And Atleti also crashed out of the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2018.
These struggles have led to speculation about Diego Simeone’s future at the club, but the Argentine has stated he has no intention of leaving. Simeone has some work to do to turn his team’s fortunes around, though, as question marks abound on both ends of the pitch.
Defensively, this is perhaps the worst a Simeone-led Atleti side has performed in his 12 seasons in charge. With their old guard of defenders gone, Atleti are no longer able to strangle opposing teams’ offences like they once did.
Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix looks frustrated during a La Liga match against Villarreal
Joao Felix, Alvaro Morata, Antoine Griezmann, and Angel Correa remain decent options at striker. Felix (1 goal, 2 assists), Morata (3 goals, 1 assist), and Griezmann (3 assists) all had fine World Cups, but there is much speculation about Joao Felix’s future, with recent La Liga 2022 news linking him with a move to the Premier League.
Joao Felix scored three goals in Atleti’s last two games before the break, though, and with Antoine Griezmann possibly set to be given a bit more time off after his extended World Cup run, the Portuguese youngster might be handed the start amid the rumours of his potential exit.
Elche in big trouble
Elche’s three-year stay in Spain’s top flight might be coming to an end. Los Ilicitanos find themselves bottom of La Liga through 14 rounds, with no wins and just four points from their first 14 games. Elche are already seven points back of second-from-bottom Cadiz and are a further eight points from safety.
Elche lost each of their last three games before the break, and to make matters worse, they were all very winnable games against Getafe (15th), Real Valladolid (12th), and Girona (13th), who were all on the bottom half of the table.
Los Ilicitanos have been leaking goals all season long. They have already conceded 31 goals, five more than the next-closest teams. Meanwhile, they have not been much better in attack with just 10 goals scored, which is second from bottom.
Elche coach Sergio Mantecón will be hoping his side can gain a bit of confidence from their 3-0 win over Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey second round. Top scorers Pere Milla (3 goals) and Ezequiel Ponce (2 goals) both got on the scoresheet.
Atletico Madrid have absolutely dominated Elche over the years. The Rojiblancos have won their last 10 games in a row against them. Moreover, they are unbeaten against Elche in 23 matches at home, with 20 wins, including the last 13 in a row. That’s the most games Atleti have ever play against a La Liga opponent at home without losing.
The chances of Elche ending that long winless drought don’t look too good, either. They have won just one of their last 11 away games, which came all the way back in September 2021.
SBOTOP odds have Atletico Madrid installed as massive 1.28 favourites over Elche, who have astronomical 10.00 odds of getting their first win of the season – and their first win at Atleti – this week. A draw is 5.20.
Atletico Madrid have had a terrible home record thus far this season. They’ve won just two of their five home games, with two draws and two defeats.
With all the issues surrounding Atleti at the moment, Elche have the chance to at least make things competitive at the Civitas Metropolitano.
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Sixth plays fourth at the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Thursday when Ernesto Valverde takes his high-flying Athletic Bilbao to take on European rivals Real Betis.
The Spanish league is hot on the heels of the Premier League in restarting after the World Cup and the La Liga game between Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao is the standout fixture of the first round of fixtures.
Manuel Pellegrini is looking for an upturn in form from his Betis side and they come into the game on the back of a 1-1 friendly draw with Inter Milan, while Bilbao have made it through to the third round of the Copa del Rey after edging out Segunda Division side Sestao.
This is a clash which could go either way, and though the two teams are two places apart spilt by Atletico Madrid, all three have accumulated 24 points from 14 games with seven victories, three draws, and four defeats.
The winner (if there is one) will put in a convincing claim for a Champions League place and that would be the perfect way to finish off 2022.
Manuel Pellegrini led Los Verdiblancos to a strong start in the 2022/23 campaign but a tail off in form has seen them slip to sixth place in the table though they can climb again if they manage to produce a quick upturn.
But not only does Betis need things to improve on the pitch, they also risk losing one or two of their most influential players.
There is already some uncertainly over the future of winger Nabil Fekir, with Premier League big spenders Newcastle United said to be eying up a deal for the France international.
A report in the Spanish media has suggested the Magpies may be willing to splash €60-M on the former Liverpool target and that would be a hard offer to refuse. Fekir hasn’t been as prolific this term as last, but his acceleration and close ball skills can often make him too hot to handle.
Striker Borja Iglesias is top scoring with eight goals and he is said to be on Atletico Madrid’s shopping list as Los Rojiblancos are preparing for the possible exit of Joao Felix. Both Fekir and Iglesias are key to Betis’ attack while Portuguese midfielder William Carvalho does a vital job in protecting his defence and supporting the attack. His performance is pivotal to Betis’ success and Pellegrini will hope to have all three in his squad at the beginning of February.
Bilbao looking to pick up where they left off
Bilbao head coach Ernesto Valverde returned to the club at the start of this campaign, having managed Los Leones for four years between 2013 and 2017 and he also had an illustrious playing career at Saint Mames, scoring 44 goals in 170 appearances for the club.
And his return sparked a bright 14 games from Los Leones as they look to improve on last season’s eighth placed finish. Valverde inherited a strong squad which he has moulded into an effective unit from back to front.
While some of the top Spanish clubs had players going deep into the World Cup, neither Real Betis nor Athletic Club were overly stretched in that respect, but Bilbao keeper Unai Simon has established himself as Spain’s No. 1. His command of his penalty area and superb distribution has edged out Manchester United’s David de Gea and, at 25 years of age, it is his position to lose.
Unai Simon in action playing for Spain against Morocco
Defender Oscar de Marcos has racked up almost 350 games for the club and he can also operate in defensive midfield, while brothers Inaki and Nico Williams are also Basque boys through and through.
Inaki has scored 58 goals in 286 appearances for Bilbao, while 20-year-old Nico broke into the Spain team in Qatar and is one of the most exciting wing talents in European football.
And he provides La Liga 2022 highlights alongside 26-year-old striker Gorka Guruzeta, who returned to the club last summer and has bagged five goals in seven games.
History
The head-to-heads between these two sides ebbed and flowed over the years with Betis winning 16 of the encounters, Bilbao winning 21, and there have been 17 draws while last season Los Verdiblancos won this fixture 1-0
Bilbao are on a winning streak of seven games and four on the road, while Real Betis have won one, drawn one, and lost four of their last six matches.
The pre-match La Liga 2022 betting odds make this a tough call to make with the visitors marginal favourites at 2.56, the hosts at SBOTOP odds of 2.60 and the draw priced at 3.06. Betis were on the slide before the World Cup but the break may have done them good and I expect a tight game with a 1-1 draw or a winner by the odd goal.
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Real Madrid head to the Jose Zorrilla Stadium in Castile on Friday to take on Real Valladolid and Los Blancos will expect to come out on top in the ‘Battle of the Reals’ but their hosts are not about to roll over.
Los Blancos return to action in second place in the La Liga table, two points behind Barcelona and the latest La Liga 2022 betting odds are backing the Blaugrana for the title. Real Madrid are priced at 2.50 and Carlo Ancelotti’s men can keep the pressure up on Barca with a win, but their hosts will provide them with a stiff challenge.
Valladolid come into the game on the back of a thumping 5-1 victory over Arena Club Getxo in the second round of the Copa del Rey, while Madrid’s last competitive game resulted in a 2-1 win over Cadiz. And the 27,000 capacity Jose Zorrilla Stadium will be bouncing as the locals attempt to bring in the New Year with a famous victory.
Talking Points
Benzema has the Eye of the Tiger
Real Madrid’s World Cup stars return to the fold with mixed emotions. Luka Modric had a great tournament with Croatia but his nation’s pride compounded the frustration of two of his club mates, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, as Brazil crashed out of the quarter-final to the Croats. But the man who returns to action with the biggest point to prove is Karim Benzema, who is back in action after a lengthy lay-off and he endured the ordeal of watching his country, France; lose in the final without him.
He was initially selected for Les Blues but was sent home after he picked up a new thigh strain and, though he was reported to be fit enough to rejoin the defending champions when the knockout phase began, his World Cup was over. Having picked up the Ballon D’Or this was a great chance for Benzema to show why he won the world’s most prestigious player award and he was clearly annoyed that head coach Didier Deschamps chose to leave him out. He rejected an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron to fly with the official party to Qatar for the final, simply posting on Instagram ‘not interested.’
Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema is holding the Ballon D’Or trophy
It seems that tension between Benzema and some in the camp, maybe even Deschamps, led to him being ignored, but the France boss can rightly point to the player’s injury-blighted season in which he has only played for 954 minutes and scored six goals.
An angry Benzema is probably not what the hosts would have wanted to encounter and they have enough to worry about with Madrid’s other creative players ready to put the World Cup behind them. Vinicius has six goals so far in this campaign while Rodrygo has made four assists, and Uruguay midfield star Federico Valverde is having the best season of his career, scoring six goals already.
In defensive midfield, Toni Kroos is available after serving a suspension earned when he picked up a red card in a pre-Christmas clash with Girona.
Valladolid’s Home Comforts
Real Valladolid have picked up nine points from their last five games in La Liga, with three wins and two defeats, and the upturn in La Liga 2022 results was most welcome in Castile. They have moved up to 12th position and have won their last three home matches, but La Pucella are still at odds of 4.50 to take the plunge back into the Segunda Division.
Head coach Pacheta led Valladolid to promotion from the second tier at in his first season at the club and he will be determined to avoid a swift return. Home form and the efforts of veteran striker Sergio Leon should be enough to help Valladolid steer clear of danger. Leon has scored five goals from 13 games including a winner in a recent 1-0 home win against top four chasing Real Sociedad.
History
Los Blancos have bossed the head to head encounters with La Pucella, winning 25 of the last 40, while drawing 11 and losing just four. The last three meetings have all gone the way of Real Madrid by a 1-0 score line.
There isn’t a huge amount to choose between the two teams in terms of recent results as Madrid have won three, drawn one, and lost two of the last six, while Valladolid have won two, drawn one and lost three.
But Ancelotti’s men have been superb on the road this season, winning six of their seven away games, and Valladolid’s last home win against Los Blancos was back in 2008.
Los Blancos are hot favorites at odds of 1.46 to win, while the draw is 4.26and Valladolid is at 5.80. The hosts are good at home while the visitors are strong on the road and that makes this a fascinating encounter.
So I’m going for a correct score-line. 1-2 to Madrid is priced at 6.56, but I’m backing another night of frustration for Benzema and Madrid.
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La Liga: Sociedad to Outline Top Four Credentials Versus Osasuna
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna
Two sides with top four aspirations are set to battle in the upcoming La Liga restart, as Real Sociedad host Osasuna at the Estadio Anoeta on New Year’s Eve.
The hosts have the upper hand since they’re in third place with 26 points, but they’re only separated by three points over their seventh-placed visitors, who have 23.
Real Sociedad have been knocking on the Champions League door for the past few seasons. But they always came up short after a hot start, so they’ll do everything they can to make sure that there’s no more letdown this year.
Osasuna, meanwhile, are punching above their weight this term, and they can give Real Sociedad a real test this weekend.
Talking Points
Mikel Oyarzabal imminent return is big for Real Sociedad
Mikel Oyarzabal’s return couldn’t come soon enough for La Real. Although they’ve been getting by despite their limited options thanks to Brais Mendez (eight goals, three assists) and Alexander Sorloth (six goals, two assists) stepping up, it’s clear that they’re not as dangerous without their young talisman.
The 25-year-old winger tore his ACL in March and he has been working his way back ever since. The good news for Imanol Alguacil and co. is that he’s progressing well since he has been training with the first team.
Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal reacts after Martin Zubimendi scored during their Europa League match against RB Leipzig
He was, after all, their top scorer last season and they need him back in his lethal form if they are going to make noise, both in La Liga and in the Europa League – where they’re already in the Round of 16 after a solid run in the group stage.
Should La Real get the positive La Liga 2022 news that Oyarzabal is available for this game, he’s going to line up alongside Brais Mendez, Alexander Sorloth, and Mohamed-Ali Cho up front.
Attacking midfielder David Silva has been ruled out of action until the end of 2022 due to an injured quad after he was forced off in their 1-0 defeat to Real Valladolid last October. Martin Zubimendi might be asked to play a more advanced role while the former Manchester City star is recovering.
They’re through to the Round of 32 in the Copa del Rey after brushing aside Fuentes and Arnedo with an aggregate tally of 7-1. They also beat Brest 3-0, while drawing 1-1 against Lorient and Girona.
Kike Garcia has been particularly impressive during this stretch as he recorded a brace both in those Copa del Rey matches. He was their second-leading scorer with two goals, and now his total has reached six.
The 33-year-old centre-forward will link up with Chimy Avila up front. Avila is another man to be wary of, if you’re Real Sociedad, because of his pace and trickery. The Argentine is enjoying a great season at El Sadar, and he’s been linked to a possible Premier League move with Leeds United.
Real Sociedad are undefeated in their last 12 fixtures against Osasuna in La Liga (W7, D5), winning their last three without surrendering a single goal. At home, they’re also unbeaten in their last nine league games against Los Rojillos (W5, D4), with their last defeat being a 2-1 result back in November 2005.
After winning five consecutive La Liga games between September and October 2022 (D1, L2), La Real have only won one of their last four, which was a 1-0 road victory over Mallorca in October.
On the other hand, Osasuna have gained points in four of their last five away La Liga games (W2, D2, L1), and they won their last away trip against Celta Vigo in November (2-1).
Save for a 3-1 scoreline in August 2021 where Osasuna last prevailed, matches between these two sides have yielded only two goals max each for the past two seasons.
The SBOTOP La Liga 2022 odds are backing Real Sociedad to take all three points this Saturday, as they were installed at 1.92, while Osasuna are at 3.90 and chances for a draw are at 3.45 in the 1X2 market.
Given the trend of their recent encounters, Under 2.50 @ 1.66 is another bet to consider – which is preferred by Osasuna given their penchant for low-scoring affairs this season.
But Real Sociedad boasts more firepower than Osasuna, so they should eke out a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
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La Liga: Sociedad to Outline Top Four Credentials Versus Osasuna
Barcelona vs Espanyol
La Liga is about to return.
The next few days bring us a full complement of fixtures to round off 2022 and, in the Nou Camp, a match known as El Derbi Barceloní.
Yet this is no ordinary derby.
This is a game which has a long history of rivalries and La Liga highlights. A match-up between giants and their much smaller neighbours, indeed underdogs.
Talking Points
Right now, there is a feeling that Barcelona is more a collection of expensively-assembled individuals. That is to be expected given the upheaval at the club, yet manager Xavi will know he has some real talent at his disposal and is shaping a new-look team.
While knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage for the second successive season, domestically, the only points they have dropped so far are an opening weekend draw and defeat in El Clasico.
They managed to hold onto their two point advantage at the summit last time out, despite playing an hour with 10 men after Robert Lewandowski’s dismissal.
Martin Braithwaite returns to FC Barcelona this weekend with his new side Espanyol
It did not stop them overturning a half-time deficit against Osasuna though.
Naturally, the Polish striker, the division’s top scorer, will miss this weekend’s clash as he begins a three match suspension.
Xavi has three options to pick from up front, with Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati and Memphis Depay vying for a start, meanwhile winger Ousmane Dembele, a World Cup runner-up with France, has returned to training and could be involved.
After spending big in the summer, signing the likes of Lewandowski, Brazil winger Raphinha and defender Jules Kounde among others, making controversial financial sacrifices to do so, it would be ironic if two of the genuine youthful talents in their ranks – Pedri and Gavi – prove to be the difference.
They are certainly two players the manager has complimented as better at the age of 20 than he and his former teammate Andreas Iniesta – the fabled midfield duo of the side considered the best Barcelona team ever.
As for crosstown rivals Espanyol, fighting for survival and only one point clear of the drop zone, manager Pablo Machin is likely to select Martin Braithwaite in attack against his former side, after a sour parting of ways last summer.
Braithwaite never let Barca down, even if it was felt he was not of the quality they have been accustomed to in more recent times.
History
Espanyol moved to the RCDE Stadium in 2009 but it was not until their 10th meeting with their neighbours at their new arena that they were able to win a derby fixture (three draws, six defeats), winning 1–0 in a Copa quarter-final first leg tie.
However, the Catalan giants overturned it 2-0 the following week to go through in the tie.
Barcelona have historically dominated these matches and Espanyol have only succeeded in defeating their Catalan rivals three times in almost 70 years.
Last season, Barca edged this corresponding fixture thanks to a Depay penalty.
The return ended 2-2 – for the second successive season – when the illustrious visitors needed Luuk de Jong to come to their rescue after Sergi Darder and Raul De Tomas had cancelled out a Pedri opener.
All this in a frantic finish in which Gerard Pique and Nico Melamed were sent off after a clash before substitute De Jong’s intervention.
Manu Morlanes, who had come on in the 62nd minute only to go off eight minutes later because of an injury, was also shown a red card at the end of the game.
Espanyol have only won in the Nou Camp four times in their history and have not beaten their neighbours in the league since 2009.
Overall, Barca have won 39 of their 60 clashes in all competitions with just five Espanyol successes and 16 draws.
The next few days bring us a full complement of fixtures to round off 2022 and, in the Nou Camp, a match known as El Derbi Barceloní.
Yet this is no ordinary derby.
This is a game which has a long history of rivalries and La Liga highlights. A match-up between giants and their much smaller neighbours, indeed underdogs.
Talking Points
Right now, there is a feeling that Barcelona is more a collection of expensively-assembled individuals. That is to be expected given the upheaval at the club, yet manager Xavi will know he has some real talent at his disposal and is shaping a new-look team.
While knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage for the second successive season, domestically, the only points they have dropped so far are an opening weekend draw and defeat in El Clasico.
They managed to hold onto their two point advantage at the summit last time out, despite playing an hour with 10 men after Robert Lewandowski’s dismissal.
Martin Braithwaite returns to FC Barcelona this weekend with his new side Espanyol
It did not stop them overturning a half-time deficit against Osasuna though.
Naturally, the Polish striker, the division’s top scorer, will miss this weekend’s clash as he begins a three match suspension.
Xavi has three options to pick from up front, with Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati and Memphis Depay vying for a start, meanwhile winger Ousmane Dembele, a World Cup runner-up with France, has returned to training and could be involved.
After spending big in the summer, signing the likes of Lewandowski, Brazil winger Raphinha and defender Jules Kounde among others, making controversial financial sacrifices to do so, it would be ironic if two of the genuine youthful talents in their ranks – Pedri and Gavi – prove to be the difference.
They are certainly two players the manager has complimented as better at the age of 20 than he and his former teammate Andreas Iniesta – the fabled midfield duo of the side considered the best Barcelona team ever.
As for crosstown rivals Espanyol, fighting for survival and only one point clear of the drop zone, manager Pablo Machin is likely to select Martin Braithwaite in attack against his former side, after a sour parting of ways last summer.
Braithwaite never let Barca down, even if it was felt he was not of the quality they have been accustomed to in more recent times.
History
Espanyol moved to the RCDE Stadium in 2009 but it was not until their 10th meeting with their neighbours at their new arena that they were able to win a derby fixture (three draws, six defeats), winning 1–0 in a Copa quarter-final first leg tie.
However, the Catalan giants overturned it 2-0 the following week to go through in the tie.
Barcelona have historically dominated these matches and Espanyol have only succeeded in defeating their Catalan rivals three times in almost 70 years.
Last season, Barca edged this corresponding fixture thanks to a Depay penalty.
The return ended 2-2 – for the second successive season – when the illustrious visitors needed Luuk de Jong to come to their rescue after Sergi Darder and Raul De Tomas had cancelled out a Pedri opener.
All this in a frantic finish in which Gerard Pique and Nico Melamed were sent off after a clash before substitute De Jong’s intervention.
Manu Morlanes, who had come on in the 62nd minute only to go off eight minutes later because of an injury, was also shown a red card at the end of the game.
Espanyol have only won in the Nou Camp four times in their history and have not beaten their neighbours in the league since 2009.
Overall, Barca have won 39 of their 60 clashes in all competitions with just five Espanyol successes and 16 draws.
La Liga: Real Madrid Might Land Their Newest Galactico Soon
Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid are expected to make a ton of noise this January transfer window, albeit for different reasons, with the three of them aiming to win the La Liga crown this season.
The SBOTOP La Liga 2023 odds are high on both Barcelona and Real Madrid since they occupy the top two spots at 38 points apiece, but the same can’t be said for 2020-21 champions Atletico Madrid, who are at fourth with 27 points.
The Blaugrana, who brought in several players last summer, are aiming to bolster their squad despite facing financial constraints and the possibility of some of their stars departing.
Real Madrid have their eyes on Jude Bellingham, among others
Borussia Dortmund are going to hold talks with Jude Bellingham to discuss his future since he’s arguably the hottest commodity in football right now. It’s an open secret that the 19-year-old midfielder is likely to leave the Bundesliga giants soon, with pretty much the biggest clubs in Europe keen on signing him.
BVB reportedly want at least £120-M for Bellingham, which puts him out of many clubs’ reach. Real Madrid are not one of them, though, and they are apparently in pole position to land the Three Lions standout.
Real Madrid have yet to hold negotiations with Borussia Dortmund, but these two clubs have had a great business relationship these past few years.
Bellingham joining Real Madrid is going to be unfair for the rest of the league since they’re stacked in midfield, which already has the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, Dani Ceballos, and Aurelien Tchouameni.
With Bellingham earmarked for 2023, Real Madrid are also looking ahead to 2024, and they’re linked with the likes of Erling Haaland and Alphonso Davies.
Real Madrid could snap Davies up for a cheaper price since his contract at Bayern Munich expires in 2025. Getting Haaland, meanwhile, is going to be much more complicated for Real Madrid since the Norwegian star has a release clause in his contract with Manchester City amounting to $195-M.
With Karim Benzema getting older, Carlo Ancelotti is looking for his heir apparent, and Haaland is the ideal guy.
Xavi lays out stance on Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay
After rejecting a move to Old Trafford last summer, Frenkie de Jong is claimed to have had a “change of heart,” which angered Barcelona’s top management. Memphis Depay has also been tipped for a return to Manchester United after leaving for Lyon in 2017.
Upon being appointed as Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag wanted to bring in Frenkie de Jong to stabilise their midfield, but instead they got Casemiro – who is not a bad alternative at all.
The Red Devils are desperate to strengthen their attacking options following the abrupt departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Depay could help. However, AS Roma and Chelsea are also linked with the Dutch stalwart.
Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong in action with Espanyol’s Fernando Calero
Despite Barcelona’s predicament, Xavi made it clear that he wants de Jong and Depay to stay and added that it’ll be a “quiet January transfer window” for the Blaugrana.
Meanwhile, Wilfried Zaha is linked with a free transfer move to Barcelona as his current contract expires at the end of this season. He has informed Crystal Palace that he doesn’t want to sign an extension.
No takers so far for Joao Felix
Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all held talks with Joao Felix, but there is a major stumbling block in the way of a possible loan move.
According to the latest La Liga 2023 updates, Atletico Madrid reportedly want a $22-M package, which includes six months of wage payments and an additional fee with no option to buy at the end of his loan period. Until Atleti lower their demands, Felix is not going anywhere for the next six months.
Matheus Cunha has completed his loan move to Wolves, and they’re reportedly eyeing Alexis Mac Allister and Caglar Soyuncu.
Mac Allister, part of Argentina’s World Cup winning squad, is not really keen on leaving Brighton soon. However, Soyuncu is ready to leave Leicester City since he has fallen out of favour in Brendan Rodgers’ rotation, having made only one league appearance so far this season.
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La Liga: Yellow Submarine to Pose New Year Test for Real Madrid
Villarreal vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s first La Liga test of 2023 will be a tough one as they take on Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
The reigning champions came back from the World Cup break with a 2-0 win over Real Valladolid thanks to a brace from the returning Karim Benzema.
And now, they face a Villarreal side that was also victorious in their first La Liga match back from the break under new head coach Quique Setien.
The La Liga 2023 betting odds will fancy Los Blancos to get the win they need to keep pace with Barcelona at the top of the table. But with star striker Gerard Moreno back healthy, the Yellow Submarine will pose quite a threat to the champions.
Talking Points
Villarreal returning to form under new coach
After getting off to a rocky start, the Quique Setien era in Villarreal is back on track. Setien, who replaced Unai Emery as Villarreal coach, lost his first three games in charge, including back-to-back La Liga matches against Athletic Bilbao and Mallorca.
But he has since led the Yellow Submarine to back-to-back victories over Espanyol just before the World Cup break and against Valencia in their first La Liga match post-World Cup.
Star striker Gerard Moreno, who has had another injury-plagued season, made his first start since September against Valencia, and he made a decent impact with two shots and an assist. Meanwhile, Samuel Chukwueze shone with two shots and scored his first La Liga goal of the season.
Setien has set up his preferred 4-3-3 system at Villarreal, with Chukwueze and Yeremy Pino flanking Moreno. Chukwueze once again found the net in Villarreal’s 5-1 thrashing of Cartagena in the Copa del Rey. Arnaut Danjuma also scored and will add another attacking weapon off the bench.
And despite a slight slip, the Yellow Submarine still have one of the best defences in Spain. They have conceded just 11 goals this season, which is second only to leaders Barcelona.
Villarreal have been particularly impressive at home, where they have won four of six games, with one draw and one loss.
Real Madrid happy to have Benzema back
Real Madrid returned to La Liga action with a 2-0 victory over Real Valladolid. Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema made a successful return from injury by scoring a brace on six shots.
Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their second goal against Real Valladolid
Benzema even when fit earlier this season wasn’t at his Ballon d’Or-winning best. But with seven goals in eight La Liga appearances, the 35-year-old is still capable of creating plenty of La Liga 2023 highlights.
With Benzema’s return, Carlo Ancelotti now has his complete squad at his disposal, which will allow him to rotate his side as he likes to do.
Ancelotti gave fringe players Dani Ceballos and Marco Asensio rare starts against Valladolid, but World Cup standouts Aurelien Tchouameni and Luka Modric are likely to come into the squad against Villarreal.
Fede Valverde is also likely to take up his usual spot on the right wing, as Ancelotti has done often in big games, with Benzema and Vinicius Junior headlining the attack.
Real Madrid have been road warriors this season. They have the best away record in La Liga with seven wins in eight games, with 19 goals scored and only seven conceded. They have scored two or more goals in all but one of their away matches.
History
Real Madrid have had the better of Villarreal in recent years. Los Blancos have not lost to the Yellow Submarine in their last nine La Liga matches.
Although, six of those games have been draws. Last season under Unai Emery, Villarreal held Real to two goalless draws. The last goalless draw in La Liga between the two sides before last season was back in 2006.
Villarreal have now held Real Madrid to a draw in their last five visits to El Madrigal/Estadio de la Ceramica.
SBOTOP odds have Villarreal priced as 3.40 underdogs at home against Real Madrid, who are installed as 2.08 favourites. A draw is 3.40.
Although it’s been a while since Villarreal beat Real, they have at least been competitive against the Spanish giants. And I expect them to give the reigning champions another challenging match at the Ceramica.
The Yellow Submarine are getting used to Setien’s system, and with Gerard Moreno back healthy, they will be much more dangerous going forward against Real.
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La Liga: Atletico Will Test Barcelona’s Title Credentials
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona
Atletico Madrid could do their city rivals, Real, a big favour this weekend when they meet league leaders Barcelona at the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium.
Diego Simeone and Xavi are two of the biggest characters in La Liga and they will both be barking out orders from the touchlines when Atletico host Barcelona on Sunday night.
Los Rojiblancos could climb to within eight points of the top with a victory, but the big winners would be Real Madrid who are breathing down the necks of the Catalans.
Atletico come into the game on the back of a home league win over Elche while Barcelona drew at home to Espanyol before both teams successfully navigated the Copa del Rey Round of 32.
The very latest La Liga 2023 betting odds back the Blaugrana at 1.60 to win the title with Real Madrid hot on their heels at 2.00. The margin is too close for Barca to drop points on Sunday night, but Xavi knows it will be a big challenge for his players.
Talking Points
Can Simeone get one last tune from Felix?
When Joao Felix signed for Atletico Madrid in 2019, he came with a huge price tag on his shoulders but with a love of the game which had made him a superstar so quickly at Benfica.
On signing for Los Rojiblancos the Portugal star said: “The ball, she is precious. She is a gift. A gift to me, a gift to you. As I grew as a man I realised that’s what I loved – to have the ball, and to play wonderful, happy football. That’s when I am at my best.”
So a move to join the arch pragmatist Simeone and his 1-0 specialists may not have been the perfect move from this young artisan. He has only just turned 23 and has years to fulfill his undoubted potential, but it is looking increasingly unlikely that it will be in Madrid.
Atletico Madrid are looking to offload forward Joao Felix this January transfer window
Manchester United are reported to have made a £3.5-M loan offer for the star and it is quite possible that the game against Barcelona could be his last in the red and white of Atleti.
Even though he has not been prolific in Madrid, Felix has the ability to affect games and, with three goals and three assists this season, he links well with striker Alvaro Morata and Atleti’s main man Antoine Griezmann.
The French star had a brilliant World Cup and he is happy back at Atletico after a fruitless run at Barcelona and, if Felix can support Griezmann in attack, then this could be a happy swansong.
Barca looking to regain momentum
After a brilliant first half of the campaign, a draw in the Catalan derby was not exactly how Xavi wanted to end 2022 and he’ll be determined to see his team’s La Liga 2023 results kick off with a win if at all possible.
His team sits at the top of the Spanish table on goal difference alone and they could well start this game three points adrift of Real Madrid if their Clasico rivals win away to Villarreal on Saturday.
Robert Lewandowski has the x-factor of course. And with 13 goals, he is in good shape to win yet another Golden Boot, while Ousmane Dembele – with four goals and four assists – is having his best season in a while.
Xavi has the players to see this quest through and he is happy to rely on his young stars Pedri, Gavi, and Ansu Fati – who was on target in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey win over Intercity in midweek.
The 20-year-old Spain international was unlucky with injuries last term but he is back to full fitness and raring to go against Los Rojiblancos, saying: “We have no doubts, we are still leaders in the league and we have an opportunity to continue being so, in the dressing room we are convinced of what we are doing.”
“We know it will be difficult. It is a difficult stadium, but we are convinced we can go out and win,” he added.
Barcelona have had a good run against Atleti, winning 32 of the 67 meetings between these two giants over the past three decades, while Los Rojiblancos have won 18 of the encounters and there have been 17 draws.
Last season, Atleti won this fixture 2-0 before losing the return at the Camp Nou 4-2.
Both teams have won five of the last six games with Barca drawing the other, while Atleti lost to Mallorca in their final game before the World Cup.
Barcelona are favourites to win this huge clash at SBOTOP odds of 2.27, with the draw at 3.11 and Los Rojiblancos priced at 2.96.
Barca have won six and lost one away from home this season and, while they have not been at their best since the return, I’m backing the Blaugrana to win this one.
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Barca are Next to Gain Wriggle Room at La Liga Summit
The reality of La Liga is that there are two clubs who are streets ahead of the rest.
And so they should be.
After all, the budgets of the country’s top two clubs dwarf the rest which is why, in almost any season, the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds will always favour Real Madrid and Barcelona.
After a summer of spending, probably above their means, that is the case again for Barca in 2022-23, as they try and unseat arch rivals Real, the reigning Spanish and European champions.
Since the very start of the campaign, when one giant has dropped points, the other has taken advantage, meaning they have barely been separated by more than a few points at the summit.
That was the case again this weekend.
Indeed, the difference at the conclusion of the season could actually come down to who fares best against the teams which have impressively caused them a bloodied nose in the recent past – the likes of Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia and ‘Yellow Submarine’ Villarreal and it was the latter who were doing their stuff again this weekend.
Gerard Moreno scored a penalty and set up Yeremy Pino for the opener as Villarreal who are sixth following a third straight league win.
Quique Setién’s side started the stronger, with Francis Coquelin rattling the woodwork early on before Pino was denied by Thibaut Courtois from close range.
There was no let-up from the hosts after the break and the pressure told in the 47th minute when Moreno played in Pino, whose shot beat Courtois through sheer power.
Real rallied and a Juan Foyth handball, awarded by the VAR, allowed Benzema to level from the penalty spot on the hour mark.
Before the visitors could build on their leveller, Villarreal were awarded a penalty as a falling David Alaba was penalised for handball.
Real players protested strongly against the decision but there was no VAR reversal, and Moreno sent Courtois the wrong way from the spot to secure the win.
Carlo Ancelotti – rightly acclaimed this week as a management phenomenon – did not point at VAR but instead placed the blame for the defeat squarely on his players’ performance.
Madrid, who have won two of their last five league games, are now three points adrift of Barcelona who may well considered a 1-0 win at Atletico to be among their finest La Liga highlights of the campaign.
Ousmane Dembele’s smart 22nd minute finish was all that divided the sides who finished with 10 men each following stoppage time dismissals for Stefan Savic and Ferran Torres.
When Antoine Griezmann saw his 94th minute shot cleared off the line Ronaldo Araujo, the Catalans had what could prove to be a priceless victory.
If they were the big games of the weekend, the result of the weekend came on Friday night as Cadiz climbed momentarily out of the drop zone with a fine win at Valencia.
Valencia’s Yunus Musah with Cadiz’ Brian during their La Liga match
Ruben Alcaraz’s early strike was enough for Los Piratas on a night overshadowed by the news that a Valencia fan had passed away after failing ill prior to the match getting underway.
Also at that end of the table, Espanyol built on their New Year draw with Barcelona with another point, this time at home to Girona.
After falling behind to a Toni Villa opener, Javi Puado and Joselu, who equalised at the Nou Camp, turned the match around only for Yangel Herrera to notch a late equaliser.
Sevilla are not used to being in the bottom three but finally moved out of the drop zone with a 2-1 home win over Getafe, secured by goals from Marcos Acuna and Rafa Mir.
Two of the ‘best of the rest’ during the first half of the season both won away on Sunday to maintain their top four berths.
Two goals in five early second half minutes from veteran David Silva and Alexander Sorloth sealed the points for Sociedad against an Almeria side which has proved a tough nut to crack at home.
Meanwhile, Real Betis overcame a real test at Rayo Vallecano thanks to a 40th minute winner from Rosa da Silva.
The La Liga weekend will conclude on Monday night when Athletic Bilbao host Osasuna.
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Spanish Super Cup: Barcelona Can’t Squander This Chance to Win Silverware
Real Betis vs Barcelona
Barcelona are two wins away from winning one of the biggest domestic trophies in Spain, which is the Spanish Super Cup. They’re already in the semi-finals, and they’ll take on Real Betis this Thursday at a neutral venue in the King Fahd Stadium.
Last season, they reached this stage as well, but were eliminated by eventual winners Real Madrid. On the other hand, Real Betis qualified because they’re the reigning Copa del Rey titlists.
Both sides had La Liga games earlier this week, as Xavi’s men are fresh from a heated 1-0 victory against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid yesterday, whereas Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis just defeated Rayo Vallecano on Sunday with a scoreline of 2-1.
To their credit, Barcelona and Real Betis have yet to lose a match this year, but only one of them can stay undefeated after this game on Thursday.
Talking Points
Real Betis have a new standout
Manuel Pellegrini looks like he has discovered a young gem in Luiz Henrique, as the 22-year-old winger is now the team’s second-leading scorer this season with three goals and three assists.
With Juanmi, their top scorer last season, struggling to regain his form, Henrique has been given a chance to start alongside the likes of Nabil Fekir, Sergio Canales, and Borja Iglesias.
Real Betis’ Luiz Henrique vies with Athletic Bilbao’s Yuri Berchiche during their La Liga match in Seville
Real Betis have a history of scouring for young Brazilian talents like Emerson Royal and Junior Firpo. Henrique is far from a finished article, but he has a great opportunity here at Real Betis.
After a strong start in the 2022–23 campaign, Real Betis have been inconsistent, and it’s going to be a tricky January for them – both on and off the pitch. Off the field, this refers to the fact that their star players, Nabil Fekir and Borja Iglesias, have been linked with moves away from Benito Villamarin.
They’re holding the final Champions League berth since they’re fourth in the La Liga standings. And should they go all the way in the Spanish Super Cup, then that would boost their morale even more.
Robert Lewandowski is back temporarily for Barcelona
Lewandowski, 34, was sent off against Osasuna 12 days before the start of the World Cup. He was given a one-game ban for the dismissal and a further two games because of his subsequent conduct, in which he made a distasteful gesture towards the referees as he walked off the pitch.
Barcelona appealed the sanction, and it was temporarily placed on hold pending resolution by the Central Tribunal, allowing the Pole to play against Espanyol on New Year’s Eve.
However, Spain’s Administrative Sports Court (TAD) officially upheld the three-game ban on Wednesday. After missing out against Atleti yesterday, Lewandowski won’t be available against Getafe and Girona later this month.
The former Bayern Munich superstar has 18 goals in all competitions so far this season, and he’s capable of adding entries to the Spanish Super Cup 2023 highlights reel this week.
Real Betis and Barcelona will meet for the first time since May 2022. In their previous encounter, Barcelona won 2-1 in thrilling fashion, as Ansu Fati and Jordi Alba’s goals were enough to cancel out Marc Bartra’s score.
Barcelona became the first La Liga team to score 100 away goals against Real Betis in the competition’s history.
Los Verdiblancos’ home win rate against the Blaugrana in La Liga is quite low at 29-per cent, which doesn’t offer much hope for the hosts this Thursday (W16, D14, L26).
Seven of their last eight matchups across all competitions have produced at least three goals. Their last clean sheet was a 1-0 result in favour of Real Betis last December 2021.
The SBOTOP Spanish Super Cup 2023 odds favor Barcelona to advance to the finals, as they’re installed at 1.50, while Real Betis are priced at 5.80, and a draw is at 4.10 in the 1X2 market.
Since they’re the favourites to win, there’s more pressure on Barcelona. However, they should have enough to squeak past a feisty Real Betis side.
High-scoring affairs are no longer new in this fixture, and maybe we’ll have another barnburner this Thursday, making Over 2.75 @ 1.86 a betting option that you might want to consider.
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Two Europe-chasing clubs come face-to-face at the Reale Arena on Saturday, and there is an added spice to the game as near neighbours will duel it out.
The La Liga match between Sociedad and Bilbao will be on the radar of fans and teams from all over Spain as La Real currently sit third in the league table, while Bilbao are in the European hunt in seventh place.
Imanol Alguacil’s Sociedad come into the game on the back of a 2-0 victory away to Almeria, while Bilbao drew 0-0 at home to Osasuna.
The pre-match La Liga 2023 odds see this as a marginal home win which would make it four on the bounce for the hosts, but Ernesto Valverde’s Bilbao are unbeaten in 10 games and a victory would lift them into the running for a Champions League place.
Talking Points
Head coaches are Basque legends
Part of the appeal in this game is in the battle on the touchline between two of the Basque country’s most loved and respected figures.
Alguacil has the blue and white of Sociedad running through his veins, having spent 10 years at the club as a player and distinguished right-back and then staying at Sociedad for his entire coaching career.
After the club’s 2021 Copa del Rey triumph, he chanted Sociedad songs in the post-match press conference. He’s a fan as well as the head coach and the supporters of the club simply love him. Losing finalists Bilbao haven’t forgotten either.
As a player, Valverde scored 44 goals in 170 appearances for Athletic Bilbao. And last summer, he started his third stint as manager of the club he loves.
In 2015, he guided Los Leones to the Supercopa de Espana title, a trophy they won again last year and he, like Alguacil, likes nothing more than to win the Basque derby.
Evergreen Silva is still the man
La Liga: Real Sociedad’s David Silva in action during a friendly match against Leeds United
Alguacil’s side made it four games without conceding in their 2-0 win over Almeria and it was former Manchester City midfield ace David Silva who scored the opener, taking advantage of a defencive slip and nipping in to score just before the half-time break.
At 37 years of age, he is still in prime condition and his mercurial skills are a delight to watch. He can unlock a defence with a slide rule pass and still has a turn of pace and the quick feet to beat a man in tight spaces.
Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth scored La Real’s second to make it six for the campaign, taking a pass from Mikel Moreno who has made seven assists.
Iguacil likes his teams to take the attack to their opponents, and that is easier to do when your defence is solid, and the foursome of Diego Rico, Robin Le Normand, Igor Zubeldia, and Aritz Elustondo will link up again on Saturday in an attempt to shut out the Bilbao strikers.
Bilbao’s front three look to spark a top four challenge
Valverde’s approach is often more pragmatic than his opposite number’s and he won’t change his style in his quest to improve on last season’s eighth place finish.
A 0-0 draw in Bilbao’s first league match back after the World Cup against Real Betis was followed up by another goalless stalemate against Osasuna last time out, but Los Leones can let rip, as they proved when they dismantled Eldense with a 6-1 thrashing in the Copa del Rey third round.
Nico Williams was on target in the cup match and he will probably start the derby up front alongside his brother Inaki, either side of centre forward Gorka Guruzeta who has scored five goals so far this season.
With creative midfielder Iker Muniain behind this front three, if they can shut Sociedad out, then Bilbao have the potential to strike and create newLa Liga 2023 highlights.
History
The most recent head-to-heads have gone the way of Bilbao, who have won the last two. But Sociedad are unbeaten in five games at home to their Basque rivals and are edging the head-to-heads by 18 to 17 in all competitions since 1994, and there have been 20 draws.
Both teams have won four of the last six, with Bilbao drawing the other two while Sociedad have drawn one and lost one.
Betting Tip
At SBOTOP odds of 2.46, La Real are slight favourites to win this game while Bilbao, at 2.77, are well in the match and would love to extract more revenge for their 2021 Copa defeat.
It’s going to be a competitive 90 plus minutes and 1-1 is the most likely outcome at odds of 5.03, while a third consecutive goalless league draw for Bilbao is available at 6.56.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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Spanish Super Cup: Will Xavi Win His First Trophy in the El Clasico Final?
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
Xavi knows that winning silverware is required to validate their campaign this season, and now they’re one step away from doing so here in the Spanish Super Cup.
Barcelona are fresh from a tight win against Real Betis in the semi-finals, and they have one more roadblock to hurdle in Real Madrid, who are also coming off a tough victory against Valencia.
The latest edition of El Clasico will take place at a neutral venue, as football fans from Saudi Arabia will get the privilege to see their favourite La Liga stars put on several Spanish Super Cup 2023 highlights.
The El Clasico rivalry is widely regarded as one of the biggest football rivalries ever. And with the Spanish Super Cup crown and bragging rights on the line, we expect nothing less come Sunday night.
Talking Points
Real Madrid’s current form is a concern
Real Madrid had to dig deep against Valencia in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals. Karim Benzema took the lead for Los Blancos via a penalty when he was pulled down by Eray Comert, but they were never comfortable throughout the night.
Valencia levelled in the opening seconds of the second half through Samuel Lino, and they gave the reigning Spanish Super Cup champions problems throughout regulation.
The game went to penalties, and it took a couple of poor misses from Jose Gaya and Eray Comert for Los Blancos to advance to the finals.
It was basically a frustrating evening for Real Madrid since Valencia were the underdogs. It’s clear that they’re still reeling from their 2-1 defeat to Villarreal over the weekend.
Los Blancos’ defence has dropped off this term, and it showed in this game, as Edinson Cavani and Toni Lato were particularly effective for Valencia. Cavani tested Thibaut Courtois with his first-half header, while Lato was the one who teed up Samuel Lino for the equaliser.
Carlo Ancelotti won’t have much time to figure out how to stop Barcelona, but he’ll have to maximise what he’s got as Eder Militao, Lucas Vazquez, Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, and Aurelien Tchouameni are all nursing knocks.
Old reliable stepping up for Barcelona
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen holds the ball after making a save during the Spanish Super Cup against Real Betis
Marc-Andre ter Stegen was the hero for Barcelona on Thursday against Real Betis. Despite conceding two late goals by Los Verdiblancos, ter Stegen had several saves and was the star during the subsequent penalty shootout.
Barcelona actually started well, but they lost ground to Real Betis after Pedri’s 23rd-minute goal was disallowed by the VAR. When Real Betis were aggressive, ter Stegen made fine saves against German Pezzella, Rodrigo Sanchez, and Luiz Henrique, and another after halftime from Juan Miranda.
And then during the penalty shootout, he also blocked the efforts of Juanmi and William Carvalho to ice the game.
Robert Lewandowski gave Barcelona the lead five minutes before halftime, but they were pegged back by Nabil Fekir. Ansu Fati almost won it for the Blaugrana, but Lorenzo Moron replied with a goal of his own.
The El Clasico has been going on for more than a century now. Prior to Sunday, Real Madrid and Barcelona had squared off 250 times across all competitions (excluding friendlies).
Real Madrid lead the overall head-to-head series with 101 wins, while Barcelona have won 97 times and drawn 52 times.
The last time that these two Spanish giants met in the Spanish Super Cup final, Real Madrid beat Barcelona 5-1 on aggregate back in the 2016–17 season.
In the Spanish Super Cup, Barcelona have 13 trophies, whereas Real Madrid are right behind them with 12. Los Blancos are the reigning titlists, having won two of the past three seasons.
Based on recent form, Barcelona should be able to win this one because they have yet to lose a game in all competitions so far this year. However, the outcome of El Clasico matches is normally difficult to predict, and this one is no exception.
And since it’s hard to choose who will win the final between the Blaugrana and Los Blancos, we’ll instead look at the possible goal total for this matchup.
In their four encounters last year, three of those yielded at least four goals, so the SBOTOP Spanish Super Cup 2023 odds are looking at another high-scoring affair on Sunday. Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.95 is your safest bet, while Over 2.50 @ 2.50 @ 2.17 is also an option.
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La Liga: The Momentum is Shifting Back Towards Catalonia
It has been a fallow two years for Barcelona, whose fans have watched both Madrid clubs win La Liga but, since the appointment of Xavi as head coach at the Camp Nou, there has been a sense of purpose about the place; and 2023 could be the year when they open their trophy cabinet, and more than once.
The latest La Liga 2023 betting odds make Barca favourites to win the title at odds of 1.40and they are also joint favourites to win the Copa del Rey, alongside Real Madrid at odds of 4.10. A UEFA Europa League tie with Manchester United is on the horizon and should the Blaugrana see off the Red Devils then they will be hot favourites to win that competition too.
And Barcelona have just qualified for the first final of the Xavi era, after beating Real Betis in a penalty shootout in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup. Robert Lewandowski’s goal was cancelled out by Betis winger Nabil Fekir and when Ansu Fati scored in extra time Loren Moron levelled again to take the tie to a sudden death penalty shootout; and the Catalans kept their nerves. The Barca boss is looking forward to the El Clasico showdown, saying: “I’m excited for the final. I want to compete against the best, win against the best. Real Madrid is one of the best, and the final will be great.”
Away from the Super Cup final there is work going on behind the scenes at the Camp Nou as Xavi looks to refresh his squad and it looks like Dutch striker Memphis Depay could be on his way out, his contract expiring in 2023. Barca are hoping to sell him in the January window, but a swap deal suggested by Atletico Madrid of Thomas Lemar for Depay is of not interest to the league leaders who want to see some cold, hard cash in the bank.
Of course Robert Lewandowski is a major factor in the Blaugrana’s projected success and that means Depay has moved down the pecking order. Lewi is at SBOTOP odds of 1.15 to win the La Liga Golden Boot, on 13 goals and four clear of his nearest rival Joselu.
Madrid’s injury list gets longer
Lucas Vazquez is expected to be out for 6 weeks after suffering an ankle injury
In other La Liga 2023 updates there’s more bad news for Real Madrid who have not had the best luck in terms of injuries. Star striker Karim Benzema missed a big chunk of the first half of the campaign and now head coach Carlo Ancelotti has three more key players in the physio room. The experienced defender David Alaba is out, as is midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who impressed on his arrival the club as a natural replacement for the departed Casemiro.
They are two big misses and will be out for another two weeks at least, and the injured duo have been joined by utility player Lucas Vazquez who picked up an injury during Real’s Super Cup win over Valencia. Early reports suggest the Blancos stalwart could be out for up to six weeks, which would mean him missing out on some key league games as well as the early knockout phase of the Champions League.
Real Madrid had drawn level with Barcelona at the top of the table but a damaging loss to Villarreal leaves them three points adrift and with an inferior goal difference. For now the momentum is moving towards Catalonia, slowly but surely; but there will be twists and turns ahead for sure.
Sociedad and Atleti look to strengthen their top four claims
While the El Clasico duo look set to fight it out for the La Liga title, a five way battle is brewing up for the next two Champions League places with Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid looking the most likely to qualify.
Sociedad will be embroiled in the Basque Derby this weekend and if they can avoid defeat they will stay in good shape as they currently have a five point cushion over Atletico in fifth. But only two points separate Real Betis in fourth and Athletic Bilbao in seventh, with Los Rojiblancos and Villarreal in between.
The Yellow Submarine has a tricky away match against Celta Vigo on Friday and Real Betis aren’t playing this weekend, so Diego Simeone’s Atleti can make progress by winning away to Almeria on Sunday. They will, of course be without departed star Joao Felix, who was sent off in his Chelsea debut on Thursday, but at odds of 1.72 to win los Rojiblancos should have too much for 14th placed Almeria.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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Real beat Valencia following a 1-1 draw in which Karim Benzema’s penalty put the European and La Liga champions ahead before Samuel Lino levelled just after half-time.
Meanwhile, there were more dramatic Spanish Super Cup highlights in the second semi-final as Barca faced Real Betis, who secured their place in the tournament as defending Spanish Cup holders.
Polish striker Robert Lewandowski drew first blood in the 40th minute at the King Fahd Stadium only for French midfielder Nabil Fekir to level the scores 13 minutes from time.
The teams could not be separated after extra-time where talented youngster Ansu Fati reclaimed the Catalans’ lead before Betis fought back once more, this time through Loren Moron.
It was hard-fought victory secured by Barcelona when they prevailed 4-2 in the penalty shootout that followed.
Now for the showpiece and the first Spanish silverware of 2022/23 up for grabs.
Highlights of the game
Pedri celebrates after scoring Barcelona’s third goal against Real Madrid
I was surprised to see the SBOTOP Super Copa betting odds made Barcelona favourites for this.
Perhaps it was because Real’s quintet of Eder Militao, Lucas Vazquez, Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba and Aurelien Tchouameni were all nursing knocks – although two made the starting XI.
Full backs Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy returned to boost Carlo Ancelotti’s rearguard with classy veteran Luka Modric coming into midfield.
Barcelona, who have not lost this season when Lewandowski has scored, made three changes of their own, including a double change at full back, with Alejandro Balde and Andreas Christensen starting as French international Jules Kounde moved across to right back.
For Xavi Hernandez, this was an opportunity to win a first trophy in the managerial hotseat, and his team didn’t disappoint on a night Real failed to reach the levels we have become so used to.
Ronald Araujo had already gone close and Courtois push a Lewandowski effort onto the woodwork inside the opening quarter of an hour before 18 year-old midfielder Gavi notched his first Clasico goal, capitalising on a quick passing move after Real lost possession.
A minute before the break, he was involved again, squaring to Lewandowski for number two.
But for Courtois, who denied Ousmane Dembele with his feet, the contest would have been over before it was midway through the second half.
That was when lackadaisical Real lost possession once more and Gavi set up his fellow young compatriot Pedri to make it three.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen kept out a long-range shot from the man whose goal won last season’s Champions League Final, Vinicius Jr, and with the last kick of the game, Benzema slammed home a loose ball as a consolation.
Yet by then, Barcelona had something to smile about after a miserable 18 months during which their arch-rivals have soared.
Why was this the Clasico in the desert? Why was this tournament again being held in Saudi Arabia?
Well, if you are wondering it’s because a sponsorship deal between the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Royal Spanish Football Federation was sealed, handing the country the rights to host the ‘domestic’ cup tournament for the coming years.
The venue though will not matter one jot to Barcelona.
After 18 months in the doldrums and financial embarrassment, they have something tangible to cling onto once again.
Key statistics
Gavi is the youngest player in Supercopa history to score in the final and the youngest player to score in an El Clasico match (18 years, 163 days) since Fati in October 2020 (17 years, 359 days).
This was Sergio Busquets’ 45th appearance in an El Clasico fixture, competitions, equalling Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos as the players with the most appearances in these matches.
What’s next?
Both sides stay with cup action this week.
In the Copa del Rey on Thursday night, Real face a tough test against a Villarreal side who have just defeated them in La Liga. That is followed by a league match next weekend against Athletic Bilbao.
Barca, meanwhile, have what appears a more straightforward seven days ahead.
In the Copa del Rey, they travel to minnows AD Ceuta – who ply their trade in the third tier of Spanish football – also on Thursday (January 19) before hosting Getafe in the league next Sunday.
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Well, all bar two of the last 16 ties have now been played and there could be some very intriguing quarter-final matches around the corner.
Before you judge the SBOTOP Copa del Rey 2023 betting odds, consider some of the standout moments from this week’s contests.
It all began with La Liga high-flyers Real Sociedad against Mallorca and one of the in-form teams of Europe struck early.
In a contest played in stormy conditions, Robert Navarro netted just five minutes in to earn Sociedad an eighth straight win in all competitions.
It was the fourth straight Copa match in which 20-year-old Navarro, a member of Spain’s youth teams, had found the net.
It continues a fine first half to the campaign for Imanol Alguacil and his players and comes hot on the heels of success in the Basque derby where they defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-1.
Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente celebrates scoring their second goal with Mario Hermoso
All this after a summer when they sold their star striker, Alexander Isak, and immediately lost to injury the men supposed to replace him– Mohamed-Ali Cho and Umar Sadiq.
By contrast, Sevilla are really struggling and are currently one place off the bottom but they are through to the quarter-finals after Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic scored his first goal of the season.
A diving header from near the penalty spot after a cross by Jesús Navas three minutes after the restart proved the difference as they edged out second division club Alaves.
Levante may no longer be a La Liga club but they eliminated Getafe in the previous round and are in the running to bounce straight back.
It took a goal from seasoned Spanish international Alvaro Morata to separate the sides before Marcos Llorente made sure of their progress in stoppage time.
Meanwhile, it seemed holders Betis would also require a goal from a player of top calibre to see off Osasuna.
For a while, it looked like William Carvalho’s 62nd-minute goal would prove decisive.
Then David Garcia scored a 91st-minute equaliser to force extra time.
It took until the 103rd minute for Youssouf Sabaly to restore the lead for the home side but again spirited Osasuna hit back and Ruben Garcia levelled matters in the first minute of the second half of extra time.
Again, it went to penalties but, unlike last April and a wonderful swansong for club hero Joaquin, this time there was no joy for the defending champions as Sergio Canales and Guido Rodriguez failed to convert from the spot and Osauns had the scalp of the holders.
Earlier, last season’s runners-up Valencia had too much for Sporting Gijon and it was players at the opposite end of the age spectrum who delivered the telling blows to render the cup tie over before the break.
Step forward Edinson Cavani whose first-half double, with a Justin Kluivert effort sandwiched in between, meant the game had long been decided before a fourth goal from Samuel Lino.
Defeated in a penalty shoot-out in the Spanish Super Cup by champions Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia a week ago, their return to local action produced a devastating blitz which was too hot for the hosts to handle.
Athletic Bilbao faced a much sterner task in the all-La Liga match against Espanyol.
Oscar de Marcos 27th minute goal settled the encounter and a controlled showing from the Basque club, particularly during the first half.
Two last-16 ties remain. On Thursday, newly crowned Spanish Super Cup champion Barcelona visits third-division club Ceuta, while Real Madrid are at Villarreal.
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Two of La Liga’s biggest giants have been involved in high profile deals in recent times; and Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are once again embroiled in intense transfer dealing in a fascinating January transfer window.
In one of the biggest deals in recent history the Blaugrana bought Antoine Griezmann from Los Rojiblancos in 2019 and then sold the Frenchman back to Atleti last summer after a year on loan back at the Wanda Metropolitano. This time around there may well be a striker heading from Catalonia to Madrid if a deal can be done…but there’s a way to go before anyone will put pen to paper.
Atletico Madrid and Memphis Depay have come to an agreement for the Dutchman to join Diego Simeone’s team; but Barcelona are asking for a player in return and that could be Atleti winger Yannick Carrasco. While Los Rojiblancos are determined to land the Dutch star they have slapped a huge valuation of 60m Euros on Carrasco and that could potentially derail the deal.
The 29 year old has enjoyed two successful stints in Madrid and picked up 62 caps for Belgium, scoring eight goals and he would be another experienced addition to Barca’s team which is full of young talent which was on show during Barcelona’s Super Copa victory over Real Madrid at the weekend. The Catalans landed a first trophy for the Blaugrana in the Xavi era and his players, the young and the experienced, all put Los Blancos to the sword. Pedri and Gavi were both on target for Barca, alongside the Polish goal machine Robert Lewandowski, while Karim Benzema grabbed a consolation for the Madrid side. The momentum is with Barca at the moment and the latest La Liga 2023 betting odds have priced the Blaugrana odds on at around 1.70; but Xavi is keen to keep strengthening his side and Carrasco is his number one target.
Depay would be a good signing for Atleti. He has scored 43 goals for Holland in 86 appearances, but his chances at the Camp Nou have become limited since the arrival of Lewandowski. And another player who may be on the way out is Barca’s summer recruit Franck Kessie.
The 26 year old Ivorian midfielder has made just eight appearances for Barca and the former AC Milan star is said to be willing to leave Catalonia for Milan, to play for Inter. And rumours are circulating at both clubs that Kessie may be accepted by Inter as a swap for their midfield enforcer Marcelo Brozovic. In an ideal world Kessie would probably like to stay in La Liga to prove himself, but if the two clubs can come to an agreement then the move will come to fruition.
Sociedad soaring while Sevilla are in a hole
Mikel Oyarzabal in action playing for Real Sociedad against RB Leipzig
In other La Liga 2023 news; last week the Basque derby between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao put distance between the two rivals as La Real ran out 3-1 winners to cement their position in third and go seven points clear of Atletico and Villarreal, in fourth and fifth. Bilbao are nine points behind their Basque rivals though, here at SBOTOP, we favoured a draw and that would have kept them in touch. At 2-1 on the hour the match was in the balance, but when Yeray Alvarez gave away a penalty and earned a red card it was game over as Mikel Oyarzabal slotted home the spot kick.
One other team that is used to battling it out for European places is at the wrong end of the table and in real danger of getting relegated. Sevilla finished fourth over the last three campaigns and have never been lower than tenth over the past two decades. But they are currently languishing in 19th place, two from safety and with one win in six. They have a six pointer at home to 18th placed Cadiz this weekend and that really is a must-win game as it could lift them out of the bottom three.
The Europa League record holders, with six wins and the most recent in 2020, aren’t used to a relegation battle; and that can be so dangerous in these situations. Last season, under Julen Lopetegui they were challenging for the title for much of the campaign before falling away to fourth, and after a slow start to this campaign the club parted ways with Lopetegui and appointed Jorge Sampaoli, who is having his own struggles.
With players of the quality of Ivan Rakitic, Jesus Navas, Rafa Mir and Thomas Delaney in the side, it is hard to see why Sevilla are in the bottom three. But they are; and the longer they stay in the hole, the harder it will be to escape.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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La Liga: Los Blancos Search for a Boost in the Basque
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid
Eighth plays second at the San Mames Stadium on Sunday when the La Liga match between Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid is the entertainment on offer, and it’s a huge game by anybody’s reckoning.
Los Blancos are in a fierce El Clasico battle for the title and two defeats in their last four games have handed a three-point lead to Barcelona. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao are just two points behind the top four and have high hopes of qualifying for the 2023-24 Champions League.
Both teams desperately need a win here and a home advantage for Bilbao puts this game on a knife edge.
Ernesto Valverde’s team had a bad day at the office in last week’s Basque Derby, losing 3-1, while Real Madrid suffered a Super Copa humbling by the same score at the hands of Barcelona.
But both teams recovered to come through their Copa del Rey ties in midweek, as Real Madrid won a five-goal thriller away to Villarreal while Bilbao overcame Espanyol in their fourth round clash.
The pre-match La Liga 2023 betting odds are calling this a tight game and the outcome will be decided on fine margins.
Talking Points
Nacho can solve Madrid’s defensive dilemma
Beating Villarreal on Thursday was a boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s side but Madrid are without a clean sheet in four games and have conceded five goals in the last two.
Right-back Dani Carvajal missed out on the Cope del Rey clash and will be sidelined again against Bilbao, and with Lucas Vazquez already ruled out, that means both Ancelotti’s right-backs are unavailable.
Experienced defender Nacho Fernandez has been out of favour this season and reports have emerged that some of his team-mates have been unhappy at his omission, and now the boss has little option but to rely on the 23-year-old who has played 193 games for Los Blancos and won 22 international caps.
He’s a natural centre-back but the signing of Antonio Rudiger has pushed him out, while Eder Militao will be even harder to displace. Rudiger hasn’t pulled up any trees in his first campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu but Ancelotti has stuck with him.
Nacho is a dependable and versatile player who can slot in a right-back, though Ancelotti may even switch Militao to the right flank and put Nacho in the middle.
At SBOTOP odds of 2.50to win the title, Real Madrid are still well in the race and it only takes a couple of results to go their way to close Barcelona’s lead.
But they need to shift the momentum away from Catalonia as soon as possible. The return of Karim Benzema is a huge boost, but if Nacho helps to shore things up at the back, then he may find himself back in favour.
Bilbao looking for league bounceback
Losing the Basque derby was a blow to Los Leones as, while their bitter rivals Real Sociedad made it four wins on the bounce, Bilbao slipped to eighth in the table.
La Liga: Athletic Bilbao’s Alex Berenguer in action with Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos
A 1-0 win over Espanyol to reach the Copa del Rey quarter-final was the perfect way to get back on track and Bilbao looked back to their best, easing past the Catalonians thanks to an Oscar de Marcos goal.
Alex Berenguer was dominant in midfield and came close with a couple of long-range efforts, while Bilbao’s defence easily smothered any Espanyol ambition.
Now Valverde will ask his team to follow that up with a bounce-back victory in La Liga and, while a packed crowd will roar the Lions on, the players will need to be disciplined and dynamic in equal measures to cause Los Blancos problems while keeping their visitors’ attacks at bay.
Centre-back Yeray Alvarez is having a superb campaign, and keeping a lid on Benzema will be his responsibility.
History
Over the past three decades, Real Madrid have won 40 of their 63 encounters with Bilbao while the Basque boys have won 13 and there have been 10 draws.
Recent form is comparable as Los Blancos have won four and lost two of the last six while Bilbao have won three, drawn two, and lost one.
Real Madrid have been very strong away from home with seven wins and two defeats, while Athletic Bilbao are unbeaten in five games at the San Mames Stadium.
This is a very tough game to call with the visitors’ marginal favourites at 2.43, while the hosts are 2.68 and the draw is 3.20.
Sociedad and Barcelona fans in particular will be keeping tabs on the La Liga 2023 updates, as La Real would love to see their Basque rivals drift out of the top four race while the Blaugrana want to keep Los Blancos at arm’s length.
1-1 is the most likely scoreline at a price of 5.41 and that wouldn’t be ideal for either Los Blancos or Los Leones, while a 2-1 win, either way, would make one team’s weekend and wreck the other’s.
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Barcelona went six points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday night thanks to a 1-0 victory over Getafe at the Camp Nou as Pedri scored the only goal of the game.
With Real Madrid still to play the lead could be cut to three points but, for now, the narrow win has put the Blaugrana in the box seat. A one goal victory over a team which is outside the bottom three on goal difference alone maybe isn’t so impressive, but three points is a big prize no matter how you achieve them.
20 year old Pedri was the hero, firing home a cross from Raphinha on 35 minutes and that was enough to win the game. And it was a tough task as, despite having 65 per cent possession, the league leaders only managed eight shots throughout the game to the visitors’ seven.
But sometimes there’s nothing better than a hard earned 1-0.
Five on the bounce for Sociedad
In other La Liga 2023 news Real Sociedad cemented their third place with a comfortable 2-0 win away to Rayo Vallecano, a result which let the top two know Sociedad aren’t going away any time soon after recording a fifth consecutive league win. And it was another great weekend for Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth who scored his fifth goal in the last five games for La Real as they went seven points clear of Atletico Madrid in fourth.
Real Sociedad’s Alexander Sorloth celebrates after scoring against Rayo Vallecano
Imanol Alguacil’s side followed up their win in the Basque derby last week by going ahead on just 15 minutes when David Silva put a chance on a plate for Sorloth which he was never going to decline. The hosts fought back but Sociedad held firm and put the game out of reach when Ander Barrenetxea popped up at the far post to poke home a flick on from a corner.
The win took La Real level on points with Real Madrid, though the Basque club had played two games more.
Atleti back with a bang
Atletico Madrid moved up into the top four with a convincing 3-0 win over Real Valladolid when they blew away their visitors with a first half blitz. It was a clinical display by Los Rojiblancos who allowed Valladolid the majority of possession but won the shot counts by 18 to seven and eight to one on target. It was a Diego Simeone master class, but with more goals than usual!
Antoine Griezmann set up Alvaro Morata for the first, on 18 minutes, and the Frenchman doubled the lead with a clever back-heel five minutes later. And it was three goals in ten minutes when Mario Hermoso tested the Valladolid keeper with a header and then he followed up by tapping in the rebound.
New recruit Memphis Depay made his first appearance for Atleti following his transfer from Barcelona on Friday reported on here at SBOTOP, and he looked lively after coming on with 15 minutes to play. Depay could become a key player in Los Rojiblancos run-in as they aim to keep hold of a Champions League spot.
Rakitic fires Sevilla to crucial win
Sevilla moved out of the bottom three thanks to a 1-0 victory over relegation threatened Cadiz, but they left it late to grab all three points. It looked like the 37,000 fans at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium were about to suffer more frustration as injury time loomed but they were saved by VAR with a helping hand from Cadiz winger Ivan Alejo. The 27 year old came on as a 70th minutes substitute as the visitors looked to see the game out but he earned an 83rd minute yellow card for a nasty foul on Ivan Rakitic.
That wasn’t his last contribution and, when VAR picked up a handball in the penalty area, Alejo received a second yellow and his marching orders. Rakitic exacted the ultimate revenge, slotting his 89th minute spot-kick into the bottom right corner to lift the roof off the stadium. It was no more than the hosts deserved, having totally dominated the match, with 75 per cent possession and 17 shots to four, but they were kept out by Cadiz keeper Jeremias Ledesma who made eight saves before finally losing out to Rakitic. The latest La Liga 2023 betting odds reckon Sevilla will finish mid table or higher, but this was a crucial five minutes for the club.
So Barcelona went six points clear after toughing it out against Getafe; and now it’s over to Real Madrid who will round off the weekend with a difficult trip to the Basque to take on Athletic Bilbao. Anything other than an away victory will make it difficult for Los Blancos to come out on top in May.
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La Liga: Memphis to Atletico Madrid as Yellow Submarine Ship off Strikers
Strikers are on the move in Spain. Memphis Depay has made his way from La Liga leaders Barcelona to Atletico Madrid in a loan move, while a pair of Villarreal strikers have been shipped off to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, a couple of midfielders – one from Real Madrid and another from Barca – are apparently not going anywhere despite speculation that they could be on the move.
Read on below as SBOTOP rounds up all the latest transfer news surrounding the Spanish top flight.
Memphis Depay moves to Atleti, makes debut in big win
Arguably the biggest move in the winter transfer market with La Liga implications has to be Atletico Madrid signing Memphis Depay to a loan deal from Barcelona.
Memphis has found himself on the fringes of Xavi’s squad this season. After a decent debut season where he scored 12 goals in 28 La Liga appearances, the Dutchman made just two appearances for the Catalans with one goal amid the arrival of Robert Lewandowski.
Memphis now makes his way to Atletico Madrid, whose La Liga 2023 odds of cracking the top four are in the balance. The Rojiblancos are in need of attacking reinforcements after loaning out Joao Felix and Matheus Cunha to Premier League clubs Chelsea and Wolves, respectively.
With Antoine Griezmann transitioning into more of a midfield playmaker, Memphis will be competing with the likes of Alvaro Morata and Angel Correa for playing time up front.
Memphis made his debut in Atleti’s 3-0 win over Real Villarreal last weekend. Griezmann starred as he scored a goal and set up Alvaro Morata for the team’s opener. With Atleti 3-0 up inside just half an hour, Memphis came on in place of Morata for the final 15 minutes.
Memphis will hope to feature once again in Atleti’s next match, which is a quarter-final clash with city rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
Villarreal strikers Arnaut Danjuma, Nico Jackson off to Premier League
Villarreal have offloaded two of their strikers, Arnaut Danjuma and Nico Jackson, who are both headed to the Premier League.
Danjuma had supposedly sealed a loan move to relegation strugglers Everton, but he made a shocking reversal and instead signed for Tottenham Hotspur. Meanwhile, Jackson has been sold to Danjuma’s old club Bournemouth for a fee of €23m fee plus €2.5m in add-ons.
After a breakout campaign last season in which he scored 16 goals in 34 games in all competitions, Danjuma has produced few La Liga 2023 highlights this year. He had just 4 goals in 15 appearances for the Yellow Submarine.
Danjuma will now join a deep Tottenham attacking unit that already boasts Harry Kane, Golden Boot winner Son Heung-Min, Richarlison, and Dejan Kulusevski.
As for Jackson, he has been unable to make much of an impact in the first team since coming up from Villarreal B. He scored just 3 goals in 24 appearances this season.
Jackson will now be tasked with improving a struggling Bournemouth attack that has scored just 19 goals in 20 Premier League games this season. Kieffer Moore and Philip Billing are the team’s co-leading scorers this season with 4 goals each.
With the departures of Danjuma and Jackson, Villarreal now have Gerard Moreno and 35-year-old Jose Luis Morales as the team’s recognised strikers. Although, they have been linked with a move for Blackburn Rovers stiker Ben Brereton Diaz.
Eduardo Camavinga and Franck Kessie set to stay
Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and Barcelona’s Franck Kessie are both expected to stay at their respective clubs amid speculation that they might leave during this transfer window.
Top football insider Fabrizio Romano wrote in his Substack column that neither Camavinga nor Real want to part ways at this time.
Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga fights for the ball against Real Valladolid’s Kenedy
“Camavinga is not leaving in January, he’s untouchable at Real Madrid, and he doesn’t want to leave,” he said. “I don’t know about the summer, but as of today, Camavinga is 100% part of Real Madrid’s project.”
While fellow Frenchman Aurelien Tchoameni has quickly established himself in the Real midfield in his debut season, Camavinga has yet to secure a starting spot in his second season in Spain. He has only started six of the champions’ 17 La Liga matches thus far, with no goals and just one assist.
But despite his somewhat disappointing campaign to date, Real remain confident that Camavinga will come good and be a contributor in their title defence.
As for Kessie, he has also seen limited playing time upon moving to Barcelona on a free transfer from Italian champions Ac Milan. The 26-year-old has made just nine league appearances thus far owing to a combination of injuries and the fact that Xavi has settled on Sergio Busquets, Pedri and Gavi as his first-choice midfield trio.
But Xavi himself has confirmed that Kessie will not be leaving the Camp Nou this winter and considers the Ivorian a key piece of his squad.
“Kessié is a player I like, he gives us many variants in a game and he can be really important,” Xavi said via Romano.
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La Liga: High-Flying Girona Welcome Barcelona for Catalan Derby
Girona FC vs Barcelona
After a lengthy break to play in cup competitions, Barcelona are back in La Liga action this weekend. And they will be welcomed back by neighbours Girona for a Catalan derby.
Barca currently have a three-point lead over rivals Real Madrid atop the table, and they will look to extend that lead before Real play a day later.
However, Girona have been one of the surprises of the La Liga season thus far and will look to defy the La Liga 2023 betting odds on home turf.
Talking Points
Barcelona keep winning but a bit unconvincing
Barcelona have picked up right where they left off from last year. They’ve won their first two La Liga games of 2023 to open up a three-point lead over Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, they’ve won a handful more games in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey, including a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad thanks to an Ousmane Dembele goal. They have now won 11 of their last 12 games in all competitions.
Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele celebrates with teammates during their Copa del Rey match against Real Sociedad
Although, they were not all that impressive in their narrow 1-0 wins over Atletico Madrid and Getafe. Xavi even publicly criticised his side’s performance in their win against Getafe, admitting that the team did not play well.
Xavi was once again without leading scorer Robert Lewandowski, who was serving the second of his three-match suspension, as well as Ferran Torres, who is also serving a three-match ban for his red card against Atleti.
With both Lewy and Torres unavailable, Xavi has turned to young Ansu Fati to lead the line in the last two games, but he has not looked all that effective in the position. But with Memphis Depay moving on to Atletico Madrid, Xavi will have little option but to stick with Fati for at least one more game.
Barcelona have an outstanding away record this season, with seven wins in eight. Their lone defeat came in El Clasico against Real Madrid.
Girona doing great on return to top flight
Girona are going strong in their first season back in La Liga. The Gironistes are currently up in 11th, ahead of more established sides such as Valencia and Sevilla.
Girona just beat Sevilla 2-1 as they continued their strong home form. They are now five games unbeaten at the Estadi Montivili, with two wins and three draws.
And they came so close to picking up another point away to Villarreal last time out despite going down to 10 men for the last 12 minutes. However, they conceded a late penalty as Daniel Parejo stole the win in the 100th minute, which snapped their seven-game unbeaten run of La Liga 2023 results (3 wins, 4 draws).
Centre-back Santiago Bueno, who has started all 18 games thus far, was sent off in that match, and he will now serve a one-game suspension against Barca.
Girona have had their problems defensively this season; they have conceded 28 goals, tied for the fourth-most in the league.
However, they have been surprisingly prolific despite lacking a reliable goal-scoring centre-forward. They have scored 26 goals, which is fifth in La Liga. 36-year-old Cristhian Stuani leads the team with five goals in just five starts (14 appearances overall).
This will be the fifth time Girona and Barcelona will meet in La Liga. Unsurprisingly, Barca have not lost their previous four matches, with three wins and a draw.
Barcelona have been absolutely dominant in Catalan derbies in recent years. They have not lost any of their last 29 La Liga matches against Catalonian teams, with 21 wins and 8 draws.
Unsurprisingly, SBOTOP odds have Barcelona installed as 1.56 favourites to win yet another Catalan derby. But perhaps a bit surprising is that Girona are priced at 5.40 to get a home win over the La Liga leaders, while a draw is 4.10.
While Girona’s games are tied for the highest number of goals in La Liga this season (54), this derby against Barcelona may be a lower-scoring affair.
Barca are not exactly banging in the goals without Lewandowski, and they may continue to struggle away from home. But on the other end, their defence has proven to be by far the best in Spain, and they will like their chances of keeping a clean sheet.
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La Liga: Sunday Night Spectacle Awaits in the Capital
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad
It’s second versus third in La Liga, the champions against the unlikely high-fliers, the established giants against one of the form teams in Europe.
Real Madrid host Real Sociedad on Sunday evening and, with the visitors on the back of five straight league wins, a tough test lies in wait for Carlo Ancelotti’s charges.
Yet when it comes La Liga 2023 highlights, there is no team greater and they can ill afford for the gap between them and leaders Barcelona to stretch further than the current three points.
Talking Points
Last weekend, Sociedad beat Rayo Vallecano 2-0 to keep pressure on the top two.
They are not considered title contenders realistically but, if they are to stay on the periphery of the race, they will want to avoid two defeats in five days against the top two.
It was on Wednesday night in the Copa del Rey where their winning run ended with a narrow defeat to Barcelona.
Real Sociedad’s Igor Zubeldia in action with Barcelona’s Gavi during the Copa Del Rey
A decisive moment saw Brais Mendez dismissed for a high and late challenge and in the second half Barca made them pay as Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal of the tie in which Sociedad hit the crossbar twice.
Mendez will not be suspended for the league match this weekend which is a good job as they already have a lengthy injury list which includes the likes of Umar Sadiq, David Silva, Jon Pacheco, Mohamed Ali-Cho, Andoni Gorosabel, and Mikel Merino.
Real, who beat city rivals Atletico Madrid after extra time to advance to the semi-finals on Thursday night, have absences of their own.
Centre-back David Alaba is said to have suffered a setback in his recovery from a calf issue, while Lucas Vazquez remains sidelined with an ankle problem.
The game could come too soon for Aurelien Tchouameni (calf), Eden Hazard (ankle), and Dani Carvajal (muscle), while Ferland Mendy (thigh) and Rodrygo (Achilles) have emerged as fresh doubts following the Madrid derby.
That was a contest which also turned on a sending-off as Atletico’s Stefan Savic was sent off for two bookable offences with the score at 1-1.
Karim Benzema went onto put Real ahead in extra-time after that and Vinicius Jr added a third.
Before the match, La Liga had strongly condemned acts of hatred and intimidation after an effigy of the Real Madrid winger was hung from a bridge near the club’s training ground.
So there was vindication in the reaction to his goal as he shouted, clenched his fists, pumped his arms, and danced.
With some believing the momentum has swung from Madrid to Catalonia in the title race, Madrid could need some more Vinicius magic to win this game in what will be the acid test for Sociedad.
Sociedad have not beaten Real in their past five meetings but have caused an upset on more than one occasion in recent seasons.
That included a Copa del Rey success at the Bernabeu in 2020 when Merino grabbed the winner and was joined on the scoresheet by Alexander Isak (two) and Martin Ødegaard in a thrilling 4-3 win.
They last defeated them in La Liga in 2019 when Ander Barrenetxea, Willian José, and Merino found the net in a 3-1 win.
Last season saw a league double for the Spanish champions as Vinicius Jr and Luka Jovic scored two goals early in the second half without reply.
The visitors led through a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty but that would prove to be their only shot.
Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric scored brilliant goals from long range for Madrid in quick succession before Benzema and substitute Marco Asensio sealed the win.
You rarely bet against Real in the Bernabeu – and the SBOTOP La Liga 2023 betting odds advise us the same.
The champions are available to back 1X2 @ 1.70 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.28, while Sociedad are on offer 1X2 @ 4.60 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.29.
A draw will appeal to some and that will pay out @ 3.80, whereas a repeat of last season’s encounter in Madrid – Correct Score 4-1 – is priced @ 30.00.
As for goals, options include Total Goal 0-1 @ 3.40, 2-3 @ 1.95, 4-6 @ 3.65, and Over 2.75 goals @ 2.19.
The men from San Sebastien are a team in form and I did look at Double Chance Sociedad or Draw @ 2.07. However, I think Real will lead from start to finish.
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Sixth plays first in La Liga’smidweek clash as Xavi’s Barcelona head to the Estadio Benito Villamarin in Seville to take on Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis.
It’s a match with plenty at stake as the Blaugrana have a chance to stretch their lead at the top of La Liga to eight points before second placed Real Madrid host Valencia on Thursday. Meanwhile Los Verdiblancos need a positive result to keep their top four ambitions on track as they currently sit three points outside the Champions League places; and with this game in hand.
Both teams come into the game on the back of a 1-0 away win. Barcelona edged out Girona to move five points clear of Los Blancos while Real Betis overcame Getafe by the same margin. The odds favour an away win inn this game but with a passionate home crowd behind Betis they will present a stiff challenge, and Xavi has one or two adjustments to make to his line-up.
Talking Points
Dembele out but Lewi back for Barca
Ousmane Dembele suffered an injury in Barcelona’s clash against Girona
Girona were in good shape when they welcomed Barcelona on Saturday, with just one defeat in five, but a second half goal from Pedri was enough to grab all three points for the Catalans, though the game was not without its problems for the leaders. Not only did Barca find opportunities difficult to come by, they could only match their hosts’ eight shots during the 97 minutes, but they have lost a key player in Ousmane Dembele who picked up a nasty muscle tear and will likely be out for five weeks or more.
The France star has been a key figure for Barca over the past three games in the absence of the suspended Robert Lewandowski, scoring the crucial winner in a top four clash with Real Sociedad. Lewandowski’s suspension was big La Liga 2023 news as it meant the Polish hit man missed the victories over Atletico Madrid, Getafe and Girona, all won by a 1-0 score line, and his return will soften the blow of losing Dembele. It may also mean that Gavi could return to the first 11 as a natural replacement on the left wing with his speed of foot and thought, and close control of the ball.
And more responsibility will fall onto the shoulders of Brazilian star Raphinha who could move onto the right. He has four goals and seven assists in 27 appearances, 15 of which were starts, but more recently Raphinha has been used as an impact substitute.
After second placed Real Madrid drew with Real Sociedad at the weekend the La Liga 2023 betting odds took another shift towards Catalonia, and part of the reason for that is the team’s reliability in defence, which provides the perfect platform for the more creative players. The Blaugrana have kept four clean sheets since their 3-1 Super Copa win over Real Madrid and the form of 23 year old centre back Ronald Aurojo has been a major factor. The 6ft 4in Uruguayan has always been an imposing and strong defender but his ball and passing skills have improved massively this season to make him the perfect all round centre back.
And with the evergreen Sergio Busquets protecting the defence, in a deep-lying midfield role, this is a tough unit to break down.
Los Verdiblancos’ target is to better their fifth placed finish of the 2021/22 campaign and much of the weight of responsibility falls on the shoulders of star striker Borja Iglesias. The 30 year old has been at Betis since 2019, scoring 33 goals in 113 appearances, and this season he has stepped up a gear with nine goals from 17 matches to make him the joint third scorer in the league.
Betis found it tough to break down Getafe at the weekend but Iglesias was a constant threat, denied by the post in the first half, but when a penalty opportunity presented itself, with just five minutes left to play, he calmly slotted home to keep his team in touch with the leading pack. Iglesias has some talented players around him, including the likes of Nabil Fekir, Juanmi and Sergio Canales and they will give most teams in La Liga a hard game; but do they have enough to beat Barca?
History
Well, the Blaugrana have had the better of the head to head encounters with Los Verdiblancos, winning 34 to Betis’ ten and there have been nine draws.
The two teams met recently in the Super Copa semi-final when Barca won 4-2 on penalties when the match finished 2-2 after extra time, and on the last league meeting, in Seville at the end of last season, Barcelona earned a 2-1 victory.
In terms of recent form Betis have won three and drawn three of the last six, while Barcelona have won all six. But the hosts have been very strong on their home turf this season, with five wins, two draws and one defeat while Barca have been imperious away from home, winning seven of their eight league matches on the road.
At 4.64 to win and 3.78 to draw Los Verdiblancos are certainly in this game and a Double Chance bet (Betis or Draw) priced at 2.12 will be attractive to Betis fans. But the return of Lewandowski will present the hosts with a real threat as the lethal Pole will be desperate to come back with a bang. A repeat of last season’s 1-2 score line is at SBOTOP odds of 6.37 with 0-1 to Barcelona at 6.18.
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Inaki Williams’ La Liga record run of 251 straight matches for Athletic Bilbao finally came to an end last weekend. The Ghanaian striker didn’t play against Celta Vigo, and it’s not a coincidence that Athletic Bilbao went on to lose 1-0.
He has always been available for Los Leones when called upon, so this was surprising to many. Overall, he had a great run, although it may have been taken for granted.
Athletic Bilbao’s recent La Liga 2023 results haven’t been encouraging since they’ve yet to win a league game this year, so they’re hoping that they’ll have their talisman back sooner rather than later.
But for today, let’s examine and put Williams’ unbelievable run into perspective.
Williams was always available for Athletic Bilbao
It’s crazy to think that Inaki Williams hadn’t missed an Athletic Bilbao game for seven years before last Sunday. Before, he was just a kid at 21 years old, and now he plays with his younger brother Nico on the team, who made his debut in April 2021.
He also actually broke the previous record for most consecutive La Liga appearances back in October 2021, surpassing Juanan Larranaga’s 202 games.
Maybe it’s luck or genetics, but since 2016, Williams has had no injuries, illnesses, unnecessary red cards, suspensions, desire to leave Basque, or rest. And when he played, he never took a possession off.
Ernesto Valverde was his manager before his unreal streak started in April 2016. And between Valverde’s two spells as Athletic Bilbao manager, there were Kuko Ziganda, Edurardo Berizzo, Gaizka Garitano, and Marcelino Garcia Toral.
They were different coaches, but they all agreed on one thing, which was to always play Inaki Williams.
Athletic Bilbao are not the same without Williams
Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde walks on the touchline during the La Liga match against Real Betis
Los Leones’ opportunities to score were few and far between, even if they were the dominant side during the first half.
Alex Berenguer’s volley was their best chance to go ahead, but it simply wasn’t meant to be. Iago Aspas’ strike in the 70th minute proved decisive, and Inaki Williams could only sit and watch.
If Inaki Williams played, Athletic Bilbao would at least have a few more chances in goal because of his power and speed in the final third, despite not being known as a clinical finisher.
Prior to the Celta Vigo game, Inaki Williams helped take Athletic Bilbao into the Copa del Rey semi-finals with another fine performance before getting subbed off late.
Ernesto Valverde said that Williams had discomfort in his hamstring. And although Williams can play through pain, Valverde decided not to risk him any further with important games coming up.
In the meantime, Gorka Guruzeta, who started as the No. 9 against Celta Vigo, is going to lead their frontline as Inaki Williams is recovering from his latest knock.
Guruzeta has big shoes to fill, although he has done well for himself so far this season, joining Williams at the top of Athletic Bilbao’s scoring charts with five goals apiece.
Meanwhile, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams, Alex Berenguer, Iker Munlain, and Mikel Vesga would need to have better performances too.
Athletic Bilbao need to pick up points if they have plans to spark a top four challenge. The SBOTOP La Liga 2023 odds don’t provide an encouraging outlook, but time is still on their side with 19 more games to play.
Los Leones are currently in ninth place with 26 points, which is eight away from fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.
Three of their next four La Liga games are winnable since they’re against teams in the bottom half of the table in Cadiz, Valencia, and Girona, while not losing to Atletico Madrid on February 20th would be ideal.
Inaki Williams’ injury is not expected to be that serious, so he should be back in the fold soon, ready to serve his club when called upon once again. But even if they don’t make it back to Europe at the end of this season, Williams can take pride in what he has achieved at his hometown club, as his incredible feat will surely stand the test of time.
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La Liga: Can Valencia Put Up a Fight Versus Real Madrid Again?
Real Madrid vs Valencia
Valencia brought the fight to Real Madrid the last time they met, as Los Che held Los Blancos to a 1-1 draw in regulation. They eventually fell short during the penalty shootout in their Spanish Super Cup semi-finals tie.
But because La Liga matches don’t have penalty shootouts, they can get something out of Real Madrid if they achieve the same result (in regulation) on Thursday.
In the Spanish top-flight, Los Che are not doing so well since they’re only one point adrift from the relegation zone. They have 20 points to tie with Espanyol, Celta Vigo, and Valladolid, although they’re in 14th place because of their superior goal difference.
Los Blancos, meanwhile, are second with 42 points, and they need to win this game badly in order to catch up with El Clasico rivals Barcelona.
Real Madrid were held to a goalless draw against Real Sociedad. As a result, they’re now five points behind table leaders Barcelona.
Karim Benzema was not quite at his best against Real Sociedad, but he should be back on the scoresheet against Valencia. He won’t have any shortage of partners up front, with Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior in good form.
Carlo Ancelotti is hoping that Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Aurelien Tchouameni are all 100-per cent fit after they missed the game last Sunday due to injuries.
If all of them are still out on Thursday, Ancelotti is likely to maintain almost the same starting XI, with Luka Modric reclaiming his starting spot to reunite with Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde in midfield.
It’s going to be a busy month of February for Los Blancos, as after this match against Valencia, they’ll be competing in four games in 14 days before their much-awaited Champions League tie against Liverpool.
Their next three La Liga games are against teams in the bottom half of the table, so this is a good opportunity for them to reclaim the top spot in the La Liga table, especially since Barcelona have a tougher schedule.
With him at the helm, Los Che have lost eight of their 18 games. He initially signed a two-year deal when he was hired last summer.
Gennaro Gattuso leaves Valencia after seven months in charge
Now that he’s gone, Valencia are looking for their fifth manager in less than three years. But in the meantime, Voro Gonzalez will be the interim manager of the team.
Valencia are an inexperienced bunch, which is a huge reason why they’re unable to close out games. They could’ve secured a point on Sunday if they hadn’t conceded a late goal from Valladolid’s Cyle Larin.
Apart from Samu Castillejo and Edinson Cavani, Valencia’s starting XI is made up mostly of players 25 or under, so there will be growing pains for caretaker coach Voro Gonzalez.
History
Valencia pushed Real Madrid to the limit during their Spanish Super Cup semi-finals tie. Karim Benzema initially gave Los Blancos the lead before the end of the first half, but Samuel Lino replied right after the half-time break.
When the penalty shootout was at 3-3, Thibaut Courtois saved Jose Gaya’s poor spot-kick to give Real Mad rid the victory.
Real Madrid have won their last three La Liga games against Valencia. They’ve had a longer winning streak against them in the competition in the 21st century, in a stretch between 2009 and 2011 (five straight).
Furthermore, Real Madrid haven’t lost in any of their last 14 home games against Valencia (W9, D5), and they’ve yet to lose in any of their previous 15 games played on a Thursday (W13, D2).
Real Madrid are likely to win on Thursday, according to the updated SBOTOP La Liga 2023 odds. The defending La Liga champions are listed at 2.07, whereas Valencia are installed at 4.70, and a draw is priced at 4.60 in the 1X2 market.
It’ll be hard for Valencia to replicate the same result as last time since they’re bereft of confidence right now. Carlo Ancelotti’s men, just like in the Spanish Super Cup, should be able to navigate their way past Valencia to claim three more points. For alternatives, you can go for either Total Goals 2-3 @ 2.06 or Over 2.75 @ 1.81.
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eadline day in La Liga saw a couple of highly rated Premier League stars arrive in Spain at clubs who are vying for a top-four place, and Champions League status.
Real Betis were the first to move, in a frantic last 24 hours to secure the services of Leicester forward Ayoze Perez on a loan deal until the end of the season. Betis currently sit sixth in the league table, three points behind Atletico Madrid in fourth and with a game in hand.
The winger arrived at the club as Real Betis prepare for a match against league leaders Barcelona on Wednesday, a match we previewed here at SBOTOP, but that clash will be a day or so too soon for him to make a start, though he will expect to feature before long. Perez started his career at his local club Tenerife before moving to Newcastle United in 2014 and now, at 29 years of age, he returns to Spain to make his first appearance in the Primera Division. He was free to negotiate this deal as his contract at the KingPower Stadium expires at the end of the season and, if all goes well, head coach Manuel Pellegrini will make the move permanent.
Perez is a lively customer who can shoot with both feet and he’s sure to provide some La Liga 2023 highlightsfor Betis fans in their push for European football. Leicester City shelled out £30m to sign him in 2019 and he will bring more star quality to the Betis attack, which already has gifted forwards in Borja Iglesias, Nabil Fekir, and Juanmi.
Matt Doherty is another Premier League star making his way to Spain in a move from Spurs to Atletico Madrid after his club released him from his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium… in a dramatic late twist on deadline day. A new FIFA rule states that a club can loan no more than eight players out on temporary deals during a campaign and Spurs have already hit that level, including a move to Sevilla for winger Byan Gil on Monday. Irish international Doherty is a fine defender as well as providing support in attack and he will pose serious competition for Nahuel Molina.
No German move for Isco
Real Madrid legend Isco is without a club after his proposed move to Bundesliga high flyers Union Berlin collapsed in the 11th hour. He is a free agent having departed Sevilla in December and Berlin were set to sign him on an 18-month contract which would have been quite a coup. But, late on Tuesday, officials at the German club said expectations exceeded their limits and so the move is off.
Isco went to Berlin for a medical but when negotiations on terms stalled he left the building without signing, which was a blow for both player and club. He desperately needs to restart his career after struggling at Sevilla due to loss of form and injury. The 30 year old won five Champions League titles with Los Blancos and still has plenty to offer.
And Isco would have been a marquee signing for Union who sit second in the Bundesliga table and are real Champions League contenders.
Ins and outs at Atletico
The mainland European leagues were eclipsed by the Premier League once again, in terms of spending, as Chelsea splashed out another £107m to bring World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez to the club. The Blues had already lured Joao Felix to Stamford Bridge from Atletico Madrid who also lost Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Matt Doherty celebrates scoring their third goal against Crystal Palace in Premier League
But Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has made some shrewd signings. His deadline-day move to bring defender Doherty to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium followed the arrival of a proven striker. Memphis Depay’s move to Atletico from Barcelona helped the Blaugrana to balance the books, and the Dutch star is now set to strike up a lethal partnership with the returned Antoine Griezmann. It could turn out to be one of the key transfers from the last 12 months which will give Simeone a fresh look in his attack following the departure of Felix. Depay made his name as a striker for PSV Eindhoven before moving to Manchester United. While he struggled to settle at Old Trafford the World Cup star was prolific at Lyon, scoring 63 goals in 139 appearances, before joining Barca, where he scored 14 goals in 42 games.
The arrival of Robert Lewandowski meant Xavi could offload his striker and that could be great news for Atleti. The La Liga 2023 betting odds back los Rojiblancos to make a top four place and, after a patchy first half of the campaign they are still well placed after a decent transfer window.
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La Liga: Barcelona Plan to Maintain Pace in the Title Race
Barcelona vs Sevilla
Barcelona can widen their advantage in the La Liga standings when they host Sevilla on Sunday at Camp Nou.
With 50 points, Barcelona are five points clear of El Clasico rivals Real Madrid. However, with half a season to go, they cannot be complacent since there’s still time for others to catch up.
The Blaugrana are set to take on an improved Sevilla side, who have started climbing the table because of their recent stretch of La Liga 2023 results. The Andalusian outfit is in 13th place with 21 points, which is still miles away from the European spots.
Barcelona are fresh from a 2-1 win against Real Betis on Thursday, while Sevilla won convincingly against bottom feeders Elche with a 3-0 clean sheet last Sunday.
Talking Points
Can Barcelona hit the century mark?
Barcelona have been relentless in recent weeks, and they will look to make it 10 wins in a row across all competitions on Sunday. They have already gathered 50 points halfway through the 2022-23 campaign, which is a great sign as far as their La Liga title hopes are concerned.
On the previous five occasions with this tally after the first 19 matches, Barcelona ended up winning the title in 2008-09, 2010-11, 2012-13, and 2017-18, only failing to do so in 2013-14 (2nd behind Atletico Madrid).
Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski in action with Real Sociedad’s Igor Zubeldia during their match in Copa del Ray
This means that they’re also on track for 100 points. Only two other teams have hit the century mark in La Liga: Real Madrid in 2011-12 and Barcelona in 2012-13.
A key ingredient to their recent success has been their rock-solid defence, since no opponent has scored against them in their last five outings.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is in the form of his life, and if it weren’t for Jules Kounde’s own goal against Real Betis on Thursday, Barcelona could’ve had five consecutive clean sheets across all competitions.
On the other side of the pitch, Barca fans are also happy to see Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski back on the scoresheet against Los Verdiblancos. They haven’t scored in their previous three matches, so this should give them a shot in the arm.
Jorge Sampaoli is finally getting the results he wants for Sevilla, as they’ve won three of their last four league games to kick off 2023 after failing to win any of their previous six (D3, L3). Because of this, they’ve escaped the relegation scrap in the meantime.
Youssef En-Nesyri has been a huge reason why they’re doing better. Since their magical run in the World Cup, the Moroccan forward has already netted six goals across all competitions to top the team’s scoring charts.
Sevilla have an easier schedule ahead after this game against Barcelona, so they should continue to improve and move up a few more places in the standings, especially with players of the quality of Ivan Rakitic, Jesus Navas, Rafa Mir, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Thomas Delanay in the side.
History
The head-to-heads between Barcelona and Sevilla have been rather one-sided in recent years, as the hosts haven’t lost any of their last 14 league games against the visitors (W10, D4). Sevilla’s last win against Barcelona was a 1-0 result back in October 2015.
Furthermore, Sevilla haven’t won in any of their last 19 visits to Camp Nou (D3, L16), with their last victory there coming in December 2002 (3-0) when Xavi was still a player back then.
Barcelona have scored in each of their last 18 league matches (39 goals), which is their best run under Xavi and their best in the competition since a stretch between November 2020 and May 2021 under Ronald Koeman (26 games, 65 goals).
The SBOTOP La Liga 2023 odds have Barcelona as the favourites for this game. Xavi’s men are priced at 1.30 to win, while Sevilla are the huge underdogs at 10.00, and chances for a draw are pegged at 5.00 in the 1X2 market.
Barcelona have been one of the in-form teams in Europe. Xavi has it all going for him with a big enough squad to choose from, and it helps that they have home advantage.
Sevilla will look to put up a fight, and this match will help them gauge how far they’ve come in these past few weeks, but they don’t have enough firepower to neutralise Barcelona.
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With a game to play on Sunday night, at home to struggling Sevilla, Xavi’s Barcelona already had the near perfect weekend when their lead at the top of La Liga was undisturbed, as the five teams placed second to sixth picked up the sum total of one point between them.
The La Liga 2023 betting odds back a Barca title and if their rivals have many more weekends like this it will be like a stroll in the park!
Madrid nightmare in Mallorca
Second placed Real Madrid went to the holiday destination of Mallorca expecting sunshine, smiles and three points but they were proved disastrously wrong as they returned to Madrid empty handed and still five points behind the Blaugrana, and the gap could increase to eight. Los Blancos defender Nacho scored the only goal of the game, in the wrong end, but with 80 minutes left to play the visitors only had themselves to blame as they managed just one meagre attempt on target throughout the 99 minutes played.
And that was a saved penalty, struck by Marco Asensio after Vinicius Junior had won the spot kick early in the second half. If that had gone in, Real Madrid would probably have gone on and won the match, they had 20 attempts in total but when Anton Rudiger headed inches wide on 98 minutes the game was up.
Cyle crushes Sociedad
At SBOTOP odds of 1.65 to win in their Sunday evening clash at home to Valladolid, Real Sociedad had a chance to close the gap on Real Madrid to two points. But they made little headway in a goalless first half which yielded six yellow cards, four for the battling visitors who started the game just a point outside the drop zone. And it got worse for La Real in the second half as Cyle Larin, on loan from Club Brugges, headed home the winner which made it back to back wins and took Valladolid up to 13th.
With 15 shots to seven and four to two on target Sociedad did enough to win but Valladolid keeper and captain, Jordi Masip, made two great saves to keep his clean sheet.
Correa scores while he’s sat on the bench
Angel Correa celebrates after scoring for Atletico Madrid against Getafe
In one of the more bizarre of the weekend’s highlights Atletico Madrid winger Angel Correa was awarded a goal while he sat on the substitute bench, during Los Rojiblancos’ 1-1 draw with Getafe. He thought he’d scored, on the hour, but his goal was ruled out for offside and coach Diego Simeone replaced him with Yannick Carrasco. Correa believed that was his last action of the day but he was wrong as good old VAR overturned the decision and his team-mates rushed to congratulate him as he put his track top on!
Atletico really should have won all three points but they were wasteful in front of goal and when the referee spotted a Saul Niguez handball he pointed to the spot, and Enes Unal smashed home the penalty with Getafe’s only shot on target in the entire match.
Milla sinks Yellow Submarine
Bottom club Elche picked up a first win of the season with a stunning 3-1 victory over fifth placed Villarreal. Spanish winger Pere Milla was the hero with a well taken hat-trick at the Manuel Martinez Valero Stadium. Milla set Elche on the road to their first win in 20 attempts, firing home with just three minutes on the clock and, after Gerard Moreno levelled for the Yellow Submarine, Milla kept his cool to convert two penalties for Pablo Machin’s side.
They need a spectacular set of La Liga 2023 results to escape the drop but Elche fans can, at least, start to hope that the second half of the campaign will be better than the first.
He’s a record breaker for sure, but not in the way he would like to be, because when Real Betis defender Luiz Felipe was sent off at the end of his team’s 4-3 loss to Celta Vigo it was the second time he had taken an early bath against the same opposition this season. He only lasted 20 minutes when they met in October… so his 95th minute dismissal was an improvement I guess!
In a breathless start to the game Celta opened the scoring when Jorgan Larsen seized on a mistake in the Betis defence and Juanmi levelled with just nine minutes on the clock. Sergio Canales put Betis ahead but the scores were level again when Gabriel Veiga scored with a clever chip. And it was Veiga who gave Celta the lead early in the second half before defender Joseph Aidoo gave the visitors daylight midway through the half.
Betis fans got a first glimpse of January signing Ayoze Perez when he climbed off the bench with 20 minutes remaining and Nabil Fekir gave the hosts hope when he converted an 84th minute penalty, but the equaliser never arrived.
The 2022-23 La Liga title is arguably Barcelona’s to lose, as they extended their lead in the table following last weekend’s games. They took care of business by convincingly winning against Sevilla last night, and it helped that their rivals all dropped points at the same time.
Real Madrid missed their chance to trim Barcelona’s lead when they were shocked by Mallorca. On the other hand, Atletico Madrid were held to a draw by 19th-placed Getafe at home.
With 18 matchdays left, there’s still enough time for the chasing pack to catch up, but the La Liga 2023 odds back a Barcelona title, assuming they keep this up.
So, without further ado, continue to read below as SBOTOP brings to you the latest La Liga 2023 updates.
The winning never stops for Barcelona
Sevilla held Barcelona scoreless in the first half, but the Blaugrana kicked things up a notch in the second half against Sevilla, which resulted in Jordi Alba, Gavi, and Raphinha finding the back of the net.
Franck Kessie should be given a shoutout too, as he was responsible for setting up Jordi Alba for the first goal. The former AC Milan midfielder came in to replace the injured Sergio Busquets earlier in the game, and he displayed nice footwork and ball handling throughout the match.
Despite winning 10 in a row across all competitions after they beat Sevilla on Sunday, Xavi believes that Barcelona still have a long way to go before they claim their first La Liga championship in four years.
What he’s saying is that while the winning feeling is nice, comebacks are no longer new in La Liga, so they must stay even-keeled. He also said that Real Madrid are still the favourites since they’re the defending champions.
Barcelona will face Villarreal, who’s on a two-game losing streak, on Sunday for their next La Liga game. That match is the perfect warm-up for their blockbuster clash against Manchester United in the Europa League.
Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham in action during their Bundesliga match against SC Freiburg
It looks like Real Madrid are slowly accepting that they won’t sign Jude Bellingham anytime soon.
They have long identified Bellingham as a priority signing. But with Premier League teams such as Manchester City and Liverpool going all-in, Real Madrid feel that they can’t compete in a possible bidding war for the 19-year-old wunderkind.
Bellingham is tipped to leave Signal Iduna Park this summer, with BVB expecting to fetch at least €150-M from the team that will get his services.
Real Madrid have brought in Eduardo Camavinga in 2021 and Aurelien Tchouameni last year, but they’re still on the lookout for midfield reinforcements since the contracts of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric expire in the summer.
The 21-year-old centre-back is tied to RB Leipzig until 2027 and has a release clause of €110-M. Real Madrid admire Gvardiol, but he’s not a priority at the moment since they’re stacked at the backline.
Overall, Los Blancos are struggling lately, having won only one of their last three La Liga matches, and it doesn’t help that their injury list keeps on growing.
Thibaut Courtois, Karim Benzema, Eder Militao, Lucas Vazquez, and Ferland Mendy will not make the trip to Morocco on Monday when Real Madrid compete in the Club World Cup semi-final against Al Ahly, but the first three players may be available for the final on Saturday if they advance.
MARCA reported that Atletico Madrid have offered Dani Ceballos a contract, as the soon-to-be free agent is still waiting for Real Madrid to submit their own offer.
Los Rojiblancos are also looking at Chelsea’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and N’Golo Kante, as they haven’t featured much this season.
Aubameyang was left out of Chelsea’s Champions League squad, plunging his future at Stamford Bridge into doubt. On the other hand, Kante has had an injury-ridden campaign this term.
There are no imminent deals for these two at the moment, but Atletico Madrid can get them both at low prices if Chelsea decide to part ways with them this summer.
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La Liga: Villarreal Could Do With a Big Result Over Barcelona
Villarreal vs Barcelona
Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres said that they are not afraid of the daunting task of trying to beat Barcelona when these two clubs meet at the Estadio de la Ceramica this Sunday.
It’s easier said than done, and the odds are against them when they host the Catalan giants. But if anything, they’ll use this as motivation against the current La Liga leaders.
With poor La Liga 2023 results this past week, Villarreal have lost ground in the race for European football, as they’re in sixth place with 31 points.
Meanwhile, the winning never stops for Barcelona, and they’re seemingly running away with the trophy. So if they win again here, their table lead will be 11 points, and their rivals will find it hard to catch up.
Villarreal are one of the lowest scoring teams in La Liga for the 2022-23 campaign, netting just 22 times in 20 league matches. At the same time, they’ve already conceded 17 goals on the other side of the pitch.
Their recent form has been lacklustre, and it won’t cut it if they plan to play European football next season. They have won just one of their last five games across all competitions, and they were the first side this season to lose to Elche, who are at the bottom of the league.
Gerard Moreno scored the equaliser for Villarreal after Elche took the lead after three minutes, but Pere Milla scored two more to complete his hat-trick and put the game beyond doubt in favour of Elche.
And with Arnaut Danjuma off to the Premier League following the most recent transfer window, the Yellow Submarine won’t have the necessary firepower to breach Barcelona’s stingy backline.
In the meantime, Quique Setien will need Alex Baena, Jose Morales, and Samuel Chukwueze to bring their A-game against the Catalan giants at home. The three of them have contributed 16 goals and eight goals so far this season.
Nicolas Jackson is also a key player in this contest. After a failed transfer to Bournemouth, the 21-year-old can prove to Villarreal’s higher-ups why he shouldn’t have been offered to them in the first place.
Raphinha and Kessie will help Barcelona
Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie tries to steal the ball from Sevilla’s Marcos Acuna
Robert Lewandowski may be the frontrunner for the La Liga Golden Boot, but he has been getting help from elsewhere in terms of goals.
Ousmane Dembele is Barca’s second-leading scorer with six goals, but he’ll be out in the meantime due to a strained thigh. The good thing for them is that Raphinha has stepped up in his absence, and the former Leeds man has already recorded four goals and six assists.
Sergio Busquets is also unavailable after he twisted his ankle against Sevilla, so Franck Kessie might start in his place alongside Pedri and Frenkie de Jong in midfield, as he played some great minutes against Sevilla, teeing up Jordi Alba for their first goal.
History
Barcelona are undefeated in their last 10 away games against sides from the Valenciana community in La Liga (W9, D1), including each of their last five, which is their longest away winning run against such opposition in this tournament.
After consecutive league victories against Barcelona between 2007 and 2008, Villarreal have won only one of their last 27 meetings against the Catalan giants in the top-flight (D6, L20), a 2-0 result in May last year.
Villarreal were pummeled by Barcelona in the reverse fixture last October as Robert Lewandowski (brace) and Ansu Fati scored three quick-fire goals in the first half en route to a 3-0 result at Camp Nou.
The Yellow Submarine are in the midst of a two-game losing streak, and if they lose on Sunday, it’ll mark the first time since March 2020 (under Javier Calleja) that they’ve lost three in a row.
The SBOTOP La Liga 2023 odds favour Barcelona since they’re the form team in the Spanish top-flight at the moment. The visitors are installed at 1.83 to win, while hosts Villarreal are priced at 4.10, and a draw is at 3.60 in the 1X2 market.
Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.96 and Over 2.50 @ 1.79 are alternative bets to think about, and it is highly likely that Barcelona players are going to be the ones who supply the goals at Estadio de la Ceramica.
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Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres said that they are not afraid of the daunting task of trying to beat Barcelona when these two clubs meet at the Estadio de la Ceramica this Sunday.
It’s easier said than done, and the odds are against them when they host the Catalan giants. But if anything, they’ll use this as motivation against the current La Liga leaders.
With poor La Liga 2023 results this past week, Villarreal have lost ground in the race for European football, as they’re in sixth place with 31 points.
Meanwhile, the winning never stops for Barcelona, and they’re seemingly running away with the trophy. So if they win again here, their table lead will be 11 points, and their rivals will find it hard to catch up.
Villarreal are one of the lowest scoring teams in La Liga for the 2022-23 campaign, netting just 22 times in 20 league matches. At the same time, they’ve already conceded 17 goals on the other side of the pitch.
Their recent form has been lacklustre, and it won’t cut it if they plan to play European football next season. They have won just one of their last five games across all competitions, and they were the first side this season to lose to Elche, who are at the bottom of the league.
Gerard Moreno scored the equaliser for Villarreal after Elche took the lead after three minutes, but Pere Milla scored two more to complete his hat-trick and put the game beyond doubt in favour of Elche.
And with Arnaut Danjuma off to the Premier League following the most recent transfer window, the Yellow Submarine won’t have the necessary firepower to breach Barcelona’s stingy backline.
In the meantime, Quique Setien will need Alex Baena, Jose Morales, and Samuel Chukwueze to bring their A-game against the Catalan giants at home. The three of them have contributed 16 goals and eight goals so far this season.
Nicolas Jackson is also a key player in this contest. After a failed transfer to Bournemouth, the 21-year-old can prove to Villarreal’s higher-ups why he shouldn’t have been offered to them in the first place.
Raphinha and Kessie will help Barcelona
Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie tries to steal the ball from Sevilla’s Marcos Acuna
Robert Lewandowski may be the frontrunner for the La Liga Golden Boot, but he has been getting help from elsewhere in terms of goals.
Ousmane Dembele is Barca’s second-leading scorer with six goals, but he’ll be out in the meantime due to a strained thigh. The good thing for them is that Raphinha has stepped up in his absence, and the former Leeds man has already recorded four goals and six assists.
Sergio Busquets is also unavailable after he twisted his ankle against Sevilla, so Franck Kessie might start in his place alongside Pedri and Frenkie de Jong in midfield, as he played some great minutes against Sevilla, teeing up Jordi Alba for their first goal.
History
Barcelona are undefeated in their last 10 away games against sides from the Valenciana community in La Liga (W9, D1), including each of their last five, which is their longest away winning run against such opposition in this tournament.
After consecutive league victories against Barcelona between 2007 and 2008, Villarreal have won only one of their last 27 meetings against the Catalan giants in the top-flight (D6, L20), a 2-0 result in May last year.
Villarreal were pummeled by Barcelona in the reverse fixture last October as Robert Lewandowski (brace) and Ansu Fati scored three quick-fire goals in the first half en route to a 3-0 result at Camp Nou.
The Yellow Submarine are in the midst of a two-game losing streak, and if they lose on Sunday, it’ll mark the first time since March 2020 (under Javier Calleja) that they’ve lost three in a row.
The SBOTOP La Liga 2023 odds favour Barcelona since they’re the form team in the Spanish top-flight at the moment. The visitors are installed at 1.83 to win, while hosts Villarreal are priced at 4.10, and a draw is at 3.60 in the 1X2 market.
Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.96 and Over 2.50 @ 1.79 are alternative bets to think about, and it is highly likely that Barcelona players are going to be the ones who supply the goals at Estadio de la Ceramica.
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Well, you take it one step at a time, of course and that is exactly what Barcelona are doing.
Their latest La Liga highlights moved them xxx points clear of Real at the top of the standings on Sunday night.
And while Carlo Ancelotti’s men can never be written off (this SBOTOP writer has done so beforehand and ended up with delightful egg on his face), the new-look Barca have a firm grip on this season’s title proceedings.
Sunday night saw a tricky test at 2021 Europa League winners Villarreal and it was one they overcame.
An 18th minute goal settled them down as Jules Kounde won possession and a sublime touch from Robert Lewandowski gave talented youngster Pedri the chance to run clear and roll in the opener.
The hosts, chasing victory which would move them up to fifth, were second best for long spells and would have been further behind before the half hour but for a Pepe Reina save to deny Lewandowski.
Francis Coquelin appeared in a lot of pain as he was stretchered off before the break and the home side’s lack of luck was confirmed late on when his replacement Samuel Chukuweze had the ball in the net only for Yeremy Pino to be flagged offside.
Scorelines like this win titles and Barca are in the box seat.
The weekend was not just dictated by events at the top end of the table.
On Friday night, Cadiz did their survival bid no harm at all as they moved out of the drop zone with a 2-0 success over Girona, courtesy of first half goals from Gonzalo Escalante and Sergi Guardiola.
There was also further good news for Sevilla as they continued their climb away from trouble with a home success against Real Mallorca.
Again the hosts netted twice in the first half without reply and were not breached.
Sevilla dominated from the start as Youssef En-Nesyri stole in behind to hammer them in front and, just before the break, the returning Bryan Gil – who I would like to have seen given more game time at Spurs – poked home a simple second.
By contrast, another team which has often upset the La Liga betting odds are struggling and in trouble.
With the prospect of relegation looming large, the club’s supporters have had enough.
Under the name Libertad VCF – Freedom for Valencia FC – different fan groups joined forces to plan massive protests for Saturday’s home meeting with Athletic Bilbao.
They would have been heartened to see their team take a 17th minute lead through Samu Castillejo.
However, Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet – hot on the heels of the first hat-trick of the 2022-23 La Liga campaign – turned the match around to earn Bilbao maximum points.
One club which showed real quality of character this weekend was Getafe who overcame the setback of a first half own goal and being reduced to 10 men to come back and claim a draw at home to high-flying Rayo Vallecano.
Boosted by head coach Andoni Iraola’s insistence he will not leave the club this season – he is reportedly wanted by Leeds United – Vallecano are sixth but slipped after Enes Unal’s 77th minute leveller.
Atletico Madrid’s Stefan Savic is shown a red card by referee
Atletico Madrid remain fourth after new signing Memphis Depay scored an 89th minute winner at Celta Vigo – all this after they played the final 20 minutes with 10 men following Stefan Savic’s dismissal (his third red card in five matches).
The Dutchman opened his account for his new club to claim all three points, although the hosts could feel they were unfortunate after Iago Aspas had struck the crossbar with a free-kick, awarded following the challenge which saw Savic receive his marching orders. Sone kind of record?
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La Liga: Real Madrid’s Osasuna Rematch is a Must-Win
Osasuna vs Real Madrid
It’s now or never for Real Madrid if they are to successfully defend their La Liga crown. With Barcelona seemingly running away with the title because of their hot streak, Real Madrid are in must-win mode from here on out.
Los Blancos are currently in second place with 48 points, eight behind their Catalan counterparts, and they can trim the gap with a win over Osasuna this Saturday.
Osasuna are currently ninth in the La Liga table with 30 points, which is a pleasant surprise since they’ve always been in the bottom half.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds back Real Madrid to come away with the victory. However. Osasuna have proven in their last encounter that they are a tough nut to crack, so Real Madrid must bring their A-game to avoid yet another banana peel.
Talking Points
Osasuna continue to punch above their weight
Jagoba Arrasate has come a long way at Osasuna since joining them in 2018, guiding them to a top-half place in the La Liga standings, and they’re also through to the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Osasuna have never won a top-tier domestic trophy, and they have reasons to believe that they can do it in the Copa del Rey. But first things first, they must focus on La Liga, where they still have a puncher’s chance of making it to Europe for next season.
Osasuna boss Jagoba Arrasate coaching during their La Liga match against Atletico Madrid
They’ve only lost once in their last five league matches, but three of them were draws against teams below them in the table.
Los Rojillos are known for thriving in low-scoring affairs, but they shouldn’t be gun-shy against Los Blancos this weekend. During their previous encounter, when Real Madrid took the lead, Osasuna replied a few minutes later, and that will be the key to their success.
The bad news for Osasuna is that Chimy Avila is not available for this one since he’ll serve his suspension. Avila is the team’s leading scorer with seven goals.
With Avila sidelined, Aimar Oroz, Kike Garcia, and Ante Budimir must step up, while Barca loanee Abde Ezzalzouli is going to be their x-factor.
Ezzalzouli, one of Morocco’s heroes during the World Cup, is back from suspension, and he’ll be looking to open his account and make La Liga 2023 highlights at El Sadar.
Karim Benzema might not play for Real Madrid
Karim Benzema recently became second on Real Madrid’s all-time La Liga scoring list, passing Raul Gonzalez in league goals when he netted twice in their 4-0 victory against Elche.
But that tally might not increase this weekend since Benzema is reportedly doubtful to play against Osasuna on Saturday, as he finished the game against Elche with slight discomfort in his leg.
With Real Madrid set to face Liverpool in the Champions League next week, they will not risk their best striker ahead of such an important match.
If Benzema does sit this one out, Vinicius Junior, Fede Valverde, and Rodrygo will have to share the goalscoring duties against Osasuna.
History
Osasuna have not won any of their last 15 La Liga matches against Real Madrid (D5, L10), which is their longest winless run against them in the competition, although they’ve drawn three of their last five meetings against them.
One of those draws happened in their reverse fixture last October. After conceding the first goal from Vinicius Junior, Los Rojillos came back through Kike Garcia’s score, and they held on despite being reduced to 10 players when David Garcia was sent off after 78 minutes.
Real Madrid have won three of their last four away La Liga games at El Sadar (D1) after winning just one of their previous six visits.
Osasuna are the only La Liga team without a single draw at home so far this season after 10 matches (W6, L4).
The La Liga 2023 odds favour Real Madrid to win, but their margin of error is small this time around.
Compared to before, when they were priced at 1.33 to win, Real Madrid are now at 2.47, and Osasuna have gone up from 8.75 to 4.30. Chances for a draw have also moved from 5.00 to 2.16.
Under 2.75 at 1.63 is also a good bet alongside Total Goal 2-3 at 1.90 since we feel that this is going to be another low-scoring affair.
Having learned the lessons from their last meeting, Real Madrid should do much better and come away with the win, or else the title will slip out of their hands soon.
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Fourth versus seventh takes centre stage in La Liga on Sunday teatime.
The hosts are the 2021 champions, not in the title race this time but certainly too consistent to miss out on a place in the top four and qualification for the Champions League where they have been regulars, including finalists twice, since Diego Simeone took charge over a decade ago.
The visitors, meanwhile, are the side leading the chase for a top six spot which guarantees a European berth.
Both have enjoyed better days but also continue to show glimpses of more promising days ahead.
That could make this encounter engaging.
Talking Points
Whenever I think of Bilbao, I think of Howard Kendall becoming their boss in 1987 after he had guided Everton to the league title.
I then think of the Bilbao side that really impressed me en route to the 2012 Europa League Final against their opponents this weekend.
Then the team contained the likes of Iker Muniain, Ander Herrera (now back at the club), Javi Martínez, Óscar de Marcos and Fernando Llorente, all under the astute management of Marcelo Bielsa.
Ten years on, they are aiming for their highest league finish since 2015 when they were fourth.
While few are expecting them to reach those heights this season, create winning La Liga highlights this weekend will see them close the gap on Atletico to just three points.
Still only 22, he already has made 101 appearances for the club, including all 20 of the Basque club’s league matches to date.
Born in Pamplona, Sancet moved to Bilbao in 2015 to join Athletic’s prestigious academy at Lezama and has been one of the most promising players on the club’s books ever since.
His recent treble at home to Cadiz made him the youngest Athletic Club player to bag a hat-trick since Julen Guerrero did so aged 20 in 1994.
Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams in action during the La Liga match against Osasuna
Sancet will likely feature in a three-pronged attack with Inaki Williams and Nico Williams.
Yuri Berchiche is available again this weekend after returning from suspension, but there is no change to their injury situation with Herrera and Inigo Martinez both out.
Sought-after defender Martinez appears certain to move on when his contract expires at the end of the season, and although Barcelona are reportedly in pole position to win his signature, don’t bet against Atletico stepping in too.
Atletico Madrid, who kept up their Champions League qualification push with a last gasp 1-0 win at Celta Vigo last weekend, have no injury absences of their own.
However, they will be without the services of Stefan Savic, who is suspended following his red card last time out.
That could mean a recall for Jose Gimenez.
Against Vigo, January signing Memphis Depay came off the bench to net his first goal since joining Los Rojiblancos and, with Depay and Alvaro Morata in attack, Simeone’s team can pose a danger to any team.
These clubs have met 33 times before and Atletico have a distinctive edge with 20 victories to Bilbao’s nine successes and four draws.
This corresponding fixture last season was actually goalless and Bilbao actually won the return game in the Basque country 2-0 last April when an early own goal was added to by a penalty from Williams – the Basque ‘iron man’.
It’s January 2011 since Bilbao last beat Atletico on their own turf.
On that occasion, a 2-0 triumph was secured by a brace from Gaizka Toquero.
Their most prominent match up to date was in the 2012 Europa League Final when Atletico ran out comprehensive 3-0 winners, with two dangerous marksmen netting the goals – Radamel Falcao and Diego Forlan.
The home team are clear favourites and are on offer to back 1X2 @ 2.14 and Asian Handicap –0.75 @ 2.49.
Bilbao, meanwhile, are priced 1X2 @ 3.40 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.13.
A draw, just like the fixture ended last season, will pay out @ 3.25.
Another 1-0 Atletico success will earn you a pay day of @ 5.40 with Correct Score, while goal options include over 2.25 @ 2.13, total goal 0-1 @ 2.54, 2-3 @ 1.92 and 4-6 @ 4.90. My xx tip with the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds is for Atletico to edge this 1X2 @ 2.08
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It’s always one of the big fixtures in the La Liga season, second only to El Clasico, and when Real Madrid meet Atletico at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday the ground will be packed to the rafters and the noise will be deafening.
The fans desperately want to win this game to earn bragging rights, and there is a huge amount at stake for both clubs. Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid are eight points behind leaders Barcelona at the top of the table and anything other than a win would be a devastating blow to their title hopes.
The Blaugrana have a very winnable game away to Almeria this weekend and if they stretch the lead to ten points then it could become unassailable. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid come into the game on the back of a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao and that left them in fourth place, and four points ahead of Real Betis, who are away to Elche this weekend.
Real Madrid’s Champions League tie away to Liverpool on Tuesday saw Los Blancos put down a marker to the rest of Europe, hammering the Reds 5-2, and now they need a spectacular set of La Liga 2023 resultsto give Barcelona something to think about.
Talking Points
Benzema back with a bang!
A 2-0 win away to Osasuna kept Los Blancos just about in the title hunt but they currently sit eight behind Xavi’s Barcelona and the La Liga 2023 betting odds have dropped Ancelotti’s team out to 8.00 to win the 2022/23 title.
Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their fourth goal during their Champions League match against Liverpool
After a lengthy injury lay-off Karim Benzema sat out the game against Osasuna but he was back for the clash with Liverpool and, as Los Blancos recovered from a two-goal deficit to put on a stunning second-half performance, Benzema scored twice to take the tie away from Jurgen Klopp’s Reds. No away team had scored more than three goals at Anfield in European competition, Real winning 3-0 in 2014, but after Vinicius Junior, with two, and Eder Militao made it 3-2 the stage was set for Benzema. The Frenchman had a bit of luck with his first as it took a deflection off Joe Gomez, but his second was a beauty as he lifted the ball into the top corner with Liverpool defenders on the goal line.
The only setback for Madrid came when David Alaba went off injured, but he can be replaced by the experienced Nacho.
Atletico revert to type
A Champions League spot is the objective for Los Rojiblancos and the way they have ground out results recently tell me they shouldn’t have too much problem. Ten points from four games is a fine return, though four goals is a little less impressive. Three 1-0 wins and a 1-1 draw might not sound the most entertaining of sequences, but there is more than one way to win La Liga games and this is the Simeone way.
Atleti’s defence is among the best in Europe but they will be without one of their center-backs. Stefan Savic will be out after he copped a red card in a recent game against Celta Vigo. This was, incredibly, his third red in this calendar year as he picked up a two-match ban up for fighting with Ferran Torres in Atleti’s January clash with Barcelona, and then was sent off when Atleti met Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
So Jose Gimenez and Mario Hermoso will be the partnership in the center of defence for the foreseeable future as Savic has become something of a liability.
With Rodrigo de Paul and the experienced Koke in midfield, the defence has plenty of protection and upfront Atleti have a world-class striker in form. Antoine Griezmann, with seven goals and six assists, has settled back into the Rojiblancos eleven and he fired in a superb cross-shot to win the game against Bilbao.
History
Los Blancos have won 41 of the last 74 Madrid derbies over a period of three decades while Atleti have won just 13 and there have been 20 draws, and Simeone’s men have failed to win any of the last eight encounters at the Bernabeu.
Real have beaten their neighbors twice already this season, following up a 2-1 win at the Wanda Metropolitano with the 3-1 Copa del Rey victory just a month ago. Benzema and Vinicius Junior both scored in extra time after Savic had collected his second card of the night.
Recent form is comparable though; Real have the edge with five wins and a defeat over the past six games while Atletico have four wins, one draw and one defeat. And with a home record of seven wins and three draws Los Blancos are very much at home at the Santiago Bernabeu.
La Liga: Real Sociedad Might Put Valencia Out of Their Misery
Valencia vs Real Sociedad
Two teams that are on opposite sides of the La Liga table are set to square off when Valencia host Real Sociedad at the Mestalla on Saturday.
Real Sociedad are currently third in the standings with 43 points, while Valencia are in danger of being relegated at the end of this term since they’re in 19th with 20 points.
La Real are fresh from a 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo on Saturday, while Los Che are on a five-game losing streak.
Despite their gap in the standings, the pre-match SBOTOP betting odds predict that we’re going to see another tight contest.
So, the third-placed visitors cannot be complacent, especially since they’re looking to hold on to a Champions League spot. On the other hand, the hosts are merely fighting for survival at this point.
Since the sacking of Gennaro Gattuso, nothing much has changed for Valencia, as instability is still the main theme of their 2022-23 campaign.
Valencia has dropped all four of their league games since Gattuso left, going down 6-1 on aggregate against Real Madrid, Girona, Athletic Bilbao, and Getafe. Other than Villarreal, they are the only team without a victory this month.
If the bad La Liga 2023 results continue for Los Che, then they are almost guaranteed to be relegated after this term. They haven’t played outside of La Liga since the 1986-87 campaign, so there must be a huge sense of urgency from them to stay in the Spanish top-flight.
After accepting this position as a coach, Ruben Baraja is dealt a horrible hand, but he does have certain tools at his disposal to pull off a miracle and save the team from the humiliation of relegation.
Edinson Cavani, Justin Kluivert, and Samu Castillejo are the team’s leading scorers, as they’ve accounted for 11 goals so far this term. They must regain their rhythm in the final third if Valencia are to move up the table.
Castillejo was the last player to score for Valencia, as he found the back of the net in their 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao when he gave them the lead in the first half.
Real Sociedad coping well with injuries
Real Sociedad are no longer in contention for this year’s La Liga title, but they will be content if they manage to finish third since it means Champions League football for them next season.
Like most teams in Europe, Real Sociedad have been hit with key injuries to the likes of David Silva and Aritz Elustondo, but they’ve been doing well since the others have been stepping up.
Real Sociedad have only lost two of their last 11 visits to the Mestalla in La Liga (W5, D4) after losing eight of their previous 11 away games against them in the competition (D3). However, Valencia have lost just one of their last 11 games against Real Sociedad in La Liga (W4, D6).
Since the start of the 2018-19 campaign, Valencia have drawn more games against Real Sociedad than any other opponent in the Spanish top-flight (D6).
One of them was their previous encounter in November, which ended in a 1-1 draw as Los Che’s Samuel Lino made up for Hugo Guillamon’s own goal early in the first half. La Real were reduced to 10 men when Aritz Elustondo was sent off, but they managed to hold on for the point.
Real Sociedad are favoured by the La Liga 2023 odds against Valencia, but their margin for error is not that big. La Real are priced to win at 2.42, while Los Che aren’t far behind at 2.69, and a draw is pegged at 3.20 in the 1X2 market.
Valencia are under enormous pressure to deliver at home since time is running out, while Real Sociedad can afford to play carefree, although they cannot let their guard down.
Just like in their previous meetings, this match is going to be competitive, and we might have yet another low-scoring affair. So, going for Under 2.50 at 1.60 seems like the safest bet.
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Barcelona’s lead at the top of the La Liga table was preserved at seven points on Saturday, after Real and Atletico played out a 1-1 draw in a pulsating clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Here at SBOTOP we previewed this game and backed Under 2.50 goals, and so it turned out as Diego Simeone’s Atletico frustrated their hosts as a well organised unit which knows how to grind out results when it matters.
And the Madrid derby matters!
It looked to be going Los Blancos’ way as tempers flared when Atleti winger Angel Correa elbowed Anton Rudiger and received a straight red card. That was on 66 minutes and the home crowd became increasingly expectant.
But Atleti have guts… and plenty of quality, and two of their biggest stars linked to give them a surprise lead with just 12 minutes remaining. Antoine Griezmann swung in a brilliant free kick, which centre back Jose Gimenez met with a firm header which flew into the net and sent the red and white half of Madrid into ecstasy.
Then it was backs to the wall stuff for the remaining minutes and few neutrals would expect Atleti to buckle; but their resistance was broken when 18 year old Alvaro Rodriguez scored with a header from a Luka Modric corner. This was only the second appearance for Rodriguez after he set up a goal on his debut against Osasuna last week; and this goal already makes him a hero at the Bernabeu.
When the final whistle blew it signalled a decent day for Los Rojiblancos, a frustrating day for Real Madrid and a good one for Barcelona, who can increase their lead at the top of the table to ten points with a victory over Almeria on Sunday.
Nine-man Elche pay a harsh penalty
Willian Jose in action playing for Real Betis
Real Betis came from two goals behind to grab a late, late win away to bottom club Elche to move to within two points of Atletico in fourth place. But the nature of the defeat could hardly have been worse for the hosts as they had three players sent off and conceded three penalties!
Elche went two up within ten minutes when VAR awarded a penalty, converted by Fidel, and Lucas Boyle doubled the lead two minutes later. But in the second half, with a great chance to earn a second victory of the campaign the hosts imploded in spectacular fashion. First Lisandro Magallan was red carded, on 57 minutes, and unused substitute Pape Diop was also sent off for his protests.
Betis threw everything at their hosts and Borja Iglesias halved the deficit from the penalty spot, before setting up the leveller for Juan Miranda. With just two minutes remaining Iglesias had a chance to win it with his second penalty of the game but Elche keeper Edgar Badia made a great save.
Pablo Machin’s side thought they’d escaped with a point but, deep into injury time, Enzo Roco handled, earned his second yellow and an early bath, and Willian Jose stepped up to slam home the spot-kick.
New manager bounce helps struggling Valencia to stun Sociedad
Valencia’s new boss Ruben Baraja endeared himself to the demanding Mestalla crowd thanks to a shock win at home to third placed Real Sociedad. It was one of the biggest La Liga 2023 results of the weekend as an own goal, courtesy of Igor Zubeldia, gave Los Ches a lead just before half time and they worked hard to preserve that advantage for the next hour.
Lino came close to doubling the lead but his effort hit the crossbar and Valencia were awarded a second half penalty when Hugo Duro was felled in the area; but the award was overturned by VAR. That decision added more pressure the hosts and they had to withstand a furious onslaught from La Real; but Baraja’s team fought their way to a vital three points which lifted them outside the bottom three.
It was a first victory for Valencia in nine league games and a first for the club since the sacking of Gennaro Gattuso at the end of January. It’s a small step and, having played a game more than their relegation rivals Los Ches could slip back into the bottom three, but it was a big win which they can build on.
For Sociedad it was a disaster. A run of just two wins from the last six games has seen the end of their faint title hopes and has left La Real just a single point ahead of Atleti and three ahead of Betis.
The battle for the top four is hotting up, but the La Liga 2023 betting odds say the title is Barca’s to lose.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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Real Madrid and Barcelona are set to renew their El Clasico battle on Thursday when La Liga’s top two teams meet in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
The Santiago Bernabeu will be bouncing for the first of three El Clasicos in just over a month as the second leg of this tie, on the 5th April, falls two weeks after the teams meet at the Camp Nou in a pivotal league match. Barcelona are currently leading La Liga by seven points, but they failed to take advantage of Real drawing in the Madrid Derby on Saturday when they went down to lowly Almeria on Sunday.
At SBOTOP odds of 2.65 the Blaugrana are favourites to win the Copa but Los Blancos are not far adrift at 2.95. So with Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna contesting the other semi-final the Copa del Rey 2023 betting odds reckon the winner will come from this pair.
If anything, the momentum is with Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid while his opposite number, Xavi, continues to face injury problems.
Since the return to fitness of Karim Benzema Real Madrid have begun to look like a team which can challenge for trophies on multiple fronts and, with impressive form in recent weeks, there is a feeling in Madrid that they can give Barcelona plenty to worry about in the league and, more immediately, in the Copa del Rey. Over the past two weeks Los Blancos have recorded league wins over Elche and Osasuna (4-0 and 2-0) and destroyed Liverpool 5-2 in a Champions League tie at Anfield. Their Derby draw with Atleti was frustrating for sure but, with 18 shots to seven and seven to one on target Los Blancos were all over their neighbours and will feel unlucky to have been held.
Benzema and keeper Thibaut Courtois, along with boss Ancelotti, have been shortlisted at the Best FIFA Football Awards to be held in Paris on Monday night but the trio have decided to skip the event in order to concentrate on this upcoming El Clasico date. It has been reported in the Spanish press that the club feels it is not appropriate to attend a gala event in the midst of a crucial part of the season and just after they drew a home match.
The Copa del Rey 2023 highlights will show just how determined Los Blancos are to get at the Blaugrana, and we may get another sight of Real’s new wonderkid Alvaro Rodriguez who scored their derby leveller. There’s plenty for Madrid fans to look forward to.
Lewi very doubtful
Losing 1-0 away to Almeria was a bad and unexpected result for the Blaugrana, made worse by the fact that it followed a Europa League exit at the hands of Manchester United on the previous Thursday. Xavi’s team travelled to Old Trafford short on numbers with midfield duo Gavi and Pedri missing as well as wing wizard Ousmane Dembele and, ultimately the fringe players fell a little short.
Robert Lewandowski looking dejected during Barcelona’s match against Almeria
And the news seems to be getting worse at the Camp Nou following the announcement that league top scorer Robert Lewandowski picked up an injury during the defeat to Almeria. The Polish goal machine is undergoing more tests at the club but early reports suggest he will be out for two weeks, which means he will probably miss Barcelona’s upcoming league games against Valencia and Athletic Bilbao and, almost certainly, this Copa first leg.
Ancelotti will keep his cards close to his chest but if Lewi is out as expected then the return to fitness of Ansu Fati could be timely, to bolster a front line which has only Ferran Torres and Raphinha currently fit.
History
Barcelona love this competition. They have won 31 Copa del Reys in total, including five of the last eight, while Los Blancos have won 19, the last time in 2014.
In all El Clasicos since 1994 the Catalans are ahead by 35 victories to 25; and the two teams have already met twice this season, Los Blancos winning their home league game 3-1 before Barca won the Supercup final in January by the same margin.
Los Blancos are unbeaten in six games and in 19 at the Santiago Bernabeu, while Barcelona’s two recent defeats followed a run of 18 games unbeaten, 15 wins and three draws.
Barca are at 1.84 to advance to the final while Los Blancos are priced at 2.02 and at 2.03 to win this first leg. The visitors are priced at 3.06 to leave Madrid with a lead and at 3.25 to draw.
Los Blancos have a chance to exploit Barca’s depleted squad but Xavi will be determined to avoid three consecutive defeats.
A 1-1 draw at odds of 5.80 is the most likely score line and that would suit the Barca boss just fine.
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The 2022/23 La Liga campaign is hurtling towards its climax, with 15 rounds to go and the big games are coming thick and fast.
Barcelona are in pole position to take the title back to Catalonia, with a very useful seven point lead at the top of the table, but a Barca wobble at the end of February has awoken interest in Madrid, where Los Blancos are getting ready to pounce.
After a going on a long unbeaten run to streak ahead in the league, as well as winning the Super Cup and advancing nicely in the Copa del Rey, the Blaugrana has lost two games on the bounce. And with a Copa clash against Real Madrid looming and a lengthy injury list, Xavi’s Barca are desperate to avoid a mini slump which could hand the initiative to their El Clasico rivals. The SBOTOP odds have Barca as slight favourites for the cup tie and they would be delighted with a draw in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Injured midfield ace Pedri has been a big miss for Barcelona and Gavi was suspended when Xavi’s side made an unsuccessful Europa League trip to Manchester last week so the boss is looking at his midfield unit to try to strengthen the creativity. Robert Lewandowski has proved once again that he is the best in the business in front of goal, but his prowess has masked the absence of big scoring chances in recent weeks.
Robert Lewandowski during Barcelona’s match against Manchester United at Old Trafford
And Lewi’s injury, picked up in the shock defeat away to Almeria on Sunday, presents another headache for Xavi, but the club hopes his lay-off will be short.
Reports in the La Liga 2023 news media suggest Barcelona are planning another swoop for Manchester City attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva in the summer. The Catalans hoped to sign the 28 year old Portugal star last summer, but their failure to move Frenkie de Jong on meant Barca couldn’t act on their impulse. The task for the current crop of players is to protect their lead in March and push on for a first title since 2019.
The defeat to Almeria has seemingly delayed the announcement of a new one year contract for utility player Sergi Roberto. The 31 year old has been at the Camp Nou since 2010 and has been a key part of the squad which dominated the Spanish league for a decade. It’s been reported that the player has agreed to the contract renewal with an option for a further year, but the Blaugrana have decided to shelve the announcement as they didn’t want to make it on a bad news day, especially with the Copa clash against Los Blancos only two days away.
Xavi is a big fan of his former team-mate and he will want to announce the renewal to fans after a win. And that is the club’s priority, against their biggest rivals on Thursday.
The Madrid Derby ended in a 1-1 draw last Saturday but when Barcelona failed to take advantage Los Blancos’ resolve was strengthened and they are fully focussed on the Copa tie. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti, striker Karim Benzema and keeper Thibaut Courtois were all shortlisted for the Best FIFA Awards on Monday night; but they stayed away from the gala event to focus on business. In any case, they all missed out to the Argentine trio of Lionel Scaloni, Lionel Messi and Emi Martinez.
Most neutrals expected Real Sociedad to beat struggling Valencia on Saturday but an own goal courtesy of Igor Zubeldia handed all three points to the struggling Los Ches. Sociedad had almost 70 per cent possession but lacked the cutting edge to break through their hosts’ rearguard, and that opened the door for fifth place Real Betis to climb to within three points of La Real in third.
Atletico Madrid are sandwiched in between those two and, with big gaps up to second placed Real Madrid and down to sixth placed Rayo Vallecano, a fascinating three way battle for two Champions League places is bubbling up. Not so long ago Sociedad were hoping to gatecrash the title race but a sequence of two wins from six league games has allowed Betis to claw their way back into the race with three consecutive victories.
The La Liga 2023 betting odds back Atleti and Sociedad to join the El Clasico pair in the 2023/24 Champions League, but Real Betis will have plenty to say about that.
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There will be lots of attention on the Civitas Metropolitano in Madrid this weekend as one of the most eye-catching fixtures in La Liga is the entertainment on offer.
Two of Argentina’s finest managers will come face to face on the touchline as Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone will shake hands with Sevilla’s Jorge Sampaoli…and then hostilities will begin. These two giants of Spanish football are used to competing for European places but this time the match has serious implications at both ends of the table.
After challenging in the top four in recent campaigns Sevilla have been stuck in the bottom group throughout this season. They have had some better La Liga 2023 results in recent weeks but are not out of the woods yet, in 14th place and just two points clear of the drop zone.
Meanwhile, Los Rojiblancos are at the right end of the league table, in fourth place and in a fierce battle, alongside Real Sociedad and Real Betis, for a place at Europe’s top table next season.
Atletico come into the game on the back of a hard fought draw in the Madrid derby, which took them up to fourth place in 42 points, while Sevilla were on the wrong end of a five goal thriller at home to Osasuna.
At SBOTOP odds of 1.68 to win, Los Rojiblancos are a good bet to hand out some more punishment to Sevilla on Saturday.
Talking Points
Savic back in the fold for Atleti
After a frustrating first half of the campaign for Los Rojiblancos they have recently got back to basics and become that tough outfit which is so hard to beat. The return of Antoine Griezmann and departure of Joao Felix, after initial concerns, looks like a couple of moves which will pay off. And some uncharacteristically erratic defending seems to have been resolved as Simeone’s men have conceded just two goals from the last five games.
Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger shakes hands with Atletico Madrid’s Stefan Savic after the match
One of the problems Atleti have had has been the self destructive run of red cards that centre back Stefan Savic picked up but, on his return last week, he put in a brilliant performance at the heart of defence to keep Real Madrid’s prolific front line at bay. Alongside Jose Gimenez, who scored Atleti’s goal in the derby, he forms one of the best central defensive partnerships in Europe and, providing his disciplinary howlers are behind him, Savic will be a key figure in the run-in.
And Simeone will be delighted how Griezmann has settled back into the groove and is top scoring with seven goals and seven assists. Atleti met Athletic Bilbao a couple of weeks ago and the Frenchman’s clinical finish late in the game gave Atleti a trademark 1-0 win.
Los Rojiblancos seem to have their steely focus back again and that makes them devilishly hard to beat.
Two steps forward and one back for Sevilla
This time last season Sevilla were in second place; so to find themselves down in 14th as we move into March is something of a shock for their fans. And, while things have been picking up for Sampaoli’s men, every time they seem to be pulling out of the malaise they have a setback.
A home win over Mallorca and a useful point away to Rayo Vallecano is a decent return, but the good work was undone when they lost 3-2 at home to Osasuna. You’d expect more than four goals from Sevilla’s top scorer Youssef En Nesyri and he’s bagged two in the last three games, which shines a highlight on their problems in the first half of the campaign. But while the domestic league has been a slog Los Sevillistas are still in the Europa League after beating PSV Eindhoven 3-2 on aggregate, winning the home leg 3-0.
Sampaoli just needs his team to find consistency; otherwise it could be a nerve jangling run-in.
History
Sevilla have actually had the better of the head to head encounters with Atleti, leading by 21 to 19, with 20 draws in the last 60 meetings. But they have not won at the Metropolitano on their last four visits and were beaten 2-0 when they met los Rojiblancos in Seville this season.
Recent form favours Atleti with three wins, two draws and one defeat, a Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Real Madrid, while Sevilla have won two, drawn one and lost three.
TheLa Liga 2023 betting oddsdon’t have a lot of faith in Sevilla who are at 3.97 to win or 3.54 to draw and, the way los Rojiblancos gave Real Madrid such a hard time last week, I’m inclined to agree.
Sevilla are still mis-firing too often while Atleti are beginning to hit their target with ominous regularity.
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Those opponents are another team in the relegation mix but Valencia is a club which doesn’t expect to drop through the trapdoor having spent 86 seasons in the top flight with four visits to the Segunda Division, and six La Liga titles, the most recent in 2004. So La Liga: Barcelona vs Valencia is a huge game for both proud clubs, one hoping to maintain or extend their seven point lead at the summit, the other fearing that they might struggle to climb out of the drop zone.
The Barcelona vs Valencia betting odds have this one nailed as a home win and I can’t disagree.
Talking Points
Barca must show their title credentials
After a disaster in Almeria, Barcelona are aiming to be masters in March and the manager will need to draw on all his resources as the club’s injury problems show no sign of slowing down. A hamstring injury to young midfield maestro Pedri has been a real blow to the club, with Barca’s win rate dropping from 90 per cent to 57 per cent when the 20 year old is out of action.
Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets during their match against Manchester United at Camp Nou
Ousmane Dembele has also been sidelined and that has left Robert Lewandowski without his main source of supply, but then Lewi himself picked up a thigh injury during the loss to Almeria and he looks likely to be out for a couple of weeks, though a quicker return has not been ruled out. If he doesn’t make it then Ansu Fati is fit again and he can step in alongside Ferran Torres, with Raphinha the only other forward who is 100 per cent fit.
In defence, Andreas Christensen has an ankle injury and he has been part of a superb defence which has conceded just eight goals in the last 23 games and kept 17 clean sheets in the league. The return to fitness of Ronald Araujo is a major boost and he can partner Jules Kounde at the heart of defence, or switch to right back if Xavi chooses to play Eric Garcia.
While the Blaugrana are depleted they still have plenty of talent to call upon and, if they can get through this sticky period without opening the door to the chasing Real Madrid, they have a great chance of winning the league.
And with a captain with the stature of midfield general Sergio Busquets, there is always a chance. With eight La Liga titles and three Champions League medals Busquets knows how to win.
Baraja’s returns to save Valencia
When Gennaro Gattuso was sacked as Valencia head coach Los Ches were in a precarious 14th position and while the club worked on a replacement they dropped to 18th where they currently sit. Ex-playing legend Ruben Baraja took over at the Mestalla on the 14th February and the passionate (and demanding) Valencia fans hope he will be as successful as a manager for the club as he was a midfielder when he won two league titles in the early 2000s.
He started with a 1-0 loss away to Getafe and los Ches weren’t expected to emerge from their clash with Real Sociedad with much; but they nabbed a 1-0 win thanks to an own goal courtesy of Igor Zubeldia. While La Real had the lion’s share of possession Valencia had as many chances to score and were worth their win.
Skippered by Brazilian centre back Gabriel Paulista this is team with a balance of youth and experience. They are currently relying on 23 year old striker Hugo Duro and Justin Kluivert, on loan from Roma, for goals, but can call on veteran striker Edinson Cavani. And 23 year old defensive midfielder Hugo Guillamon is a class act, already picking up three international caps for Spain in a position dominated for many years by Busquets, and now Manchester City star Rodri is a Roja regular in that space.
Guillamon will relish the chance to come up against the Barca skipper.
History
With 36 wins to 14, the Blaugrana have had much the better of the head to head Barcelona vs Valencia results and they have won each of the last four encounters, including a 1-0 win at the Mestalla in October.
Recent form for Barca has been patchy, for the first time this season, with three wins a draw and two defeats in the last six while Valencia have the one victory and five consecutive defeats.
Barca’s home record is nine wins and two draws this season and they have not lost at home to Valencia in their last seven meetings. I strongly suspect that is not a run which is about to end.
The Blaugrana are as short as 1.45 with SBOTOP to win this game, with Valencia at 5.61 and the draw at 3.88. Barcelona have a Copa del Rey match against Real Madrid on Thursday and it will be fascinating to see how they react following last week’s debacle. But then back in La Liga, against another team struggling to climb the table, I don’t expect Xavi’s men to show any mercy.
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On Thursday morning Real Madrid were preparing for a Copa del Rey quarter final against Barcelona at home, full of confidence. Carlo Ancelotti’s team is going well in the Champions League and La Liga and planning to track down an injury ravaged Barcelona in the run in.
And then they lost.
A first half own goal from Eder Militao and a disciplined Blaugrana ended Los Blancos’ six match unbeaten run, and now they face another tough test when they head to Seville to take on Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis.
Any fifth versus second game is going to be a cracker, but los Verdiblancos beat Elche last week to make it three wins on the bounce, while Los Blancos drew 1-1 in the Madrid Derby before losing their Copa del Rey home tie against Barcelona.
A packed 60,000 crowd at the Benito Villamarin will be at fever pitch and the Madrid giants need to show they can stand the heat.
Talking Points
Fekir out for the season
Real Betis midfielder Nabil Fekir reacts after a fall during the La Liga football match between Elche
Pellegrini has some fine attacking players in his side, but he has been dealt a blow with the news that winger Nabil Fekir will be out for the remainder of the campaign having suffered a ruptured ligament during the 3-2 win over Elche. Willian Jose, who scored the winning penalty in the five goal thriller is likely to step into the starting line up in a front three alongside Juanmi and leading scorer Borja Iglesias.
With ten goals in the campaign Iglesias is joint fourth in the race for the Golden Boot and has again proved himself to be a real danger in the top flight. At 6ft 2in the 30 year old Spaniard is strong in the air and is lethal with both feet; he’s also made three assists this season and is sure to be a big player on Sunday.
Skipper Sergio Canales will play in a fluid role behind the front three and with four goals and three assists he too is having a productive campaign.
A good run of La Liga 2023 results has hauled Betis back into top four contention and they are not about to take their foot of the gas any time soon.
Madrid don’t want to wait for a win
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are entering a crucial phase of their campaign.
Los Blancos were frustrated by Atletico in the Madrid Derby last week but the La Liga 2023 betting odds took a slight shift in their favour when Barcelona managed to lose away to Almeria. Real Madrid are in to a SBOTOP price of 6.00 to wrestle the title from the grip of Barca who are at 1.10.
But then they went and lost when they had a chance to grab a psychological edge over their El Clasico rivals.
Momentum is so important at this stage of the season and, if they fail to beat a strong Betis side, Los Blancos will have gone three without a win; and Barca have a chance to extend their lead at the top to ten points when they entertain struggling Valencia at the Camp Nou. But as Liverpool discovered when they were thrashed 5-2 by Los Blancos last week, this is still a team which can be devastating when it clicks and the return of Karim Benzema has given them even more attacking threat.
The return to fitness of Rodrygo and the form of Federico Valverde are more reasons for Real to be optimistic; they just need to hold their nerve.
In terms of head to head meetings Los Blancos are well ahead of Los Verdiblancos with 27 wins to 11 in all competitions since 1995. Goals from Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo gave Real Madrid a 2-1 win in the return at the Santiago Bernabeu, back in September, while Sergio Canales was on target for Betis.
Manuel Pellegrini is yet to get a win against Real Madrid since he took over at Betis, falling short five times already and Los Blancos have won five of their last six games at the Benito Villamarin, including a 6-1 hammering back in 2016.
In the light of Thursday night’s result there is little to choose between the teams’ recent form. Real Madrid have won four, draw one and lost one of the last six while Betis have won four and lost two.
Real Madrid are yet to draw away from home, winning nine and losing three on the road.
Barcelona stretched their lead at the top of La Liga to ten points thanks to a hard earned win at home to struggling Valencia on Sunday. Brazilian ace Raphinha scored the winner early in the game but a second half red card for Ronald Araujo let Los Ches back into the match and Barca were happy to hear the final whistle.
Valencia’s worst fears seemed to be coming to fruition when the Blaugrana went ahead with just 15 minutes on the clock. When Sergio Busquets threaded a through ball beyond the Valencia defence former Leeds United star, Raphinha, raced onto it and smashed his shot high into the net past a helpless Giorgi Mamardashvili. There was nothing he could do about that one but the Valencia keeper made a great save moments later to keep out a shot from Ansu Fati when Raphinha put him through.
On another day Fati could have scored hat trick as he had one shot charged down, another effort flew wide and early in the second half he hit the post. And that was after Ferran Torres had also hit the upright from the penalty spot when Hugo Guillamon had handled in the area.
It just seemed a matter of time before the second goal would come but then the game took a twist, midway through the second half, when Araujo was red carded for an over the top foul on Hugo Duro.
The La Liga 2023 betting odds strongly back the Blaugrana for the league title but they made hard work of this game against a side in the bottom three.
Atleti’s Six of the Best is painful for Sevilla
Memphis Depay during Atletico Madrid’s match against Sevilla at Civitas Metropolitan Stadium
Diego Simeone’s team likes a 1-0 win but they couldn’t help themselves on Saturday when struggling Sevilla took a trip to the capital. Jorge Sampaoli’s side has been dogged by inconsistency and we saw the worst of them at the Civitas Metropolitano as los Rojiblancos went on a goal frenzy.
The pre match SBOTOP odds backed the hosts and they were well on the way to completing a league double, having won 2-0 in Seville earlier in the campaign, when Memphis Depay scored a quick fire brace on his first start for his new club. Youssef En Nesyri halved the deficit from close range, with his third goal in four games, to keep it interesting at half time, but it was all one way traffic after the break.
Antoine Griezmann continued his fine form with a brilliant long range strike to make it eight goals for the season and Yannick Carrasco took the game away from Los Sevillistas on 69 minutes. Alvaro Morata matched Depay’s early exploits with a late double to make it 6-1, and Sevilla’s misery was compounded when Papa Alassane Gueye was sent off when he picked up a second yellow, with the game long gone.
It was the pick of the La Liga 2023 results this weekend and Atleti leapfrogged Real Sociedad into third place after La Real drew a blank with a goalless draw at home to Cadiz; meanwhile Sevilla, winless in three games, are in 16th place and just a single point above the drop zone.
No team is too good to go down and it could still be a nervy run in for Sevilla fans.
Last week Barcelona went down to a shock defeat away to Almeria but Villarreal had no such problems in Andalusia and came away with a 2-0 win to cement their place in sixth. Second half strikes from Gerard Moreno and Jose Luis Morales won the points on a day when Villarreal attacking midfielder Samuel Chukwueze put in a man of the match performance with a classy display.
The Yellow Submarine dominated the game with over 70 per cent possession and 17 shots to six, with six to zero on target but, while keeper Pepe Reina had a quiet game, their strikers left it a little late. Gerard Moreno came on as a 69th minute sub and he scored the opener on 76 minutes when he took a pass from Chukwueze and fired a beauty into the top left corner. And Chukwueze was the provider again when he swung over a cross which Jose Morales met and slotted home the second with just two minutes left on the clock.
The Yellow Submarine is motoring well in La Liga and the Europa Conference League, but Almeria have dropped back into the drop zone and their heroics against the Blaugrana are now a distant memory.
So as another great weekend of football comes to a close, Barcelona’s lead has extended to ten points and now it’s over to second placed Real Madrid who have a stern Sunday night test away to fifth placed Real Betis.
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La Liga: Real’s Title Defence Reaching Danger Zone
Is the La Liga title race over? It might well be after Real Madrid had a goalless draw away to Real Betis, allowing Barcelona to open up a nine-point gap at the top of the table.
And while Carlo Ancelotti has not yet conceded the title race, he admits that it is now very difficult to catch Barca and defend their La Liga crown.
Meanwhile, a couple of out-of-favour Real Madrid forwards are reportedly getting ready to leave the club in search of more playing time.
And in the other half of Madrid, Diego Simeone had a dream match as he set a club record in style against Sevilla.
Read on below as SBOTOP lists down all the latest La Liga 2023 news that have made headlines in recent days.
Ancelotti admits Real La Liga title defence ‘difficult’ after latest draw
Real Madrid’s La Liga 2023 odds of defending their title took another huge blow as they were held to a goalless draw by Real Betis over the weekend.
That draw – their second in a row after a 1-1 in the derby against Atletico – coupled with Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Valencia despite going down to 10 men, saw Los Blancos drop nine points behind Barca, the biggest that gap has been all season.
Since scoring five goals at Anfield against Liverpool in the Champions League, Real have scored just one goal in their last three games, with two draws and a defeat to Barca in the cup.
Ancelotti admitted after the match that while it is still possible to win La Liga despite their nine-point deficit to Barcelona, it will be “very difficult” to do so.
“Yes, it is possible. It’s not impossible. So it is possible. Very difficult, very complicated. We have no doubt that we will fight until the end,” Ancelotti said.
Real Madrid will take on Espanyol at home next weekend before their huge Clasico against Barcelona that could very well decide the title race this season.
Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio possibly leaving Real Madrid
As Real Madrid deal with a mini-goal drought, a couple of their forwards – Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio – are reportedly close to heading for the exit at the Bernabeu.
Top football insider Fabrizio Romano has reported that Hazard and Real will meet in the coming weeks to discuss his future.
Hazard has failed to find a place in Ancelotti’s side amid injuries and poor form in recent years, and with the Belgian still hoping for more consistent playing time, the feeling within the club is that he will leave in the summer.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti looks upset after their defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg tie
Playing time is also a big issue for Marco Asensio. The Spanish international was reportedly angry with Ancelotti after the Real boss told him to warm up but did not bring him on as a substitute in their goalless draw with Real Betis.
Asensio, who is out of contract at the end of the season and can move on a free transfer in the summer, has been with several big clubs such as AC Milan, Arsenal, and even Barcelona.
Diego Simeone sets Atletico record in 6-1 win over Sevilla
While things are looking bleak at the Bernabeu, the mood at the Civitas Metropolitano is much-improved as Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid have turned a disappointing season around.
And Simeone made history on the weekend as he took charge of Atletico Madrid for the 613th time against Sevilla, breaking the record previously held by Luis Aragones. His Atleti side marked the occasion in style as they smashed the relegation strugglers 6-1.
Memphis Depay and Alvaro Morata both bagged braces, while Antoine Griezmann had a goal and an assist for Los Colchoneros, who have now taken third spot thanks to an eight-game unbeaten run in La Liga (5 wins, 3 draws).
There has been much speculation about Simeone’s future with Atletico amid their declining form in recent seasons. But with their promising performances in the past few months, it seems that even after breaking the record for most games managing Atleti, Simeone might not be done in Madrid just yet.
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With two points from the last two games Real Madrid’s 2023 La Liga title challenge has fallen off the rails and Carlo Ancelotti has little time to change the course.
Draws with Atletico Madrid and Real Betis are not bad results, but neither are they good enough to win the league and Los Blancos have drifted nine points behind Barcelona at the top of the table. So when Espanyol rock up at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday for the lunchtime kickoff Madrid need to send them packing empty-handed.
Diego Martinez’ Espanyol come into the game on the back of a 2-1 reversal to Real Valladolid but they picked up six points from the previous two games to climb two points clear of the drop zone and they will be in no mood to roll over for the title chasers.
Talking Points
Modric returns for Madrid
Ancelotti will field his strongest available eleven against the Catalans and Luka Modric is available again after missing the Betis game through suspension, having picked up five yellow cards in the campaign. At 37 years of age Modric is still one of the most effective midfielders in the game and the Blancos boss has no hesitation in playing the Croat alongside the 33-year-old Toni Kroos: “I don’t think they slow down the game when they play together,” said Ancelotti. “I don’t perceive this as a problem. The speed of the game isn’t about running more, it’s about thinking first.”
Real Madrid’s Luka Modric in action with FC Barcelona’s Franck Kessie
Real Madrid were simply sensational as they dismantled Liverpool at Anfield with a 5-2 win in their Champions League clash, and Modric was influential as ever, teeing up the crucial third goal for Eder Militao to make it 3-2. And another of Los Blancos’ experienced stars bagged a brace as Karim Benzema scored the fourth and fifth. Benzema is at odds of 6.60 to win the Golden Boot again and with Robert Lewandowski currently sidelined, he has a chance to make his move.
Do the La Liga 2023 betting odds still think Los Blancos have a chance of lifting the title? Well, at SBOTOP odds of 8.00, they are not out of it; but if Espanyol can give their neighbors in Barcelona a favour on Saturday then it might well be the end of the road for Ancelotti’s men.
Not a ‘free hit’ for Espanyol
There is a tendency in football to class games as a free hit, or a shot to nothing. And with winnable matches at home to Celta Vigo and then away to Girona next on the cards, Espanyol fans could be forgiven for seeing this match as a lower priority.
But the manager and players won’t see it that way.
Espanyol are in a dogfight in the bottom half of the table which is very congested and, while they sit in 13th the Catalans are still at odds of 4.00 to be relegated which is far too small a price for any comfort.
Centre-backs Sergi Gomez and Cesar Montes have the task of stopping Benzema and Vinicius Junior and they have the ability to make it difficult for their hosts. Gomez is an experienced La Liga defender, playing for Celta Vigo and Sevilla in a career spanning a decade while Montes is in his first full campaign in Spain. The tough-tackling Mexico international played in his homeland for Monterrey before signing for Espanyol last year on a five-year deal.
If Espanyol can subdue Los Blancos then ex-Newcastle United star Joselu, top scorer with 11 goals, will try to stretch the hosts’ defence, alongside former Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite who scored his eighth goal of the campaign in the defeat to Valladolid.
Los Periquitos finished 14th last season and they have the players to put a good enough run of La Liga 2023 results together to survive again, and a point at the Santiago Bernabeu would be a great start.
History
With 42 wins to nine, in all competitions since 1994, Los Blancos have bossed this fixture and they have not lost to Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu in 26 meetings.
With a home record of seven wins and four defeats Real Madrid have been impressive in front of their own fans, but Espanyol have not been too shoddy on the road, winning three, drawing five and losing four away from home.
And remember, Espanyol have won two of the last three while Los Blancos have failed to win any of their last three.
At 1.23 to win Los Blancos should avoid any slip-ups against Espanyol, priced at 8.92 to win and 5.22 to draw. I believe Ancelotti’s men will eke out a victory…but it won’t be easy.
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A nine point lead at the top of La Liga, with 14 games to play, is a pretty healthy position for Xavi’s Barcelona to be in, and the Catalans know how vital it is to keep Real Madrid at arms length.
Los Blancos are at home to Espanyol on Saturday and while the Blaugrana’s neighbours might do them a favour, it’s fair to predict that Los Blancos will have cut the gap to six, and then it’s over to Barcelona to win away to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night. But the La Liga 2023 betting oddssay it’s anything other than a gimme, pricing the league leaders at 2.14 to win.
Athletic Bilbao come into the game on the back of a 0-0 draw away to Rayo Vallecano, while Barca eked out a 1-0 victory at home to Valencia. Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde has a job to do; while his team sits comfortably in ninth place in the table, a run of four games without a victory, including a Copa del Rey exit to Osasuna, has increased the danger of Bilbao’s season fizzling out, and that’s no good for their fans at the beginning of March.
Make no mistake, this is a tough assignment for Xavi’s Blaugrana and the 53,000 capacity San Mames Stadium will be packed to the rafters, the vast majority roaring on Los Leones. Barca need to be at their clinical best.
Talking Points
Lewi in contention for a Barca return
The Blaugrana’s three top scorers Robert Lewandowski, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele have all been out injured in recent weeks but Xavi’s men have picked up two consecutive wins 1-0, their excellent defence continuing to dominate. But the good news for Blaugrana fans is that Lewandowski is in line for a return, and the top scorer will add massively to Barca’s goal threat. The return from suspension of box to box midfielder Gavi is another plus as Barca look to increase their goal tally.
Robert Lewandowski is set to return against Athletic Bilbao
On the downside, centre back Ronald Araujo is banned after picking up a red card against Barcelona, but that means the ever reliable Andreas Christensen will be drafted in alongside Jules Kounde at the back. Xavi had been hoping that another young midfield star, Pedri, might be ready to return from an injury sustained in a Europa Cup match against Manchester United, but the Bilbao game comes too early. At the beginning of the week the club said it was not impossible for Pedri to make the squad but his chances have now all but disappeared.
The player targets a return in time for the blockbuster El Clasico clash on Sunday 19th March.
The Blaugrana shook off defeat to Almeria, two weeks ago, with a pair of important victories. They put down a marker against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey and then saw off Valencia, while Madrid faltered against Real Betis.
Without a win in four, Athletic Bilbao’sLa Liga 2023 results have dropped below expectations and Valverde will be missing a key player when they line up against Barcelona on Sunday. Midfielder Oihan Sancet is top scoring with eight goals, but he totally lost his head at the end of Bilbao’s 0-0 draw with Vallecano, ploughing in to Abdul Mumin in stoppage time and receiving a well earned straight red card. Midfield general Ander Herrera remains sidelined with injury and wing back Inigo Lekue is also set to miss out, after coming off injured against Vallecano.
But there is better news up front for the hosts, who have Inaki and Nico Williams, as well as Iker Muniain all fit to play.
Over the last 30 years these two teams have met 76 times and Barca have the plenty of success, with 48 wins to Bilbao’s 13 and there have been 15 draws. The last two meetings, both at the Camp Nou had the same outcomes, a 4-0 win for Barcelona. The match earlier this year was over by the time Lewandowski made it 3-0 on 22 minutes but I can’t see Bilbao rolling over quite so quickly on Sunday.
Barca have won ten of their 12 away games this season and I’m backing them to make it 11 from 13.
Bilbao are the outsiders atSBOTOP odds of 2.92, but a serious threat to Barca, while the draw is at 3.11. But I believe the return of Lewandowski and Gavi, coupled with the absence of Sancet, will tip the balance in the Blaugrana’s favour who will have more punch up front.
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La Liga: In-Form Atleti Host Valencia at Civitas Metropolitano
Atletico Madrid vs Valencia
With no Champions League or Cup matches left, Los Rojiblancos only have the La Liga to focus on.
Atletico Madrid are currently in third place with 48 points, but that’s 17 points away from table leaders Barcelona, although they’re in great shape to secure a Champions League berth for next season because they’ve been undefeated in the league since the end of January.
Diego Simeone’s side will host a Valencia squad that is desperate to get out of their predicament. Los Ches have won two of their last three games, but they’re in 17th place, tied with 18th-placed Getafe with 26 points.
With 13 matchdays left, Valencia are in must-win mode virtually every game, and they must defy the SBOTOP betting odds to avoid the drop.
Talking Points
La Roja recruiting Atleti’s stars for good reason
Atletico Madrid’s Mario Hermoso reacts during their match against Sevilla
Atletico Madrid are going to be well-represented in the upcoming international break, as Spain have picked four of their key players: Koke, Marcos Llorente, Alvaro Morata, and Mario Hermoso.
Koke and Llorente have been key cogs in Atleti’s midfield, while Morata is the team’s top scorer with 10 goals this season, and he was one of Spain’s heroes during the 2022 World Cup. Mario Hermoso, on the other hand, has emerged as one of the best La Liga defenders this year.
Hermoso has turned his career around at Atletico Madrid because he’s now a regular starter. Last season, the 27-year-old defender fell out of Diego Simeone’s favour because of his poor defence, and some of the fans turned against him.
But with Stefan Savic showing his age, Hermoso was slotted back in as a starting centre-back, and he has made the most of his new opportunity. Since the 2022 World Cup, Hermoso has logged over 1,200 minutes, starting 14 times.
Antoine Griezmann and Angel Correa have been in fine form too, and they are the second- and third-leading scorers behind Morata, with 14 goals and 10 assists combined.
Memphis Depay is another guy to look out for if you’re Valencia. After seeing his playing time dwindle following the arrival of Robert Lewandowski at Camp Nou, Depay is now enjoying his time at the Civitas Metropolitano, notching three goals in just six matches.
Kluivert can be the key for Valencia
After a forgettable run at AS Roma, Justin Kluivert is doing much better in Valencia. And he should get more opportunities moving forward, especially with Edinson Cavani out of their last four matches due to injury.
Kluivert scored the only goal in last Sunday’s 1-0 win over Osasuna, as the Dutchman lashed the ball into the top corner after a cross. That goal was massive since it gave them three points that moved them up to 17th.
Kluivert may only stand at 5’7”, but he is quick, and he can handle the ball well. He is just 23 years old, so he still has a lot of time to develop.
He has formed a great front partnership with Samu Castillejo and Hugo Duro, and all three of them are looking to get into the La Liga 2023 highlights reel this weekend.
Atletico Madrid are undefeated in their last 16 La Liga matches against Valencia (W10, D6) since a 3-1 loss in the 2014-15 season, which is their longest ever unbeaten run against them in the competition.
And at the Civitas Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid are also unbeaten in their last 11 La Liga home games against Valencia (W7, D4) after losing five of their previous 11 at home against them in the Spanish top-flight (W4, D2).
Valencia have yet to win in their last 18 La Liga away matches against clubs from the Madrid community (D4, L14) since a 1-0 win over Getafe in November 2018, which is their longest winless run away from home against such teams in the Spanish top-flight.
Atleti eked out a 1-0 victory over Valencia in their reverse fixture during the third matchday of the 2022-23 season, as Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal in the 66th minute.
Atletico Madrid are expected to win at home, according to the updated La Liga 2023 odds. The hosts are priced at 1.60 to win, whereas Valencia are installed at 4.90, and chances for a draw are at 3.70 in the 1X2 market.
Valencia can surely make this competitive against Atletico Madrid, but Atleti’s winning streak over Los Ches is hard to overlook, and the hosts should be able to come away with the victory once again.
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It’s the biggest match in La Liga and it has a decent claim to be the best in Europe, and Spanish football fans have a chance to see the third El Clasico of 2023 when Real Madrid visit the Camp Nou in Barcelona for a Sunday night spectacular.
The hosts come into the game on the back of a hard earned 1-0 win away to Athletic Bilbao last week, while Real Madrid were in Champions League action in midweek, finishing off Liverpool with a 1-0 home victory to make it 6-2 on aggregate and book their place in the quarter finals. Barcelona are running away with the league at the moment, nine points clear of Los Blancos and a home win on Sunday would surely see the title head to Catalonia after a three year wait.
Xavi has done an outstanding job, since his return to the club he loves, as head coach and the La Liga 2023 betting odds price Barcelona at 1.06 to win the title. But a victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid would cut the gap at the top to six points and, with ten games still to play; it could potentially signal a crucial switch in momentum.
This match is simply huge!
Talking Points
Balanced Barca can see the job through
The Blaugrana have suffered its fair share of injury problems this season, with key players, including top scorer Robert Lewandowski and midfielder Pedri taking unwanted time out. But Barcelona’s La Liga 2023 results have held up during this busy time in the physio room and slowly they are getting back to full strength.
Barcelona’s Raphinha celebrates scoring their first goal against Athletic Bilbao
Lewandowski is fit again and, with 15 goals and five assists, he has been a vital cog in Xavi’s winning machine, while ex Leeds United star Raphinha has hit some form and he scored the winner in Barcelona’s visit to the Basque last week. And in Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati, Barca have two exciting young forwards both keen to impress.
In the absence of Pedri in midfield, Frenkie de Jong has stepped in and is performing well alongside skipper Sergio Busquets while, in defence, Barcelona have been exceptional throughout the campaign, conceding just eight goals in the league all season as the best rearguard in Europe. Jules Kounde and Andreas Cristensen have been solid as a rock at the heart of defence and they are likely to link up again on Sunday with Ronald Araujo, back from a two match suspension, likely to fit in at right back and the excellent youngster Alex Balde on the left flank.
They will have their work cut out against the power of Karim Benzema and the pace of Vinicius Junior but, on current form, this defence is the best in the business, while Barca’s front six always have a goal in them.
Madrid come through Wednesday unscathed
Los Blancos coasted through their Champions League Round of 16 clash with Liverpool and they came through without any injuries, though there was a scare when Benzema was substituted after he’d scored the winner. The France star didn’t look to be moving too freely but both he and his boss assured fans there was nothing to worry about, he was subbed as a precaution, and he will be in contention to start the El Clasico.
David Alaba remains a long term absentee but, otherwise, Los Blancos are at full strength and they will go all out for three points at the Camp Nou. Only wins will do for Real Madrid now and they did the business in last week’s home game against Espanyol, Vinicius opening the scoring in a 3-1 victory to end a three match winless run.
The SBOTOP stats team believe Barca will edge this game but, while the hosts’ defence will be devilishly hard to breach, the experienced midfield duo of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric will put some testing balls into the final third.
The Catalans made it 36 wins to 25 in the El Clasico in a recent Copa del Rey semi-final first leg victory as an own goal from Eder Militao separated the two sides. The second leg comes after the international break but, with home advantage, Xavi’s men should see the job through. Barca also saw off Los Blancos in the Super Copa in January and they would simply love to complete the hat-trick on Sunday.
Recent form suggests the Blaugrana might well do that, with four wins from five league games, while Los Blancos have won three of their last five.
With a home record of ten wins and two draws Barcelona are an imposing opponent at the Camp Nou and they are favourites to win this time, though Madrid are well in the running at odds of 2.92 to win and 3.16 to draw. Los Blancos came through their midweek match against Liverpool okay, but Barca have had longer to rest and prepare and, with home advantage, I give the Catalans a clear edge.
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On a weekend in which the latest instalment of El Clasico was always going to grab the headlines. I decided to take a look at some of the other contests which created La Liga highlights and plenty of talking points.
Realistically, regardless of the outcome in the Nou Camp – which ended with Franck Kessie’s 92nd minute winner to extend their lead at the summit – Barcelona were already clear favourites to claim back the title from reigning Spanish and European champions Real Madrid.
What’s more, they are out of Europe and can focus 100 per cent on domestic matters.
Arguably, the real excitement is in the chase for a Europa League spot and, even more so, the bid to beat the drop where no amount of SBOTOP La Liga betting odds can make me feel more certain of any prediction.
Let’s start at the bottom where Almeria netted a last-gasp lifeline goal to earn a point against fellow strugglers Cadiz.
Just how important the 97th minute penalty from second half substitute Gonzalo Melero could be remains to be seen but it certainly appeared to me to be a pivotal moment in the 2022-23 campaign.
Gonzalo Melero in action playing for Almeria during their match against Barcelona last November 2022
Cancelling out Roger Marti’s left-foot strike three minutes after the restart, it kept the hosts within two points of their opponents and within a point of moving out of the drop zone.
Despite their shock victory over Barca three weeks ago, Almeria had lost five of their past six so could not afford to end up empty handed again.
If they are to stay up, one suspects their home form will be crucial for it is at home where they have won all seven of their league matches to date this term.
Cadiz will probably need their home form, where they are 10 matches unbeaten, to survive too.
This was the first of three games he will miss, with Conan Ledesma beginning a four match suspension and coaches Lolo Bocardo and Diego Ribera out for six and four games respectively, taking the total number of bans to 17!
A La Liga farce and one which could prove costly.
Elsewhere, Rayo Vallecano’s Euro hopes were frustrated at home by Girona.
Twice they led, through Isi Palazon and Oscar Trejo, and twice they were pegged back via a Viktor Tsyhankov double.
Yet it was a tale of two penalties that was at the centre of the spotlight.
Leading 2-1, the home side were awarded a spot-kick which Trejo saw saved by goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
He then got another chance after the referee ordered the kick to be retaken because a Girona player had illegally encroached the area.
At the second attempt, Trejo, instead of shooting, rolled the ball to the side for Palazon, who had rushed into the box, only to fire it over the crossbar.
The audacious tweak on the standard penalty, which turned a solitary play into a team move, became famous after the late, great Johan Cruyff executed it while playing for Ajax in 1982.
The draw meant Vallecano missed the chance to temporarily move into joint sixth spot – the last of the European berths available.
Even if the Argentine and the club part company this summer, as some have predicted, they are third place as it stands.
That’s after Los Rojiblancos extended their unbeaten streak to 10 league games after rolling to a 3-0 victory over lowly Valencia.
Antoine Griezmann, Yannick Carrasco and Thomas Lemar all scored for Simeone’s men, who have not lost in the league since going down to Barcelona early in the New Year.
Valencia are more used to being at the same end of the table as Atletico but are now in the relegation zone after losing seven away games in a row.
They may have won two of their last four, at home to Real Sociedad and Osasuna, but the former champions are in the bottom three after Getafe saw off Sevilla 2-0, thanks to second half goals from Munir El Haddadi and Enes Unai.
I do not think they will go down but they have work to do.
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Barcelona have one hand on the 2022/23 La Liga title and the grip is tightening after the Blaugrana completed a third El Clasico victory in 2023.
And we’re still only in March!
With a 12-point lead at the top of the table, it will take an incredible set of La Liga 2023 results to stop the title from heading to Catalonia. Los Blancos had their chance on Sunday, but an injury-time winner slotted home by Franck Kessie all but ended Carlo Ancelotti’s hopes of leading Madrid to the title.
Take a look at the La Liga 2023 betting odds here at SBOTOP and, with Xavi’s men down to 1.02 to win the title and Los Blancos out at 22.00, it certainly looks like a done deal.
Time is certainly running out for Real Madrid. While Ancelotti’s men can get back to winning ways, after the international break, when they entertain Real Valladolid and are priced at 1.19 to win, can anyone see Barcelona slipping up away to Elche? The Catalonians have, for years, been admired for attacking football which is easy on the eye, but the most compelling argument for their impending success this season is in their defence which only conceded its ninth goal of the league season during their 2-1 win over Los Blancos on Sunday.
And then take a look at the La Liga league table. The gap between Real Madrid and Real Betis in fifth stands at 11 points and is smaller than the 12-point lead the Blaugrana now holds. Los Blancos fans will be nervously looking over their shoulders as Atletico Madrid are on the march and just five points behind. Los Rojiblancos are unbeaten in ten after they swept Valencia aside with a 3-0 win at the weekend as Antoine Griezmann was on target again. Fourth-placed Real Sociedad beat Elche 2-0 while Betis edged out Real Mallorca 1-0, so the race for the top four is hotting up.
El Clasico duo alerted by Serie A news
According to reports leaking out of the Italian sports press, Juventus are willing to sell versatile attacker Federico Chiesa who could be available for around 60m Euros, and both Barcelona and Real Madrid are said to be tracking the player. Since his transfer from Fiorentina to Juventus Chiesa has become one of the most-watched players in Serie A and, while he has had his progress interrupted by injury, he is one of the most dangerous forwards in the game when he’s fully fit.
Juventus’ Federico Chiesa celebrates scoring their second goal with Nicolo Fagioli
Barcelona will keep tabs on the 25-year-old, particularly if they move Ferran Torres on during the close season, and the Blaugrana is still to confirm a contract extension for winger Ousmane Dembele. Meanwhile, Chiesa has been admired by Real Madrid for some time and Ancelotti will be looking for reinforcements, particularly if, as expected, Marco Asensio moves on when his contract expires.
If, as expected, Barcelona lift the 2023 La Liga title, the club’s decision to bring playing legend Xavi back as head coach, fewer than 18 months ago, has been totally vindicated. When he arrived at the club, in November 2021, they languished in ninth position and Xavi led them to a second-place finish, briefly challenging for the title on the way. He can do little wrong at the moment, certainly in domestic competition where his team has already beaten Real Madrid to win the Spanish Super Cup, is ahead in the El Clasico Copa del Rey tie and romps away in the league.
His current deal expires in 2024 and reports in Spain suggest that the administration in Barcelona is delighted with the club’s progress over the past 12 months so they will be keen to get around the table as soon as possible, with another season likely to be on offer.
Xavi’s team is playing possession football and exudes confidence, with the coach instilling a mental toughness in his players which served him so well in his 17-year career as a player at the Camp Nou, where he won eight league titles and four Champions Leagues. The Barca owners, players and fans would dearly love to return to these halcyon days and, who knows, under the guidance of Xavi, it could be domestic domination this year and Europe next.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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The future of Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is the big news story in La Liga this week.
International breaks are often a time for reflection, and the bosses at the Santiago Bernabeu have said they won’t stand in Ancelotti’s way if he wants to leave the club before his contract expires in 2024.
Los Blancos’ La Liga 2023 results have not been up to scratch, particularly in comparison with El Clasico rivals Barcelona, who have opened up a 12-point lead at the top of the table after beating Real Madrid just before the break.
The La Liga 2023 betting odds have all but handed the 2023 title to the Blaugrana, but Los Blancos are still in the Copa del Rey, though, with a first-leg deficit to make up (against Barca).
They are also through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and club president Florentino Perez has asked Ancelotti to deliver a trophy this season.
Whether he succeeds or not, what happens next is anybody’s guess.
Reports from the Spanish media say that Ancelotti has an excellent relationship with the club’s owners but they will allow him to leave if he so wishes at the end of the campaign.
And following the departure of Tite as Brazil head coach, the Madrid boss was immediately linked with that job. He is the Selecao’s number one candidate and some of their players have expressed excitement at the prospect of an appointment of the Italian legend.
He already works with Brazil players Eder Militao, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo and is big mates with former Real Madrid enforcer Casemiro.
This story could well gather serious momentum in the coming weeks so, if Ancelotti is on the way, who is best placed to step in?
Raul
One name that Los Blancos fans would like to see in the hat is club icon Raul, the striker who scored 228 goals in 15 glittering seasons for Real Madrid between 1994 and 2010.
He also scored 44 goals for Spain, who he captained, and has been working at the Santiago Bernabeu since 2018 as a youth coach and B Team manager.
Raul is yet to manage a big club, but he is Los Blancos through and through and he knows the club inside out. He’d be a popular choice.
Zinedine Zidane
Of course Real Madrid have been down that path before, appointing a playing legend who was coaching at the club and without managerial experience anywhere else.
Zinedine Zidane coaching during their La Liga match
And the promotion of Zidane in 2016 turned out to be a masterstroke, as he promptly went on to lead the team to three consecutive Champions League titles, the first coach to achieve that feat.
He resigned in 2018, but Zidane returned a year later, winning another La Liga title and Supercopa de Espana and then he made way for Ancelotti in 2021.
Could Zizou make another return? Well, he’s available and I wouldn’t rule it out.
Julian Nagelsmann
He’s widely thought to be one of the best young managers in the world, but Bayern Munich have just sacked the 35-year-old Nagelsmann while he was on a skiing holiday during the international break, appointing Thomas Tuchel as his successor.
Die Bayern sit just a point behind Borussia Dortmund in the league and have Der Klassiker and a Champions League tie with Manchester City on the horizon. So to sack a manager with a 71.4-per cent win rate seems a little odd.
Anyhow, Nagelsmann has the profile and style to fit in at the Santiago Bernebeu and, while he has been linked with a move to Tottenham, I suspect he’ll bide his time and wait for the bigger job.
Antonio Conte
Yesterday here at SBOTOP, we talked about the departure of Conte from Tottenham Hotspur after a fiery outburst signalled the end of his turbulent 16-month reign with the Whites.
Conte is a born winner with a string of Serie A titles as a player and manager with Juventus and has also led Chelsea and Inter Milan to league titles in recent years.
Conte is box office material and always worth listening to, but would Los Blancos fans welcome his pragmatic style?
Didier Deschamps
Currently, manager of France where he has been in the hot seat since 2012, could it be time for a new challenge for Deschamps? He led his nation to the World Championship in 2018 and Les Bleus have made a fast start to their Euro 2024 qualification campaign
But at 54 years of age, Deschamps is in the prime of his managerial career and he certainly has the nous and profile to manage one of the biggest clubs in the world.
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We’ve had a two-week break from La Liga and are ready and raring to go again with a feast of domestic football to get our teeth into.
There are battles brewing up at both ends of the table. While Barcelona are beginning to run away in the title race, the competition for Champions League places is heating up.
And with 11th-placed Mallorca just six points above the drop, half the division has work to do to ensure survival and there isn’t one team in the league with nothing to play for.
Nerves will be shredded over the next 12 games for sure, but things have already been getting a little tetchy at home and for the international team abroad.
Spain were in Euro 2024 action against Scotland, and it all went rather pear-shaped as the Scots pulled off a shock 2-0 victory thanks to a brace from Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.
Meanwhile, Manchester City and Spain star Rodri gave an angry response in his post-match press conference as he took aim at the Scots, saying: “It’s the way they play. You have to respect at the end but for me it’s a bit rubbish because it’s always wasting time. They provoke you and they always fall. This is not football. It was frustrating because we want to win and it’s difficult because they waste time, waste time. But it is what it is.”
Indeed it is.
The Scotland team did what they could to win, but they faced a much changed side and I wonder if the Spanish coach, Luis de la Fuente, regrets leaving out Barcelona’s wing-back Alex Balde.
The 23-year-old has had a breakthrough campaign at the Camp Nou, and he impressed in La Roja’s 3-0 win over Norway as he made an assist, but he had to make way for the Scotland match.
Fati’s dad isn’t happy
Ansu Fati celebrates with his teammate Pedri the first goal of FC Barcelona against Girona
This is Barcelona’s title to lose, and the latest La Liga 2023 betting odds reckon the trophy is already on the way to Catalonia. But another of the Blaugrana’s young stars has struggled for game time and his father has weighed in to the discussion.
Bori Fati has said that if it were up to him, he’d make sure that his son Ansu leaves Barca this summer.
“Ansu does not want to leave Barcelona but I want him to succeed,” said Bori, who insists he won’t go to the Camp Nou Stadium anymore. “I’m very angry with the club. It bothers me that Ansu plays so little. In a month we will meet with Jorge Mendes for sure.”
I’m sure his dad means well, but I’m not entirely convinced the young Spain international will want his old man to burn his bridges in Catalonia.
Brazil move for Ancelotti
In other La Liga 2023 news, things haven’t been going to plan for Real Madrid in recent weeks, and the speculation surrounding the future of boss Carlo Ancelotti is reaching fever pitch.
Apparently, he’s on good terms with the Los Blancos board, but that hasn’t stopped Brazil’s fans and players calling for his appointment as their boss following the departure of Tite after the nation’s 2022 World Cup exit.
The Spanish media has reported that the Brazil Football Confederation president Ednaldo Rodriguez is planning a trip to Spain on the 6th April to negotiate terms with Ancelotti.
The Samba Boys are keen to tie their man down and Ancelotti is said to be interested, but they may be a little premature as Los Blancos are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and the head coach’s current contract runs until 2024.
What’s next?
With a 12-point gap to make up on Barca, Los Blancos have a must win game at home to Real Valladolid this weekend. And at SBOTOP odds of 1.18, they should pick up the three points.
However, Barcelona are at 1.33 to win away to Elche and are highly unlikely to slip up.
At the other end of the table, Sevilla have a chance to pull away from the relegation scrap, but only if they can win away to Cadiz. Both teams are just two points above the drop zone and this is a six-pointer to watch.
And the race for the top four throws up two fantastic clashes. Sixth-placed Villarreal hosts fourth-placed Real Sociedad who, with just one win in five, are desperate for a victory.
Meanwhile, third-placed Atletico Madrid host Real Betis in fifth. Atleti are on the charge with 13 points from five, while in-form Betis have won 12 points over that period.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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Two of them are Villarreal and Real Sociedad, who are in sixth and fourth, respectively. Real Sociedad got a leg up on their hosts, but their recent La Liga 2023 results prior to the international break were unconvincing, opening a sliver of daylight for either Villarreal or fifth-placed Real Betis to sneak in.
And with these two protagonists already eliminated from European football, finishing strong in La Liga is their main priority, and winning this match is a step in the right direction.
Chukwueze is the team’s third-leading scorer with six goals, and he’s also their top playmaker with eight assists. In his five years with the club, he has amassed 19 goals in 143 appearances. He last scored in their 3-0 win over Osasuna, and he’ll aim to get back on the scoreboard this Sunday.
The 23-year-old Nigerian, a nominee for Player of the Month for March, is not the only attacker that Real Sociedad have to worry about, as they must find a way to limit Alex Baena and Jose Luis Morales.
Morales, nicknamed “El Comandante”, is becoming a fan favourite at Villarreal. The 34-year-old is the team’s only double-digit scorer so far with 10 goals.
Merino and Silva will pull the strings for La Real
Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino reacts during their Europa League clash against AS Roma
Real Sociedad have coped with injuries well, and they should be better now that their injury list has eased up. Mikel Oyarzabal’s return has been big for La Real. Alexander Sorloth and Brais Mendez continue to lead the way in the final third, and everyone else is contributing one way or another.
But the key to La Real’s success is in midfield, where they have a great mix of young and old players.
Mikel Merino and David Silva have 12 assists between them this season, so the spotlight is on them to try and create chances for their forwards. Martin Zubimendi is another bright talent, and he’s linked to a possible move to a host of suitors.
Merino started for Spain in their last two Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Norway and Scotland. Silva, on the other hand, is set for an extension with the club this summer.
History
Villarreal have lost their last two league games against Real Sociedad, and they’re in danger of losing three in a row against them for the first time ever.
These two sides met at the Reale Arena last October, where the hosts came away with a 1-0 victory as Brais Mendez scored the marginal goal during the 33rd minute.
In terms of recent form, Villarreal are doing better lately with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five, while Real Sociedad have only won once in the same stretch.
Villarreal are one of the best home teams in La Liga, with seven wins in 12 games and just 10 goals conceded. However, Real Sociedad have been impressive on the road, winning eight of their last 13 matches while scoring 23 goals in the process.
The SBOTOP La Liga 2023 odds indicate that Villarreal and Real Sociedad will play each other closely once more. Villarreal were given the slight edge at 2.33, while Real Sociedad were priced at 2.93, and a draw is at 3.05 in the 1X2 market.
With so much on the line on Sunday, these two squads need to be at their best. Their matches have been mostly tight, and this one is not going to be any different.
Regardless of who wins, fans at El Madrigal can expect goals from both teams in this fixture, so we’re recommending Total Goals 2-3 at 1.90, while Over 2.00 at 1.70 is another possibility.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH:
= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
= €10 (CONFIDENT)
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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La Liga: Red-Hot Atleti Versus Points-Hungry Betis
Atletico Madrid vs Real Betis
The Civitas Metropolitano in Madrid welcomes back La Liga football on Sunday with a mouthwatering clash between Atletico Madrid and Real Betis.
Atleti come into the game on the back of a 3-0 win at home to Valencia, while Betis won 1-0 against Real Mallorca – results which strengthened both teams’ claim for a top four place.
But their visitors aren’t in bad shape either and, with the incentive of catching Real Sociedad in fourth, Los Verdiblancos will go hard in Madrid.
Talking Points
Griezmann is better than ever
While Barcelona seem to be running away with the league, Los Rojiblancos are chasing down Real Madrid in second. And with the best set of La Liga 2023 resultsover the past few weeks, they have climbed to within five points of their city rivals.
Simeone is known for his pragmatic style of football that’s hard to beat. But with the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Alvaro Morata, and Angel Correa in his ranks, he has players who can open up any defence in Europe.
Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann in action with Valencia’s Samuel Dias Lino
And it is Griezmann who has been as influential as any in Atleti’s recent upturn in form. The 32-year-old Frenchman was named La Liga Player of the Month for March after scoring two goals and making an assist.
Since his appearances were limited earlier in the campaign while he tried to get his contract sorted out, he has just got better and better.
Griezmann starred for France in Qatar in a deeper role, showing just what a versatile and gifted player he is and he is one of the best assisters in Europe with eight to his name this season to add to his nine goals.
He scored the opener in Atleti’s clash with Valencia just before the break, which made it 10 games unbeaten in La Liga for Los Rojiblancos.
And Simeone’s team is still as hard to break down as ever, conceding just four goals in that run.
Canales ban could hurt Betis
Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis are aiming to improve on their fifth place finish from last year and the very latest La Liga 2023 betting odds say they have a good chance.
But Los Verdiblancos have suffered a serious blow this week with the news that attacking midfielder Sergio Canales will be out for four games due to suspension following his outburst last month when he berated referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz who sent him off earlier in the campaign.
The 32-year-old star claimed that Lahoz sent him off “premeditatedly” and the allegation of officials cheating will never go down well with the league authorities. With another creative player, Nabil Fekir, sidelined for the season with injury, Pellegrini will not be amused by this latest development.
The frustrating thing is that fourth place is well within Betis’ reach. They sit three points behind Real Sociedad, who have been struggling for form recently, and are four clear of Villarreal in sixth.
Much of Betis play goes through Canales, and now they will try to break down Atleti’s defence by getting Ayoze Perez into the game as he might be the best bet to supply 12-goal Borja Iglesias with ammunition.
History
Los Rojiblancos have won exactly half of their meetings with Betis over the past three decades with 26 victories from 52 encounters, while there have been 14 draws and 12 wins for Los Verdiblancos.
The hosts have the upper hand in terms of recent form too with five wins and a draw from the last six games, while Betis have won two, drawn two, and lost two
Atleti are at SBOTOP odds of 1.50 to win this game with Real Betis at 5.03, and the draw is at 3.88. A victory for Diego Simeone’s side will cement their place in the top three and maybe inch them closer to Real Madrid in second.
Los Verdiblancos need a win to break into the Champions League picture, and a defeat would be a setback after a good run of league results.
But aside from home advantage, two factors play in Atleti’s favour: Antoine Griezmann is in the form of his life, while Real Betis’ most influential player, Sergio Canales will sit this one out.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH:
= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
= €10 (CONFIDENT)
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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La Liga: Messi Urged to Come Home as PSG Sink to a New Low
Barcelona are running away with the 2022-23 title, but it seems that something is still missing, as it will be their first La Liga crown in a while without their beloved superstar, Lionel Messi.
The Blaugrana are on their way after they stretched their win streak to four consecutive matches after beating Elche 4-0 on Sunday to extend their table lead to at least 12 points (71 points total).
If they had it their way, Barcelona would have Messi back on their team since he’s a Barca man through and through, but a possible return is more complex than it seems despite his current situation in Paris.
Meanwhile, their rivals from the Madrid region – Real and Atletico – are also coming off wins against Valladolid and Real Betis, respectively. However, they still have a long way to go to catch up with Barcelona, according to the La Liga 2023 odds.
Here are some of the top La Liga 2023 updates, courtesy of SBOTOP.
Barcelona are vocal about possibly reuniting with Lionel Messi this summer when his current contract with PSG expires in June.
In theory, Barcelona could sign Messi on a free transfer, but they must find a way to meet the 35-year-old’s wage demands, which makes this possibility complicated.
Messi reportedly doesn’t intend to take a huge pay cut despite being 36 years old when the 2023-24 season begins, whether he stays at PSG or goes somewhere else.
So, if this is going to happen, Barca would have to offload multiple players and PSG would have to allow Messi to leave rather than activating their option of extending his Paris stay for another 12 months.
As PSG lost to Lyon at home in Ligue 1 on Sunday, Messi received jeers from the crowd at the Parc des Princes. The Parisiens are still on top of the Ligue 1 table with 66 points, but they now have a smaller margin for error with Lens and Marseille catching up.
False dawn for Eden Hazard?
Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard comes on as a substitute for Karim Benzema
Eden Hazard made his first La Liga appearance in 204 days in Real Madrid’s 6-0 thumping of Valladolid on Sunday, and Carlo Ancelotti then hinted that the Belgian would still play a role for the club going forward.
Hazard came off the bench to replace Vinicius Jr. when the game was out of reach, and the 32-year-old winger dished an assist for Lucas Vazquez to score the final goal of the match.
“Eden has trained during the break. He has played very little, but he has done well, and has given an assist. By training well, he will have opportunities,” Ancelotti told Diario AS.
Hazard has been linked with a move away from Madrid this summer despite his desire to prove his worth for the team. Last month, the Belgian admitted that his relationship with Ancelotti had broken down because his role had diminished.
“I’m not going to say that we talk to each other, because we don’t talk to each other. But there will always be respect, even if tomorrow he doesn’t make me play anymore,” said Hazard in March.
However, with so many games to cover for Real Madrid heading into the final weeks of the 2022-23 campaign, Ancelotti will need a full squad to choose from.
With the La Liga title effectively lost to El Clasico rivals Barcelona, Hazard might get his chance to play more games to keep certain players fresh for other competitions, such as the Champions League.
Atletico Madrid outline their top four credentials
Since losing to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, Atletico Madrid are unbeaten in their last nine La Liga games (W7, D2), recently beating Real Betis 1-0 last weekend.
Angel Correa scored the winner in the 86th minute for his sixth goal this season, which gave Atletico Madrid a huge boost in trying to secure a top four place.
A draw or a loss would’ve been disappointing for Los Rojiblancos because it would’ve meant that they would only have a slender lead over fellow top-four hopefuls, Real Sociedad and Real Betis. Until Sunday, Angel Correa had appeared in 23 La Liga games but only started nine. Despite the lack of starts, the Argentine is an invaluable part of their squad because of his ability to play multiple positions.
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They may be trailing Barcelona in the La Liga 2023 title race, but Real Madrid have been, and will always be, the Galacticos – the superstars of European and world football.
Despite coming second in their domestic battle many of Carlo Ancelotti’s current crop of stars are among the best on the planet. Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Vinicius Junior are all world-class, and Modric in particular can lay claim to being one of Los Blancos’ best players of all time.
But who are the five that Real Madrid fans would choose to be the kings of the Santiago Bernabeu? And how can anyone narrow this question down to a mere five?
Well, this SBOTOP writer has had a stab at the best Blancos of all time…how many do you agree with?
5. Ferenc Puskas 1958-1966
When Hungarian forward ‘Pancho Puskas’ rocked up in Madrid, aged 31, he had already scored a whopping 358 goals in 350 games for Budapest Honved and he was the main man in his national football team, the Magnificent Magyars. Puskas was a World Cup runner-up in 1954, but in Madrid his reputation grew further as he evolved from being an out and out goal scorer to becoming the best provider in the game. With his silky skills and genius on the ball, Puskas is one of the best free-kick specialists Los Blancos fans have ever seen and he still notched 242 goals from 262 appearances in Spain.
With the best left foot ever to grace the Bernabeu he helped Real Madrid to five league titles and three European crowns and the FIFA Goal of the Year is now named after Puskas.
4. Raul 1994-2010
Nicknamed El Ferrari by his team-mate Fernando Hierro (another Los Blancos legend), Raul spent 16 years playing for his beloved Real Madrid. He has the most appearances for the club with 741 and is the third top goal scorer of all time with 323. With Los Blancos he won six La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues, scoring in two finals, and he holds the distinction of never being sent off in 17 years of football in Spain.
Raul was a brilliantly versatile player, able to operate as a lone striker, a number 10 or even a winger. His speed of foot and thought, great ball control and eye for the spectacular made him a firm fans favourite. And now he’d be a popular choice to replace Carlo Ancelotti should the current Real boss head off to Brazil.
3. Alfredo Di Stefano 1953-1964
With 216 goals from 282 games Alfredo Di Stefano was a key player in the club’s domination during the 1950s and 1960s and, alongside Puskas he terrorized defences around Europe. He played in five European Cup victories, scoring in each of the five finals and that feat makes Di Stefano a Madrid legend.
At a time when defenders could be brutal and strikers received little or no protection from referees, Di Stefano was strong, quick and skilful and he never shirked a challenge. And he had a penchant for Hollywood-style goals, volleys and overhead kicks.
2. Sergio Ramos 2005-2021
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos warms-up ahead of their Champions League semi-final match against Chelsea in May 2021
Ramos is now one of the big names in Ligue 1, plying his trade with Paris Saint-Germain but his move from Sevilla to Madrid in 2005 introduced the best centre-back the Bernabeu had ever seen. He’s a born leader and desperate to win at all costs and it’s little surprise that Ramos is the most carded player in Spanish history. On the plus side, he won five La Liga and four Champions League winners medals and, as a defender he was a prolific scorer, netting in every one of his 16 seasons at the club and scoring 101 for Los Blancos in total.
As a defender, he had everything; pace, strength, aggression and vision. His organisational skills were second to none and the players he led would run through a wall for Ramos.
He was a rock star of a footballer at the Bernabeu with a legion of fans who matched his passion for the club.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo 2009-2018
So here we are – my pick for the best Blanco of all time, the great Cristiano Ronaldo…CR7. He has won 32 trophies in a stellar career including seven league titles and five Champions Leagues and is one of a handful of players to make over 1,100 appearances for club and country, scoring over 800 goals.
With 311 in 292 games, Ronaldo is Real Madrid’s top scorer of all time and he was the first player to score against every team in a single La Liga campaign.
Los Blancos’La Liga 2023 results have simply not been good enough to keep pace with the Blaugrana and the latest La Liga 2023 betting odds now price Ancelotti’s team at around 1.05to win the 2023 title.
But that wouldn’t be the case if these five were playing at the Santiago Bernabeu…particularly CR7!
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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La Liga: Atletico Are Red-Hot Favourites for This Madrid Derby
Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid have a short journey to make across the city for a Sunday night derby away to Rayo Vallecano.
The 14,000-capacity Estadio de Vallecas will be packed for the visit of Los Rojiblancos who are the form team in La Liga right now, and this is another chance for the visitors to cement their Champions League place. Barcelona have the 2022/23 title in the grasp and the challenge for Atletico is to chase down their bigger city rivals, Real Madrid, who, incidentally, have just dumped the Blaugrana out of the Copa del Rey.
In contrast to Atleti’s fine form, Andoni Iraola’s hosts are on a winless run but, after a strong first half of the campaign, they are currently eighth and have a great chance of improving on last season’s 12th-placed finish. But the momentum is clearly with the visitors and the pre-match La Liga 2023 betting oddsrate Los Rojiblancos as hot prospects to collect another three points.
Talking Points
Simeone’s strong hand
Atletico are within five points of Los Blancos, narrowing the gap by four over the last five games, and Atleti’s clash with Real Betis last week showed just how strong Simeone’s squad is. Once Antoine Griezmann’s contract was sorted out he has rolled back the years and is as good as he ever was in the red and white of Atleti. The France star has evolved from being the prolific scorer to the man who pulls the strings, sets the tempo and opens up defences at will.
Striker Alvaro Morata has benefited from Griezmann’s all-round excellence and the move of Joao Felix to Chelsea hasn’t made a ripple at the Wanda Metropolitano. When his team was struggling to break a strong Betis team down, Simeone brought on Angel Correa and the Argentine winger delivered La Liga 2023 highlights. With five minutes on the clock he went on a scintillating run, leaving a string of defenders behind him as he coolly fired low into the bottom corner. It was Correa’s sixth goal of the campaign and he may get a start on Sunday.
Take a look at the Atleti bench and, with names like Rodrigo de Paul, Saul Niguez and Axel Witsel to call on, Simeone is spoilt for choice and the January signing of wing-back Matt Doherty has added more quality and experience. And Atleti’s legendary defence is back to its best now that Stefan Savic has managed to stop getting red cards! Alongside Jose Gimenez, Savic makes up a powerful centre-back partnership behind the impressive Jan Oblak.
Los Rojiblancos are top three material that’s for sure; but can they catch Real Madrid?
Rayo’s Euro dream is fading
Sitting eighth in the league table and seven points behind the last guaranteed Europa place, there is a danger of Vallecano’s season fizzling out and time is running out for head coach Iraola to reignite their campaign. Los Franjirrojos aren’t easy to beat but they have found winning difficult of late, drawing five and losing two of the last seven, and against Girona, Athletic Club and Sevilla they have failed to win at home.
Head coach of Rayo Vallecano Andoni Iraola during their recent La Liga match
28-year-old winger Isi Palazon has been the most productive player with six goals and four assists, while in Raul de Tomas and the legendary Ramadel Falcao, Rayo have two experienced and proven goal scorers. But I wouldn’t back them breaking through Atleti’s rock-solid defence.
History
Atleti have won 17 of the 27 meetings, while Rayo Vallecano have won just four and there have been six draws in all competitions since 1994.
But the head-to-head are backed up by recent form…and how!
Over the past six games Los Rojiblancos have won five and drawn one while Vallecano have drawn four and lost two and, in their winless run, they have faced five bottom-half teams and no one from the top six.
Los Rojiblancos are odds on at a SBOTOP price of 1.86 and that’s good enough for me against Rayo, who can be backed at 3.40 and the draw at 3.35.
The most likely scoreline is a 0-1 win for Atleti, at odds of 5.03, but I suspect the result may be a little more comfortable unless both teams suddenly have a big change in form.
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If you doubt that, incidentally, then don’t take my word for it.
Instead, take in the words of Richard Winton of BBC Sport who was at the Nou Camp on Wednesday night for the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against arch rivals Barcelona.
Trailing 1-0, they went to Catalonia and produced a second half showing with renewed energy and confidence, showing their class in a ruthless display for which Barca had no answer.
As Winton so eloquently put: ‘Barcelona might be cantering away with La Liga but they’ve been taught a lesson here. Real were quietly magnificent. Accomplished, ruthless, composed… all the things that their hosts weren’t. This is one they’ll talk of for a fair old while’.
And so against that backdrop, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will be expected to deliver more La Liga highlights this weekend.
Talking Points
Certainly, they will want to seal the runners-up spot in the table as soon as possible, even if their main focus may now be on retaining their European crown.
Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their second goal with Vinicius Junior
For the hosts, left-back Férland Mendy is the only player who is unavailable and there could be a recall for centre back Antonio Rüdiger, who sat out the 6-0 win over Real Valladolid last weekend and was an unused substitute in the Copa del Rey clash.
One man who will surely lead the line is French forward Karim Benzema, fresh from an iconic moment as he became the first Real Madrid player to score a hat-trick against Barca since the great Ferenc Puskas in 1962/63.
So, what type of visitors will the reigning Spanish and European champions encounter?
Well, Quique Setién’s Villarreal have much to play for as they are currently in sixth place, just one point behind Real Betis and four behind Real Sociedad who occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot.
After being dumped out of the UEFA Conference League to Anderlecht last month, you would think they would rather be playing at a higher level of European competition next term.
After all, they are experienced heads as far as continental football is concerned, failing to qualify for a UEFA tournament only twice during the past two decades.
Europa League winners just two season ago, this contest will be a special one for former madridistas Raúl Albiol and Dani Parejo, who would relish the chance to put one over their old club.
Yet with a big gap between sixth and seventh, a return to Europe next term looks likely anyway so how motivated will they be to make the Champions League as opposed to the Europa League or Conference League.
Of their 46 top flight meetings, Villarreal have only tasted victory on five occasions with 16 draws and 25 Real triumphs.
This corresponding fixture last term produced a goalless draw.
That was the last time they met in Madrid but have played three times since.
The return fixture last term also ended goalless and in January the ‘Yellow Submarine’ ran out 2-1 winners, a defeat which saw Real slip to second and proved to be a big blow in their defence of the La Liga title.
Real gained revenge just under a fortnight later in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup with a superb second half comeback.
Real are clear favourites for victory ahead of their Champions League quarter-final (they will meet more English opponents Chelsea after swatting aside Liverpool in the last 16).
And while the title has realistically gone, they will not give up until it is mathematically impossible.
With the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds, you can back them to win 1X2 @ 1.50 and Asian Handicap @ -1.25 @ 2.13.
Villareal are priced 1X2 @ 5.40 and Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 2.38.
The 1X2 Draw will pay out @ 4.10, while a repeat of the goalless encounter from last season’s corresponding fixture is on offer @ 13.00 with Correct Score.
Goal options include Over 3.00 @ 2.14, Total Goal 0-1 @ 4.10, 2-3 @ 1.99 and 4-6 @ 2.96.
With Villarreal needing the points to boost their Champions League qualification aspirations, I do expect this to be close.
I think Real will edge it, however, and my *** tip is Half Time Full Time Draw Home @ 4.20.
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Europa League: Cup Specialists Sevilla Will Test Red Devils
They each have reason to be cheerful, and also cause for some frustration, but El Clasico head coaches Xavi and Carlo Ancelotti are both in praise of their players as the La Liga season reaches a climax.
Barcelona are riding high at the top of the league table, 13 points clear of Real Madrid, and the La Liga 2023 betting odds have long since held the Blaugrana up as champions elect. But Xavi’s team has bowed out of the cup competitions, exiting Europe and recently taking a 4-1 aggregate thumping at the hands of Los Blancos in the Copa del Rey semi-final.
And they have just failed to win a second game in a row, being held to a goalless draw at home by Girona on Monday, a result which ended a four match winning run in the league and meant they lost an opportunity to extend their lead to 15 points. Xavi was, understandably, philosophical about his team’s result after Los Blancos had been beaten by Villarreal at the weekend, saying: The balance of the matchday has been good. We’ve increased our lead by one point, there’s one game less to go before the end of La Liga and also one week more to recover all the injured players.” With ten matches to play the Blaugrana are on target to finish the season with the highest number of clean sheets in Europe, an impressive record for such an attack minded team.
Lionel Messi during Paris Saint-Germain’s match against OGC Nice
And there is more excitement around the Camp Nou with the news that Lionel Messi might be inching closer to a return to the club he loves and which loves him. The World Cup winner left for Paris two seasons ago and reports suggest he is reluctant to extend his stay at the Camp Nou in favour of a return to Catalonia. There is still work to be done to get the deal over the line but there will be dancing on the streets of Barcelona if and when it does.
Over in Madrid Los Blancos home match against Villarreal ended in a disappointing 3-2 defeat but Ancelotti remains upbeat. Real Madrid are set to take on Chelsea in the Champions League quarter finals, a match we’ll be reporting on here at SBOTOP, and the Spaniards will start as strong favourites to reach the semis. Strikers Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema have scored more goals than the entire Chelsea squad this season but the Blancos chief knows he can rely on his team to take this European tie deadly seriously. “This is a group, they feel good among themselves. They understand well when it is time to make jokes or to be serious,” he said.
“If you have to be serious, I don’t have to order them to be serious. For me as a coach to manage this squad it’s very simple.”
And Los Blancos too are looking forward to next season with an eye to strengthening their squad in their aim to wrestle the league title back to Madrid, assuming, of course, there is no spectacular capitulation in Catalonia this season!
Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze scored twice in the victory over Real Madrid and Blancos’ bosses see the Nigerian as a potential target for the oncoming transfer window. Madrid president Florentino Perez took the opportunity to open discussions during the game and, according to the Spanish media, he is weighing up a move for the player, who has a 100m Euros release clause in his Villarreal contract.
The 23 year old is an exciting talent and, since joining the Yellow Submarine in 2017, he has risen through the ranks to become one of the first names on the team sheet and is enjoying his best campaign yet, scoring 13 goals and making 11 assists from 40 appearances in all competitions.
While Real Madrid turn their attention to cup matters they also need to keep an eye on the league as city rivals Atletico climbed to within two points of them thanks to a 2-1 victory away to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Goals from Nahuel Molina and Mario Hermoso earned Diego Simeone’s side the three points which take them up to 57, on the heels of Los Blancos and ten clear of Villarreal in fifth. Atletico have been in red hot form in recent weeks, with a superb set of La Liga 2023 results, unbeaten in 12 and now, with a tight grip on their 2023/24 Champions League place, their fans would love them to take that second place
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Old rivals Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad are set to square off once again for the second Basque derby of the La Liga season.
La Real came out on top in the first derby at the Anoeta, and they will be seeking to do the double over their city rivals for the first time since the 2018-19 season to strengthen their hold on fourth spot.
But Athletic Club have European ambitions of their own as they lie in seventh, so they will be keen to spoil Sociedad’s Champions League hopes.
Talking Points
Athletic Bilbao back on track
Inaki Williams celebrates scoring his first goal for Athletic Bilbao against Osasuna in Copa del Rey
Athletic Bilbao are on a bit of a roll. They beat Espanyol 2-1 last time out, with brothers Nico and Inaki Williams getting the goals.
Bilbao are now unbeaten in their last three games, with a 3-1 away win at Real Valladolid and a goalless draw at home against Getafe their other two La Liga 2023 results during that time.
Coach Ernesto Valverde has gone back to starting Gorka Guruzeta at centre-forward over the last month, a move which is working out well. The 26-year-old has contributed a goal and an assist over his last three league starts.
Nico Williams came on as a substitute against Espanyol, but look for the 20-year-old to return to the starting XI as Valverde prepares his strongest lineup against Real Sociedad.
Veteran midfielder Ander Herrera also came off the bench against Espanyol as he made his first appearance since late January. The 33-year-old will now be in contention to appear in his first Basque derby since 2014.
Athletic have a middling home record this season. They have collected just 21 points from 14 games, with six wins, three draws, and five defeats. Three of those five defeats have come against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.
Real Sociedad still dreaming of Champions League
Real Sociedad’s La Liga 2023 odds of finishing in the top four are still looking good after their 2-0 home win against Getafe. La Real still have a four-point lead over fifth-placed Villarreal, whom they lost to the previous midweek.
Star forward Mikel Oyarzabal finally ended his seven-match goalless drought as he scored just his third goal of the season. Meanwhile, Japanese wonderkid Takefusa Kubo continued his fine debut season with La Real as he scored his sixth goal in 25 appearances.
Kubo started alongside Oyarzabal up front against Getafe, with leading scorer Alexander Sorloth on the bench. It remains to be seen how manager Imanol Alguacil will set his side up against Bilbao, but Sorloth, who has started 21 of 28 games this La Liga season, is expected to figure prominently.
Real Sociedad have been away specialists this season. Only Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid have picked up more away points than their 26 in 14 games.
However, their recent away form has been spotty. They have won just one away game in their last seven in all competitions, with only four goals scored during that time.
History
The Basque derby has been quite competitive over the years. Athletic still have a healthy 77-61 lead in all-time wins, with 50 draws.
But in recent seasons, it’s been Real Sociedad who have had the advantage. They have an 11-7 edge in wins, with 7 draws in their last 28 La Liga matches.
SBOTOP odds have Athletic Bilbao installed as 2.23 favourites to get the win at San Mames. La Real are priced at 3.05 to complete the derby double, while a draw is 3.10.
La Real have the edge in dangerous attacking talent, with the likes of Sorloth, Kubo, Oyarzabal, and David Silva. But home advantage usually counts in the Basque derby; the away side has only won one of the last eight derbies between the two.
I expect Athletic Bilbao to produce a battling performance that, while not pretty, will see them claim three valuable points.
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Cadiz are out to allay any fears of relegation from the Spanish top-flight. On Saturday, they will return home to the Nuevo Mirandilla Stadium to host the defending La Liga champions, Real Madrid.
The hosts are fresh from a 2-0 win against Real Betis last Sunday, putting an end to their winless run, and they need more La Liga 2023 results like that in order to fully guarantee their spot in the top division next season.
Facing Real Madrid is a daunting task, but Sergio’s side has proven before that they can keep up. And with the visitors looking like they’re just going through the motions now that Barcelona are in pole position in the title race, they might be able to catch them off-guard once again.
Talking Points
Cadiz not yet out of the woods
Cadiz may be 14th right now in the La Liga standings, but they’re not yet safe since they’re only four points clear of the relegation zone.
Prior to beating Real Betis last week, Cadiz hadn’t won in their four previous games. Overall, they’ve been inconsistent throughout the season, and that needs to change.
Just like before, Cadiz’s defence has been erratic. They’ve kept three clean sheets in their last six games, but they’ve already conceded 40 goals this season.
They haven’t done much on the other side of the pitch either, as they’ve scored only 23 goals so far – the second-worst mark in La Liga right now.
Sergio’s side will again be missing several key players for this game, including their first-choice goalkeeper, Jeremias Ledesma, due to suspension.
The team has had 12 different goal scorers already this term, but their biggest threats in the final third are Ruben Alcaraz, Chris Ramos, and Sergi Guardiola.
Real Madrid might make wholesale changes
It’s another busy stretch for Real Madrid, as other than the Champions League and La Liga, they’ll also compete in the Copa del Rey final, where they’ll take on Osasuna in May.
It’ll take a miracle for Real Madrid to win this year’s La Liga title, especially after they dropped more points after losing 3-2 to Villarreal last Saturday.
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti reacts during their La Liga game against Villarreal
As weird as it sounds, La Liga is not (and should not be) Carlo Ancelotti’s top priority anymore, so we expect them to field a much different starting lineup against Cadiz.
Eder Militao, Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Fede Valverde, and Toni Kroos may all get the night off to prepare for Chelsea in the second leg. With all of them potentially out, the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Lucas Vazquez, Dani Ceballos, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Nacho will get a run-in.
With Benzema sidelined, Vinicius Junior will lead up front alongside Marco Asensio and Rodrygo. Vinicius Junior is having another spectacular campaign for Los Blancos, recording 18 goals and 11 assists already this term.
History
Cadiz have not lost to Real Madrid in three of their last five La Liga encounters (W1, D2, L2), which is as many as in their previous 15 games against them (W1, D2, L12).
Last season, Cadiz held Real Madrid to back-to-back draws, although they lost their reverse fixture earlier this season.
In November, Real Madrid got a 2-1 win over Cadiz at the Bernabeu, as Eder Militao and Toni Kroos scored for Los Blancos, while Lucas Perez netted the consolation goal for the visitors.
Real Madrid have only lost one of their last 12 away games against Cadiz in the Spanish top-flight (W8, D3) after losing in their first two visits in 1977 and 1981 (both by 1-0 scorelines).
But Los Blancos are not in the best shape because they have lost two of their last three La Liga games (W1). This season, they now have five league defeats after 28 games (W18, D5), which is their most losses at this juncture since 2018-19 (W17, D3, L8).
Real Madrid are unsurprisingly favoured in the SBOTOP La Liga 2023 odds to win. For this match, Los Blancos are pegged at 1.56, whereas Cadiz are priced at 5.60, and a draw is at 3.80 in the 1X2 market.
With fewer games on their schedule, Cadiz are going to be the fresher team and they may give Real Madrid problems once again. However, even with a rotated lineup, the visitors should have enough ammo to put away the hosts this weekend.
Save for their goalless draw in their December 2021 matchup, we expect goals from this contest, making Total Goal 2-3 at 1.96 your best alternative bet.
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There are still nine league matches remaining in La Liga this season.
That is just under a quarter of the programme in 2022-23 so there’s plenty to play for in many areas.
Yet that hasn’t stopped both transfer speculation and off the field controversy emerging on an almost daily basis.
So, while the remaining La Liga highlights are probably going to centre on the race for the final European spots and avoiding the drop – Barcelona are champions elect and Elche all but down – there will continue to be talking points all over the shop.
For example, no amount of SBOTOP La Liga betting odds could have anticipated the farcical scenes which Barcelona became involved in with last summer when president Joan Laporta was so determined to make his mark, all manner of regulations ended up being stretched to the limit and money borrowed against future television assets.
It was a saga that ran into the current campaign and even meant two of their new signings were not eligible for their opening league match.
Laporta may argue the risk has proved worthwhile with the Catalan club now on the verge of winning a first title in four years.
The controversy surrounding him continues though.
An investigation into claims that Barcelona paid referees for preferential treatment is part of a smear campaign to destabilise the club, he says, after prosecutors alleged the club paid Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, former vice-president of Spain’s referees’ committee, 8.4 million euros (£7.4m).
Barcelona added the money was for consultancy work as the president denied any wrongdoing and claimed there is a paper trail of the payments made between 2001 and 2018.
European football’s governing body UEFA has also said it is investigating the matter.
We wait and see.
Either way, it seems the big two are set for another busy transfer period this summer.
Barca will surely need to strengthen again if they are to do well at home and aboard, while the question will once more be asked, just how much longer can Real Madrid’s ageless midfield duo of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos go on for.
There had been suggestions that Kroos was considering retirement.
The German joined Real from Bayern Munich in 2014 and, along with Modric, have overseen one of the most successful periods of the club’s history, while operating as the beating heart of the team.
Even at 33 and 37 respectively, they are vitally important players and so far this season have helped Los Blancos win the European Super Cup and Club World Cup, while the Champions League and Copa del Rey could be added to their haul by the end of the campaign.
Naturally, their prominence has been winding down as Ancelotti rotates and the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos and Aurelien Tchouameni are all in the squad.
Although the French international is yet to establish himself as a regular starter since arriving, the club believes in the player’s abilities and thinks he will improve and adapt.
Perhaps another midfielder with pedigree, Ceballos, will depart because there are rumours that Atletico Madrid have “made a second call” to his representative in hopes of signing him when his contract expires this summer.
Talking of across the city, could the Diego Simeone era be about to come to an end? If so, then what a period it has been for Los Rojiblancos.
The rumours of arrivals and departures will only intensify over the next six weeks but, as always, two clubs will lead the way.
One to watch is Canada and Lille star Jonathan David who is in fine form in Ligue 1, equalling Kylian Mbappe at the top of the goalscoring charts and linked to a move to La Liga.
David has 22 goals and four assists in 33 appearances so far this term, going stride for stride with Mbappe, despite the fact Lille are in fifth and have netted 17 goals fewer than the French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The final word goes to someone who definitely won’t be in La Liga next season following a career devoted to one club.
Joaquin in action during Real Betis’ match against Atletico Madrid at Metropolitano Stadium
Spain and Real Betis legend Joaquin has announced he will retire in June.
The 41 year-old winger is currently in his second spell with the club where he came through the academy more than two decades ago.
He helped them win the Copa del Rey in 2005, leaving to play for Valencia, Malaga and Fiorentina before returning to Betis in 2015.
Last year, he captained Betis to a second Copa del Rey title, beating Valencia in the final on penalties. In total, he has made 521 appearances in his two spells at the club, scoring 68 goals and, with nine league matches remaining, could surpass Andoni Zubizarreta’s record of most La Liga appearances (622) as he sits just seven off the landmark.
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First plays third at the Camp Nou on Sunday in the Spanish clash of the weekend and, with nine games to go, points are at a premium.
La Liga: Barcelona vs Atletico Madridis not a title race showdown but it matters a whole lot to both teams as the Blaugrana can strengthen their lead at the top to 14 points, while Los Rojiblancos can put a similar gap between themselves and Real Sociedad in fourth. Xavi’s Barca are looking to get back to winning ways after drawing away to Getafe last time out while Diego Simeone’s Atleti are hoping to continue a winning streak after beating Almeria.
The Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid betting odds are pointing to a home win but this will be no walk in the park for the Catalans.
Talking Points
Dembele set for Barca return
Ousmane Dembele looks set to return to Barcelona’s attack
Xavi was quite relaxed following Barcelona’s recent draw with Girona, but after making it back to back goalless draws against Getafe he will be keen to see that his team’s 11 point lead over Real Madrid doesn’t shrink, and hopefully extends. And the reports that France star Ousmane Dembele is fit to return is good news for the boss and his team. The winger has been out with a hamstring injury since January and Xavi is almost certain to re-introduce him now to help see his team over the line.
Barcelona were knocked out of the Copa del Rey earlier this month though league form has held up in Dembele’s absence, but his return is sure to make a difference, particularly for star striker Robert Lewandowski. With Dembele alongside him the prolific Pole has scored 22 goals in 23 games but he has only scored five in 13 without him. Lewi is at SBOTOP odds of 1.22 to win the Golden Boot, with 17 goals to his name, three more than Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, and this is a timely boost.
Elsewhere, midfield ace Pedri is nearing a return after suffering a hamstring injury, but this game may come too soon for him and Sergi Roberto will be sidelined after picking up his own hamstring strain against Getafe. There is better news from Frenkie de Jong who was injured before the international break; he is fit and ready to slot in to the midfield.
Depay delay for Atletico
Former Barcelona star Memphis Depay looks set to miss out. He’s another player with a hamstring problem, picked up in March, and he was hoping to be ready to face his former team; but it looks like his return will be delayed and so Simeone needs to pick the right forward to partner his best attacking player, Antoine Griezmann. He is likely to go for Alvaro Morata who has scored ten goals and made two assists, while Angel Correa will either start in a wide position or on the bench.
Griezmann has been in red hot form, with 11 goals and nine assists this season, and that after his appearances were restricted at the beginning of the campaign. He scored a brace in the 2-1 win over Almeria and will be hoping to lead Atleti to a long awaited win at the Camp Nou.
At the other end of the pitch, defender Stefan Savic is out, so Mario Hermoso will continue alongside Jose Gimenez at the heart of Atleti’s defence. Hermoso was on target in Los Rojiblancos’ last away match, a short trip to play Rayo Vallecano, which they won 2-1, while Gimenez put through his own net the following week against Almeria!
History
With 33 victories to 18 the Blaugrana are well clear in the head to head encounters, but while the historic Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid results are in the hosts’ favour, the visitors are in slightly better form, with five wins and one defeat from the last six games, while Barca have won three, drawn two and lost one.
The two teams last met in January when Barca won 1-0 in Madrid thanks to a Dembele goal but, in a feisty affair, both teams ended up with ten men, Atleti’s Savic and Barca’s Ferran Torres both seeing red in injury time. Los Rojiblancos have gone unbeaten since losing their home match and will be desperate to get some revenge on Sunday. But if they do they will be making some history.
Simeone’s men face a Barcelona side which is unbeaten in the league at home, with 11 wins and three draws and they have conceded just twice at the Camp Nou this season. And Atletico Madrid have not won away to Barca on their last 22 visits.
Barcelona are odds on at 1.94 to win this game, with the draw at 3.25 and Atleti at 3.30 and, if anything, I would favour a home win. But I’m going for an entertaining and hard fought match with a couple of goals. Atleti may score the third away goal at the Camp Nou this term, but I don’t see them getting a long awaited win.
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La Liga: Do Real Madrid Have One More Run Left in Them?
Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo
It is now or never for Real Madrid to try and steal the La Liga title away from Barcelona this season, as they are in danger of losing it.
With 62 points, Los Blancos sit in second place, 11 points behind their Catalan rivals. However, Real Madrid may still have some hope after Barcelona dropped points in two straight games.
Real Madrid’s next opponent is Celta Vigo, who had been undefeated until Tuesday, when they were upset 1-0 by Mallorca.
With 36 points, Celta Vigo are now in 12th place, but if they can overcome Real Madrid on Saturday, they won’t stay there for very long.
Benzema has already missed 13 games for Real Madrid due to various injury problems, so it is understandable that they are saving him for the biggest games. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner currently leads the team in scoring with 19 goals, and he has five assists.
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema picked up a knock during their win over Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final
The remaining La Liga games are still important for Real Madrid, but the Copa del Rey and Champions League are now the main priorities for Los Blancos because they have a bigger chance of winning those trophies.
After the Celta Vigo match, Real Madrid have three matches in seven days against Girona, Almeria, and Real Sociedad before they face Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final and Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals on May 7 and 10, respectively.
With Benzema expected to sit this one out, Ancelotti may turn to the likes of Vinicius Junior, Marco Asensio, and Rodrygo to lead their frontline against Los Celestes.
Ancelotti could make changes at the back too, since David Alaba is also dealing with an injury. Antonio Rudiger, Nacho, Eder Militao, and Lucas Vazquez will get more minutes as a result.
Despite not winning a single La Liga game for over a month, Celta Vigo are having a good campaign under Carlos Carvalhal.
However, Celta Vigo do not have fond memories of Real Madrid since they haven’t beaten them in a while, and it doesn’t help that Carvalhal won’t have some of his top defenders on Saturday, namely Oscar Mingueza, Hugo Mallo, and Diego Alves.
Los Celestes will, once again, rely heavily on Iago Aspas and Gabri Veiga to try and outscore Los Blancos. Aspas leads the team with 12 goals and three assists this season, while Veiga has nine goals and four assists.
Real Madrid have not lost any of their last 17 La Liga matches against Celta Vigo (W15, D2), which is their best undefeated run against them in the top-flight. Their last league loss against the visitors was a 2-0 defeat in May 2014.
Should Real Madrid win again this weekend, they will have six consecutive wins against Celta Vigo for the third time in La Liga history after doing so in 1979–1987 and 2014–2017.
Celta Vigo have secured just one clean sheet in their 56 La Liga road games against Real Madrid (W6, D6, L44), which was a 0-0 draw in March 1977.
However, Celta Vigo are undefeated in their last five away games (W2, D3). If they somehow avoid defeat on Saturday, they’ll achieve their best unbeaten run on the road in La Liga since October 2015, when they didn’t lose in 10 straight road matches.
It’s not surprising that Real Madrid are the favourites to win on Saturday, according to the SBOTOP La Liga 2023 odds. Los Blancos are installed at 1.37, while Celta Vigo are the underdogs at 6.60, and a draw is at 4.60 in the 1X2 market.
Celta Vigo can make this closer than expected since Real Madrid have tired legs. However, Real Madrid have been excellent at home this season, and they should get the job done even with a rotated lineup. This fixture has seen goals from both sides throughout the years, and we’re going to see new La Liga 2023 highlights on Saturday. So why not go for Over 2.75 at 1.71 as well?
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They go head-to-head this weekend, a distance apart in the table but perhaps closer than ever on the pitch and with recent form for both suggesting momentum is being reached just as the business-end of the campaign approaches.
Talking Points
It has been a season of limited La Liga highlights for the hosts who have found themselves in the unusual position of fighting to stay up.
However, the past month has brought an upsurge in form as they have dealt admirably with league duties and the Europa League, a competition they crave so much.
In fact, Sevilla are unbeaten since the appointment of old-school, straight-talking coach Jose Luis Mendilibar – Jorge Sampaoli was last month relieved of his duties as head coach after just five months and 31 matches in charge.
While the home side have pulled eight points clear of the drop zone and should now have more than enough to survive, Villarreal are sitting in sixth position in the final European berth.
Yet they really would prefer to reach fourth spot and the money-spinning Champions League, a competition they reached the final four of last term.
Furthermore, they also know any slip-up may be pounced upon by the chasing Athletic Bilbao so need to bounce back on Sunday night after slipping to a 2-1 defeat at home to Real Valladolid last weekend – a loss which ended a six match unbeaten run.
Gerard Moreno and Francis Coquelin continue to miss out with injury, although towering midfielder Etienne Capoue is widely expected to return after missing last weekend’s surprise and potentially costly defeat.
Quique Setien’s charges should be fresher, in theory, with a week to prepare for this while Sevilla were locked in Europa League quarter-final combat with Manchester United.
Villarreal coach Quique Setien reacts during their La Liga match vs Real Madrid
They will be flying high, though, as they eliminated United with ease on Thursday night to continue their unbeaten run since the change at the top.
That competition is their main priority now and they await Italia giants Juventus in the semi-finals next month.
That’s not to say Sevilla won’t want to maintain their fine form and get some more domestic points on the board and more daylight between the bottom three between now and then as they quickly climb to midtable respectability.
While the Andalusians know a triumph in that competition will see a return to the Champions League next term, Villarreal also know their sole route is via a top four finish.
On the team news front, Marcos Acuna is banned for the hosts but Pape Gueye and Alex Telles, on loan from United, are available again after suspension.
History
Sevilla have a good recent record against Villarreal and have won 22 out of the last 47 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to the ‘Yellow Submarine’s’ 11 victories.
The last two games have finished 1-1, both in the Castellon province.
Earlier this season, Alex Baena and Oliver Torres traded goals.
Last season it was a late show as Giovani Lo Celso put Villarreal ahead four minutes from time before Jules Kounde grabbed a last minute equaliser.
The corresponding fixture last term saw Sevilla edge home 1-0 – Lucas Ocampos the marksman.
Villarreal have the edge with the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds.
You can back them 1X2 @ 2.51 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 1.89.
Sevilla are on offer 1X2 @ 2.56 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.01.
Another 1-1 draw is available @ 5.40 with Correct Score, while goal options include over 2.50 @ 2.05, Total Goal 0-1 @ 3.10, 2-3 @ 1.90 and 4-6 @ 3.80.
This to me has another draw written all over it as Sevilla aim to move closer to safety and Villarreal seek a top four finish.
As a result, I am opting for a ** prediction of 1X2 Draw @ 3.20.
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La Liga: Now This Is the Real Battle for a Champions League Place
Real Betis vs Real Sociedad
All roads lead to the Benito Villamarin in Seville on Tuesday for a monster midweek La Liga clash where Real Betis vs Real Sociedad is the entertainment on offer.
The Spanish top flight is always one of the most competitive leagues in world football and, once again, there are battles up and down the table which will go down to the wire. Barcelona are hoping to extend their eight-point lead at the top but they still have work to do to hold off Real Madrid. At the bottom, where Elche look doomed, there are five teams trying to avoid the other two relegation spots, while the chase for Champions League football rages on.
And that’s where Betis and Sociedad come in.
Following this weekend’s La Liga fixtures, Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis have drifted six points behind fourth-placed Real Sociedad after losing 3-2 away to Osasuna, while Imanol Alguacil’s side won 2-1 at home to Rayo Vallecano to strengthen their grip on the priceless fourth place.
With eight games to play there will be twists and turns to come, but this match feels like it might be pivotal, particularly if La Real can come out on top.
Talking Points
Betis hoping for a bounce back
Real Betis are one of three clubs trying to chase Sociedad down with Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao also in the hunt, so there will be fans in Castellon and the Basque cheering on Los Verdiblancos on Tuesday. But Pellegrini shouldn’t have too much difficulty motivating his players who will be desperate to get back to winning ways after a disappointing run. He knows that a win will haul Sociedad back into the pack and that is his clear focus.
Los Verdiblancos gave themselves a mountain to climb away to Osasuna when they went 2-0 down within the opening 11 minutes. Defender Juan Miranda halved the deficit but the hosts restored their two-goal lead before Guido Rodriguez made it 3-2 with 20 minutes to play. Despite having over 60 per cent possession and 21 shots to Osasuna’s ten, Betis couldn’t force an equaliser but the manager remains positive, saying: “There are 24 points to play for, we’ll keep playing.”
Borja Iglesias celebrates his goal for Real Betis against Real Sociedad in 2022
The La Liga 2023 betting odds reckon this clash will be a tough test for Los Verdiblancos and they will rely on top scorer Borja Iglesias to take the fight to La Real and hopefully add to his 12 goals for the campaign. And he’ll be supported by Spanish striker Ayoze Perez who has impressed since his arrival from Leicester in January, while Betis have another big incentive, aside from reducing the gap to three points.
Club legend Joaquin, who has scored over 50 goals in over 400 appearances for Los Verdiblancos, has announced he will retire in the summer. The 41-year-old came on as a 61st-minute substitute against Osasuna and everyone at the club wants to see him bow out on a high.
Sociedad can open up a handy gap
But Alguacil’s side will be in Seville to spoil the party and they took a big step towards Champions League football on Saturday thanks to a hard-fought victory over Rayo Vallecano. The visitors took a surprise lead early in the second half, but Sociedad hit back immediately with a headed goal from top scorer Alexander Sorloth. That made it ten for the season for the 6ft 5in Norwegian.
It teed up a grandstand finish with more La Liga 2023 highlights as Carlos Fernandez saw his header ricochet off a Rayo defender to make it 2-1 with just nine minutes left to play.
It’s that kind of luck that can turn a season and now Sociedad have a great chance to open up big gap.
But they have not been so good on the road in recent weeks and the recent Basque Derby didn’t go as planned for Sociedad as they went down 2-0, while Real Betis won their last home game, 3-1 against Espanyol.
History
The head-to-head results have been tightly contested in recent years. Betis are 19 to 16 up and there have been 16 draws in all competitions over the past 51 meetings.
Sociedad are favourites to win this clash at SBOTOP odds of 2.12, with Betis at 2.92 and the draw at 3.16.
It’s a tough game to call, but Sociedad are without a win in their last five away games while Betis have been stronger at home in recent weeks and I think that gives Pellegrini’s side a good chance.
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That should not detract, incidentally, from the fine achievement of Castellanos who has become the first player in more than 75 years to score four goals in a La Liga game against Madrid – in December 1947, Esteban Echaverria netted five for Real Oviedo.
Yet away from the football where the battle for the final European berths and the bid to beat the drop remains too close to call – take a look at the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds when you get a chance – the transfer rumours are gaining more momentum with each passing week.
Barcelona are reportedly looking to generate €100 million from player sales this summer which could see a handful of first team squad members move on.
Indeed, it appears highly likely at least one forward will be sold.
With Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele deemed as indispensable, it would leave the choice between Raphinha, Ferran Torres and talented youngster Ansu Fati.
Newcastle United and Arsenal are reportedly keen to bring Raphinha back to England, just 12 months after he left Leeds United.
Chelsea are also said to hold an interest in signing the Brazilian they wanted last summer before he opted for Catalonia.
Eden Hazard’s time at the Bernabeu may well be coming to an end.
The Belgian’s contract expires at the end of next season, but there is a possibility he will depart this summer.
The former wing wizard at Chelsea is also being linked with a return to England and, again, their new found wealth means Newcastle are reportedly interested in ending his underwhelming stay in the Spanish capital.
Eden Hazard sitting on the bench during Real Madrid’s match against Getafe
I mentioned last week that one to watch could well be Canada and Lille star Jonathan David who is in fine form in Ligue 1, equalling Kylian Mbappe at the top of the goalscoring charts and linked with a move to Spain.
David has 23 goals and four assists in 34 appearances so far this term, going stride for stride with Mbappe, despite the fact Lille are in fifth and have netted 18 goals fewer than the French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The Canadian forward is joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 with 20 goals.
Madrid may go into the market for another striker and it could be David, although whether he would get regular football, certainly for the next 12 months, remains to be seen as, while a few niggles have been picked up along the way, age is proving to be no barrier for reigning world player of the year Karim Benzema.
Across the city, Caglar Soyuncu is reportedly on the verge of signing a pre-contract agreement to join Atletico Madrid after falling out of favour at Leicester.
The Turkey international joined the Foxes for £20 million in 2018 and adapted well but that has not been maintained and it’s been reported the 26 year-old will depart summer after agreeing a pre-contract agreement.
One young player linked with a move to Barcelona on an increasing basis
is Fabricio Diaz.
The Uruguayan is currently tied to Liverpool Montevideo and plays as a midfielder but has attracted much attention following his performances at the recent under-20 championship where he netted five goals and notched two assists in eight matches, helping the South Americans reach the final where they lost to Brazil.
Transfer speculation will no doubt increase between now and the end of the season – and that’s before the window is even open.
My advice to those La Liga fans: watch this space!
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Xavi’s Barcelona have been heading for a 2023 La Liga triumph for some weeks and, with an 11-point lead over Real Madrid and just seven games to play, surely it’s a matter of time.
But the Blaugrana have gone off the boil, winning just one of their last four league games and they went down to a shock 2-1 defeat to Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday. On Saturday, they have a chance to redeem themselves at the Camp Nou Stadium when Europe chasing Real Betis are the visitors.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side is fifth, but with six points to make up on fourth-placed Real Sociedad, they need a spectacular set of La Liga 2023 results to earn a Champions League place.
This is an important game for Barca to win as Real Madrid face Almeria at home on Saturday and are at SBOTOP odds of 1.13 to win.
So, if the Blaugrana were to slip up against Betis, they could go into the last six games with a single-digit lead and suddenly the nerves might kick in.
Talking Points
Busquets back to face Betis
Barcelona missed a great chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to 14 points after Real Madrid lost to Girona on Tuesday night, but the champions elect fluffed their lines as goals, either side of half time, from Alvaro Garcia and Fran Garcia handed Rayo a deserved victory.
Robert Lewandowski gave Barca hope on 83 minutes and Jules Kounde had a header blocked on 90, but the hosts held out to keep their unbeaten run against Barca going; the Blaugrana last won this fixture in 2019.
It was a strangely lacklustre performance from the leaders and Xavi gave an honest assessment, saying: “The league is not finished; this is the problem – we have to deserve La Liga, today we deserved defeat.”
Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets during their home match against Atletico Madrid
Barca started with Pedri for the first time since his injury in February, but they were without Sergio Busquets, who picked up a one-match suspension for accumulating five yellow cards in last week’s win over Atletico Madrid.
He’ll be back in the starting line up against Real Betis, and there is more good news from the Camp Nou as the manager has indicated that Ousmane Dembele will also be ready to face the Andalusians.
While Barcelona will be looking to raise money from player sales in the summer, Dembele is one of the players Xavi will be keen to keep, and his timely return should help to see the Catalans over the line this season. He’s been a key player for Barcelona this season and Lewadowski has missed him.
Betis frustrated by La Real
Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis had a chance to fight their way back into Champions League contention when Real Sociedad visited the Benito Villamarin on Tuesday, but they were held to a 0-0 draw by the Basque giants.
Sociedad dug deep to take a point to maintain their six-point lead over Betis, but the hosts will be frustrated by the fact they registered just one shot on target in the entire 90 minutes.
Sergio Canales had Betis’ best chance on 74 minutes, but he fired narrowly over the bar, and keeper Rui Silva made a great save to deny a Sociedad winner from Mikel Merino.
Real Betis have been in patchy form recently and this latest setback could take the wind out of their sails.
History
Barcelona have won 35 of their last 54 meetings with Betis, losing 10 and drawing nine, and the Catalans have come out on top of the last three encounters including a 2-1 win in Andalusia in February as Raphinha and Lewandowski struck.
In terms of recent form, neither team has been pulling up trees, with Barca winning two, drawing two, and losing two of the last six, while Betis have won two, drawn one, and lost three.
But the Blaugrana have been imperious at home, unbeaten with 12 and drawing three at the Camp Nou and I’m backing them to make it a lucky 13.
The latest La Liga 2023 betting odds say Barca will win the title sooner or later and, at odds of 1.29 to win, this game surely the hosts will have too much for Real Betis, who are priced at 7.33 to win and 4.74 to draw with the Double Chance at 3.04.
The Blaugrana came up trumps in a tough challenge against Atletico Madrid last week, and I expect a reaction from their midweek setback with key players returning.
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La Liga: Can Sociedad Finally Get the Measure of Real Madrid?
Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid
Without a doubt, the marquee matchup of the upcoming La Liga midweek schedule is the top-four clash between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid at the Reale Arena.
La Real are close to clinching a fourth-place finish – and Champions League football – for the first time in a decade. They currently have a five-point lead over Villarreal with just six matches remaining in the season.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid still have work to do to secure second spot as Atletico Madrid remain hot on their heels.
The La Liga 2023 betting odds have Real Sociedad favoured at home, but Los Blancos have gotten the better of La Real in recent years.
Talking Points
Kubo coming on strong for La Real
It has been a shaky last few months for Real Sociedad. After going on eight- and nine-game winning streaks in all competitions earlier in the season, Imanol Alguacil’s side have failed to claim back-to-back victories for three months.
Although, their league form is showing signs of improvement. They have won four of their last seven games, with two defeats and one draw to keep their hold on fourth place. They took care of Osasuna 2-0 last time out to extend their current unbeaten run to three games since losing the second Basque Derby of the season.
But while La Real’s form has fluctuated in recent months, their home record has mostly stayed consistently good. They have lost just once at the Reale Arena during this calendar year, with four wins, two draws, and a defeat.
Takefusa Kubo is having a strong end to the season. The Japanese starlet – and former Real Madrid youngster – has scored three goals in his last seven games and is up to seven goals this year.
Sociedad have needed Kubo’s production as Alexander Sorloth and Mikel Oyarzabal have struggled to produce too many La Liga 2023 highlights. Sorloth, the team’s leading scorer with 10 goals, has scored just once in his last 11 league appearances for La Real. Meanwhile, Oyarzabal is no better with just one in nine.
Real Madrid facing key absentees
After suffering that shock 4-2 defeat to Girona last week, Real Madrid were back on the right end of a 4-2 scoreline as they thumped Almeria at the Bernabeu. The win kept Real two points clear of rivals Atletico Madrid for second place in the La Liga standings.
Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring a goal during La Liga match against Almeria
Karim Benzema scored a first-half hat-trick to put the game to bed early, while Rodrygo added another just two minutes into the second half.
The score could have been even higher had substitute Marco Asensio not been so unlucky in hitting the woodwork twice.
And Real suffered even more back luck as both Vinicius Jr and Eduardo Camavinga picked up yellow cards that will see them suspended against Real Sociedad.
Those two will add to Carlo Ancelotti’s growing list of absences, which already includes midfielder Luka Modric and defender David Alaba. Nacho is likely to fill in at left-back, while Asensio will almost surely start in attack alongside Benzema and Rodrygo, who starred in their Champions League second leg win over Chelsea.
Asensio has been one of Real’s in-form players of late; he has three goals and two assists in his last six games.
Real Madrid have run roughshod over Sociedad in recent years. Los Blancos own a commanding 18-3 edge in wins, with four draws over their last 25 La Liga meetings.
Real Madrid are currently riding a seven-match unbeaten run against Sociedad, with four wins and three draws. Although, Sociedad did hold Real to a goalless draw at the Bernabeu in their first meeting this season.
SBOTOP odds have Real Sociedad installed as slight favourites to win this top-four showdown at home. Real Madrid are priced at 2.77, while a draw is 3.15.
The absence of Vinicius Jr will be a huge blow for Real. The Brazilian has been brilliant all season long, and his absence will drastically cut the supply of chances to Benzema.
Vini’s absence will give La Real a great shot at ending their winless run against Real Madrid. But Los Blancos will still be tough to beat, and I suspect they can still escape Reale Arena with a point.
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Lionel Messi is seemingly one big step toward leaving France after Paris Saint-Germain slapped him with a two-week suspension after an unauthorised trip. However, is his much-touted return to La Liga and Barcelona still on the cards amid the Argentine superstar’s links with Saudi Arabia?
Barca are planning more non-Messi moves for the summer, as are the two Madrid clubs. Meanwhile, a couple of the top La Liga youngsters have caught the eye of the top clubs in Europe.
Read on below as SBOTOP lists down the latest news and updates in and around La Liga as the summer transfer window nears.
Messi’s PSG future more in doubt
Will Lionel Messi be on the move? That is the big question of the summer as the World Cup winner’s future remains undecided.
But it is increasingly looking like Messi will be parting ways with Paris Saint-Germain as his relationship with the club has soured. PSG have suspended Messi for two weeks after an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia and are now expected to not offer him a new contract.
That should come as welcome news for Barcelona, who are hoping to bring the club legend back next season. Although, the Argentine has also been linked with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal as well as MLS club Inter Miami.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has warned that Messi returning to Barcelona would be “very complicated” due to the club’s financial situation. So while Messi’s time at PSG is potentially coming to an end, he may yet end up somewhere other than Barcelona.
Messi is far from the only move Barcelona are planning this summer. They are also looking to sign another striker to back up Robert Lewandowski. They are reportedly eyeing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who just left the club last summer to join Chelsea. They have also been linked with Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino, who is out of contract in the summer.
Barcelona have also been reportedly targeting Bayern Munich right-back Benjamin Pavard and Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, but recent reports have cast some doubt on those deals. Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco has also been consistently linked with a move to the Camp Nou as his future at the Metropolitano looks uncertain.
And in terms of departures, Ansu Fati could potentially be on the way out as he reportedly grows frustrated with a lack of playing time.
Real Madrid attacking reinforcements, potential sales
Real Madrid have work to do in the summer transfer market after their meek title defence this year, and they seem to have some big moves lined up if recent reports are to be believed.
To help finance a move, there are suggestions that Real Madrid may opt to sell their marquee signing last summer, Aurelien Tchouameni. The French midfielder has had an underwhelming debut season at the Bernabeu, with his form dipping since the World Cup. But while Tchouameni has struggled, it would still be a major surprise if Madrid move on from him so soon.
Real are also reportedly set to move on from another Frenchman in full-back Ferland Mendy. The 27-year-old has struggled to lock down the left-back spot over his four years at the club and has made just 15 La Liga appearances this season amid more injury issues.
Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is played well at full-back in recent weeks, while Fran Garcia of Rayo Vallecano has been linked with a return to Real.
Chelsea’s Kai Havertz in action during their Champions League match against Real Madrid
And for attacking reinforcements, Real are reportedly keen on Chelsea forward Kai Havertz as an alternative to reigning (but ageing) Ballon d’Or Karim Benzema. The 23-year-old German has just seven Premier League goals in 30 appearances this season as Chelsea have struggled to score all season long.
Atletico Madrid eyeing new additions
Atletico Madrid have already begun their summer transfer business as they’ve sealed a move for Leicester City centre-back Caglar Soyuncu.
The Turkish defender, who is out of contract in the summer, has signed a pre-contract agreement that will reportedly tie him to the Los Rojiblancos for four years.
Meanwhile, right-back Matt Doherty looks set to move back to the Premier League, with his old club Wolves and Crystal Palace linked. The 31-year-old moved to Madrid in January after his contract with Tottenham was terminated, but he has struggled for playing time in Spain, as he’s made just one appearance in La Liga.
Atleti are also reportedly keen on South Korean winger Lee Kang-In. The 22-year-old has produced plenty of La Liga 2023 highlights with Mallorca, scoring six goals and delivering four assists in 31 games.
La Liga youngsters on big clubs’ radars
A couple of La Liga’s up-and-coming stars could be getting big moves this summer.
Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in Europe and has attracted the interest of several top clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich. The 20-year-old Veiga has scored nine goals with four assists in 30 La Liga games for Celta as they’ve defied the La Liga 2023 odds for most of the season.
Meanwhile, Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah is reportedly being scouted by Premier League heavyweights Arsenal and Chelsea. The 20-year-old American international has developed into a top-tier ball progressor this season and appears ready to take a major step up in his career.
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They almost have the 2023 La Liga title wrapped up, and when they do finish the job, the region of Catalonia will party long into the night. But in the dark offices deep within the Camp Nou Stadium, the Barcelona money men already have their calculators out.
With a 13-point lead at the top of the table and just five games to play, Xavi has surely led the Catalans to a first title since 2019. The Blaugrana have blown the opposition away, just as they did with regularity when Xavi was a player and now Barca fans hope he is ushering in a new era of Catalan dominance.
But to do so, he needs the club’s accountants to make some magic as they look to resolve their Financial Fair Play issues.
The club hopes that Barca legend Lionel Messi will make his way back to his spiritual home after a two-year sabbatical at Paris Saint-Germain, but to smooth that move there will be some frantic juggling of finance and a few big earners going out of the door.
It may not be too painful as Xavi has put together an exciting team with an emphasis on youth, with brilliant players such as Pedri, Gavi, Ansu Fati, Jules Kounde, and Ronald Araujo ready to take the club forward.
One of the big name stars likely to make his way out is midfielder Franck Kessie, who has struggled to make a big impact following his transfer from AC Milan last summer. He signed a contract until 2026 with a huge buyout clause said to be set at €500-M, but the Catalans will be happy to sell at a discount if the deal can be done.
He arrived at the Camp Nou on a free transfer, so any fee will be a handy cash injection. Kessie may even head back to Milan where he won the Scudetto and remains a fan-favourite.
And another 2022 recruit who can make a quick exit is Brazilian winger Raphinha who, at 26 years of age, is coming into his prime. His arrival from Leeds United for a fee in the region of £50-M made big La Liga 2023 news at the time. And while he has put in some fine performances, Raphinha’s consistency has not always been there and Xavi may prefer to hang on to the younger Ferran Torres.
With another highly-rated winger Ousmane Dembele returning from injury, there may not be room for Raphinha in the home dressing room at the Camp Nou, and he could make a return to the Premier League, where a number of clubs are monitoring the situation.
Barca have a target of £178-M of player sales to make if they are to bring Messi back to the club (without raising more alarm bells), and the sale of Raphinha and Kessie would raise a big chunk of that figure. And Xavi is likely to look for some cut price reinforcements to bolster his squad further.
FC Barcelona’s Raphinha in action during their La Liga match against Real Betis
He can bring 21-year-old winger Ez Abde, who is impressing on loan at Copa del Rey finalists Osasuna, back to the club. And there may also be a return for Pierre Emerick-Aubamayang, one of a number of players who look lost at Premier League strugglers Chelsea.
Gabon’s all time top scorer bagged 11 goals in 18 appearances for the Blaugrana last year and he is a high-quality low-budget option, as is Atleti forward Yannick Carrasco who could become available next month.
Respect to Los Rojiblancos
For most of the campaign, the La Liga 2023 betting odds pitched this as an El Clasico battle for the title, but Los Blancos have just been nudged out of second place by their city rivals at the Wanda Metropolitano.
As Real Sociedad got the better of Real Madrid in midweek, Atleti leapfrogged them into second place thanks to a 5-1 win over Cadiz, a ninth win in 10 La Liga games since they drew 1-1 in the Madrid derby late in February.
Antoine Griezmann has been one of the players of the season and he scored a brace as Los Rojiblancos ran riot. That made it 13 goals and 13 assists for the Frenchman, and he looks like he’s never been away.
Alvaro Morata, Carrasco, and Nahuel Molina all added to the score as Diego Simeone’s side took their second spot. This is a new-look Atleti, scoring 13 goals in the last three games to shake off their “1-0” persona.
There is no La Liga action this weekend as Real Madrid take on Osasuna in the Copa Del Rey final, a game we previewed here at SBOTOP and one Los Blancos really need to win to take some momentum into their Champions League clash with Manchester City next week.
The top drawer football just keeps on coming.
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With 2023-24 Champions League qualification all but mathematically in the bag, Atletico Madrid have a day out in Alicante on Sunday, where they may find their hosts, Elche, already on the beach.
Diego Simeone’s side is riding high in second place in the La Liga table. There is no hope of catching Barcelona who should win the title this weekend when they take on Espanyol, but they can stay ahead of third-placed Real Madrid and that would do very nicely for Los Rojiblancos fans.
Elche are already relegated, 18 points adrift with only five games remaining, and it’s all about pride for Los Franjiverdes. But the La Liga 2023 betting odds don’t give them much hope of adding to their 16-point tally when they welcome Atleti.
This is a chance for Los Rojiblancos to improve their goal difference which, at + 34, is three shy of Los Blancos’ record.
If Elche can’t up their game now that all hope is lost, and I struggle to see how they can, they may be better off heading for the beach as this one could get messy.
A recent clash with champions-elect Barcelona ended in a 1-0 defeat but Los Rojiblancos responded with 13 goals in the last three games, a 3-1 victory over Mallorca, a 5-2 win away to Valladolid, and a 5-1 whacking of Cadiz last week.
Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata have 13 goals from 33 games each, the Frenchman also added 12 assists to make it a triumphant return to Madrid. He has been a revelation from the moment his contract situation was sorted out in Autumn 2022 and, after putting on a brilliant show at Qatar for Les Bleus, Griezmann’s form has carried on back in Madrid.
The fact he has as almost as many assists as goals as he’s the top assist maker in the Spanish top-flight, shows what a superb an all-round attacking player he is. France boss Didier Deschamps played him in a slightly deeper, more fluid role, and he was one of the best players at the World Cup finals.
Similarly, Diego Simeone has built his front six around Griezmann, and in recent weeks it has paid big dividends. The France star scored twice in the destruction of Cadiz and he, along with Morata and Yannick Carrasco, can help themselves to more on Sunday.
Elche should try to remember their last home game
Los Franjiverdes were relegated last week when they went down to a 2-1 defeat away to Almeria and it will be difficult for the players or the fans in the 33,000-capacity stadium to raise their game for this daunting clash.
Head coach Sebastian Beccacece has been in charge at Elche for less than two months, arriving in March as the club’s fourth manager during the 2022/23 season. Changing the head coach with alarming regularity hasn’t helped the club one bit, but Beccacece did pull of a master stroke when Rayo Vallecano came to town two weeks ago.
Elche’s manager Sebastian Beccacece coaching during their match against Barcelona
Only 11,000 turned up at the Martino Valero Stadium but those loyal supporters were treated to a rare, but enjoyable attacking display as Elche ran out 4-0 winners.
It probably helped that Rayo had Florian Lejeune sent off after 27 minutes, but the hosts took their visitors apart in the second half with goals from Lucas Boye, Tete Morente, Fidel, and Gerard Gumbau.
The stadium will be a little fuller for the visit of Atleti and Elche’s hardcore fans will make some noise if they have any encouragement, but they may need Atleti to go down to 10 men or nine.
History
In their 15 meetings with Atletico Madrid this century, Elche have managed just two victories and one draw, losing the last six encounters with Los Rojiblancos with a goal difference of two to 12.
Elche have a home record of two wins, four draws, and 10 defeats this season and have won just one of their last six games. Meanwhile, Atleti have won four in that time and are gathering some serious momentum.
Elche are at SBOTOP odds of 4.55 to draw and 6.56 to win, though I think this is not a question of whether they will lose but by how many.
Atletico have scored 60 goals this season, joint-second with Barcelona and behind only Real Madrid, while Elche have conceded the most goals of anyone, picking the ball out of their own net 64 times.
For a correct scoreline I think it will be between 0-2 at odds of 5.80, and maybe 0-3 at 8.44.
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La Liga: Barcelona’s Title Could Arrive in the Neighbour’s Backyard
Espanyol vs Barcelona
There’s only one thing better than winning a league title, and that’s winning a title at your nearest neighbour’s home, and that’s exactly what Barcelona are on target to do on Sunday.
13 points clear at the top of La Liga, the Blaugrana could be champions before they kick a ball should the two Madrid giants slip up, but the likelihood is that Xavi’s men will need to beat local rivals Espanyol for the celebrations to begin.
Barca come into the game on the back of a 1-0 win over a stubborn Osasuna, while Luis Garcia’s Espanyol came out on the wrong side of a five-goal tussle with Sevilla.
But this game arguably has more hanging on it for Los Periquitos, as they sit precariously in the bottom three in 19th place and with three points to make up on Valencia in 17th.
Local rivalries being what they are, the Blaugrana fans would love to win the title at the RCDE Stadium while dumping their neighbours further into the mire.
Talking Points
Roberto ready to return
The Blaugrana is set to clinch its 27th league title on Sunday, and Xavi might well have a full squad to choose from with the La Liga 2023 news that utility player Sergi Roberto is fit to return.
Roberto picked up a hamstring injury against Getafe last month and has missed four consecutive league games, and his return is a welcome sight for the boss, who wants to see his senior pros available to push his team over the line.
FC Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto in action with Getafe’s Juan Iglesias
There is some doubt though over winger Gavi, who was holding his upper leg when he was subbed against Osasuna last week after just 30 minutes. The youngster has made progress during the week, but he will undergo a late fitness test.
The Blaugrana have a busy transfer window ahead of them but Gavi, alongside other young stars Ansu Fati and Pedri, is in Xavi’s long-term plans and he won’t risk bringing these players back too early.
Free hit for Espanyol
Espanyol are at SBOTOP odds of 1.20 to be relegated, coincidentally the same price as Barca’s Robert Lewandowski is to be the league’s top scorer. The La Liga 2023 betting oddsmay not be too hopeful but, with five games to play and three points to make up all is not lost.
Los Periquitos are only five points behind Almeria in 14th and have a decent goal difference for a survival push at -16. 18th placed Getafe face Real Madrid on Saturday and so a defeat to Barcelona might not cut Espanyol further adrift.
And while they are still to face Atletico Madrid, Luis Garcia’s team have winnable games against Rayo Vallecano and relegation rivals Almeria and Valencia to come. Strikers Joselu and Martin Braithwaite, with 14 goals and nine, are more than capable against struggling defences.
These three games are huge and this one, despite being against their city rivals, could be treated as a free hit.
There is plenty of bad blood in Catalonia though, and reports have emerged that Espanyol will not allow anyone wearing the colours of Barcelona in the RCDE Stadium on Sunday.
Neither will Barcelona scarves or flags be welcome among the capacity 40,000 crowd. The club has made this ban clear to anyone buying tickets online and the police will be ready to eject any Barca fans who ignore the order.
This action may be in response to Barcelona’s ban on the blue and white of Espanyol when the two teams met at the Camp Nou on 31st December. The neighbours are not being particularly friendly, and that will only serve to wind up their fans.
History
Barcelona have won 44 of the 67 meetings with Espanyol over the past 30 years, drawing 17 and losing just six, though the two teams drew 1-1 when they met on New Year’s Eve at the Camp Nou.
With three wins, one draw, and two defeats from the last six games, the Blaugrana are the stronger in terms of recent form compared to Espanyol’s one win, one draw, and four defeats over that period.
At 4.07 to win and 3.68 to draw, Espanyol are certainly in this game with the double chance priced at 2.04. But my instinct is that Barcelona will need a result to confirm their league title, and that will push the visitors on to see the job through.
Then, while much of the city celebrates, Los Periquitos will have four games to save their season.
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And so what we have expected for some time – you didn’t need to study the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds to know which way this was going – has become a reality.
For the first time in four years, Barcelona are Spanish champions.
Their first La Liga title since 2019 and their 27th in total was secured with a 42 victory at Espanyol on Sunday night.
The omens always looked good ahead of kick-off.
After all, Espanyol had gone 25 derbies (now 26) in a row without a win against Barcelona in La Liga, the worst winless run against an opponent in their top-flight history, and the worst winless streak by any team in any regional derby in the competition.
In addition, Robert Lewandowski had netted 19 goals in 29 league games and was seeking to become the joint third quickest to reach 20 goals in the competition in the 21st century, after Julio Baptista in 2004 (30 matches), Radamel Falcao in 2012 (26) and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2010 (24).
Both those impressive tallies were further enhanced on a night when Lewandowski also moved four ahead of reigning world player of the year Karim Benzema in the golden boot race.
Eleven minutes into the contest and Lewandowski tapped into an empty net from an Alex Balde cross.
That advantage was doubled within nine minutes as Balde scored the first goal of his professional career, volleying home from close range a Pedri cross.
Five minutes before the break and Raphinha’s inviting delivery wasn’t cut out and there was the prolific Pole to bundle in the third.
Seven minutes after restart Jules Kounde ghosted in to head home Frenkie de Jong’s ball.
Two late goals by the hosts could not dampen the party spirit as Barca capped off a campaign which began with manager Xavi Hernandez reportedly worried about the club’s financial situation.
By signing Lewandowski, Raphinha, Kounde and young Pablo Torre for more than £140 million, as well as bringing in Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessié on free transfers, the Catalans can now argue the layout has been justified.
The sale of a further 25% of their content production company, Barça Studios, for an estimated €100 million, helped free up finances too as they strived to deal with a situation borne out of the pandemic and massive salaries.
Now they are back at the top table in Spain, they need to ensure they avoid a third successive Champions League group exit.
First though, they can enjoy this moment.
Elsewhere over the weekend, Sunday threw up La Liga highlights with Valencia grabbing a late winner at Celta Vigo to give themselves a big boost in their survival bid.
Alberto Mari’s 88th minute winner saw them climb into 14th place, albeit just three points above the drop zone.
Real Valladolid remain in trouble after a 3-0 home reverse to Sevilla whose own turnaround since the appointment of Jose Luis Mendiliba has been stark.
Girona currently hold that place, in seventh, after a fine fightback at Real Sociedad.
A Mikel Oyarzabal penalty and veteran playmaker David Silva, who signed a one year contract extension with the club earlier this week, put the Basque hosts into a commanding lead.
However, the Catalan visitors fought back to leave the game level with Yan Couto and Cristhian Stuani on target before the break.
Girona’s Oriol Romeu was sent off for a second booking in the final stages but there was to be no late winner.
Atletico Madrid players after their match against Elche
The surprise of the weekend saw already relegated Elche defeat third placed Atletico Madrid.
Fidel Chaves broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, when Atletico goalkeeper Ivo Grbic badly flapped at a throw-in, leaving the winger with an open goal and he made no mistake to seal what is only the team’s fourth league win of the season.
La Liga: The Players Who Have Gone Above and Beyond
Another La Liga campaign nears its end and there have been plenty of ups and down for every team in the division.
For bottom club Elche, there have been more downs by a long way, and they have shown little sign of improving before they picked up one of the shock La Liga 2023 results of the campaign in Saturday when they stunned Atletico Madrid with a 1-0 win. For Barcelona, there have been more ups than downs. Though they missed out in Europe the Blaugrana sealed the La Liga title on Saturday with a 4-2 win away to Espanyol, a result which did nothing to help the mood of the home fans!
Throughout the season there have been some stars who have stood out, the superstars Robert Lewandowski, Vinicius Junior and Antoine Griezmann have performed brilliantly for Barca, Real Madrid and Atleti. And then there are the players who have done rather better than expected, and our SBOTOP selection of those guys picks two who starred in Saturday’s derby at the RCDE Stadium.
Joselu – RCD Espanyol
With 15 goals from 30 games, Joselu is the third top scorer in the league and he wasn’t a player we would have picked out back in August 2022. He is Espanyol’s main man but Joselu didn’t have the best of times as a Premier League player, with only a smattering of good moments; but he is arguably reaching his peak at the age of 32. He received his first senior cap for Spain in March this year, called up for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers and coming off the bench against Norway. And Joselu has been a big player in the Barcelona derbies this season.
He scored the penalty which earned Los Periquitos a 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou earlier in the campaign, and he scored again in Espanyol’s rematch with Barcelona on Sunday, though his team’s defeat leaves them sitting perilously in 19th place and they desperately need Joselu’s goals to give them a chance of staying up.
Frenkie de Jong – Barcelona
The La Liga 2023 betting odds handed the title to the Blaugrana a few weeks ago and, while Lewandowski has written many of the headlines and the young stars led by Pedri have shone, midfield ace Frenkie de Jong has quietly influenced the title race with his top class displays. The Dutch master was the subject of frenzied transfer speculation last summer as Manchester United went in pursuit of him, and Barca wanted to sell.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong celebrates with his teammates against RCD Espanyol
But the three parties couldn’t agree on a deal and de Jong remained an unsettled Barca player, though you wouldn’t have known it as he put in a series of commanding performances, making 1601 completed passes from 1760 attempts throughout the campaign. Head coach Xavi has never hesitated to name him on the team sheet and the 26 year old has deservedly picked up a league winners medal.
The Blaugrana are working on their summer strategy already with a view to balancing the books and De Jong may well be the subject of more speculation; but he can be proud of his season’s work, making another assist as Barca beat Espanyol at the weekend.
Fernando Martinez – Almeria
With 118 saves from 32 games Fernando Martinez is one of the three busiest stoppers in the league and he has seamlessly made the step up to Spain’s elite, helping his club to promotion last season. The Almeria keeper, at the club since 2017, has played a crucial role in their survival campaign and, with four games to go, Almeria currently sit in 15th place and two clear of the drop.
He only missed one game in Almeria’s promotion season and Fernando made his top flight debut, at the age of 32, on a 2-1 defeat at home to Real Madrid. He’s just signed a two year extension to his contract with the Andalusians and he would dearly love to spend them in the Primera Division.
Read more here! – RCD Mallorca
The league’s joint fifth top scorer is an unlikely name, well certainly outside Mallorca, but Vedat Muriqi has had a great season at the spearhead of RCD’s attack. With 13 goals, the The 6ft 4in Kosovan striker is having his best season in recent years, scoring just once in 34 appearances for Lazio before he bagged five on loan with Mallorca last season.
His signed for Lazio in 2020 but it never worked out for Muriqi in Rome and he has found a happier home in Mallorca where the fans have taken to his all action displays. And the RCD faithful are delighted he has signed a deal to stay at the club until 2027.
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La Liga: Barca Deserve Kudos But There’s Much To Do
In a season in which Barcelona have claimed their first La Liga title in four years, it seems grossly unfair to include the Catalan giants in an article outlining the disappointments in the Spanish top flight this term.
During a campaign in which Real Madrid were stretched by commitments domestically, in Europe (reaching the Champions League last four and winning the European Super Cup) and the World Club Championship, the door was left ajar for Barca to create La Liga highlights and they duly obliged.
Yet while they are champions of Spain, there is much work to do if they are to become the force they were at home and abroad.
Last summer, it appeared the only way Barca could break back into the big time was by juggling the financial balls, so they did just that.
By signing who is now the league’s top scorer, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde and young Pablo Torre for more than £140 million, as well as bringing in Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie on free transfers, the Catalans splashed the cash.
The sale of a further 25% of their content production company, Barça Studios, for an estimated €100 million, helped free up finances too as they strived to deal with a situation borne out of the pandemic and massive salaries.
Now they are back at the top table in Spain, they need to ensure they avoid a third successive Champions League embarrassment.
Their group exit this term merely added to the financial pressure and the club will no doubt budget to at least reach the quarter-finals in Europe next season.
It can and should be argued that manager Xavi Hernandez has done a good job in his first season and a half at the club. But it’s also true that he will need guidance.
Two of the chief figures at the club are seemingly heading for the door in Mateu Alemany and Jordi Cruyff, occupying the positions of Director of Football and Sporting Director respectively.
It is being reported today that Alemany, who became known in Spanish football with Real Mallorca and then Valencia as a skilled negotiator, may be persuaded to stay on.
He has made a start and it would potentially be a blow for the club, and for Xavi, to lose him now.
What happens next will determine whether Barca can finally leapfrog their arch rivals when the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds are announced for next season.
As for disappointments over the course of the season, the obvious names would be Sevilla and Valencia but the former’s revival since the appointment of Jose Luis Mendilibar rules them out.
As it stands, they are 90 minutes away from perhaps another Europa League Final appearance and could yet re-qualify for Europe via the league after being in a relegation battle little over a month ago.
Of the pre-season predictions I clocked, Girona, Real Valladolid and Mallorca were favourites for the drop – the former two both promoted last summer.
However, Girona have defied the odds and currently hold the final European qualifying spot in seventh place with four league games remaining.
If they achieve that, they should be crowned La Liga team of the year.
Meanwhile, Mallorca are safe in midtable and, while Valladolid are just above the zone, they may also prove plenty of people wrong.
Almeria, the other side promoted from the Segunda Division, are also hanging on in there, along with Cádiz who flirted heavily with relegation last season.
Elche are gone, which is no surprise given their budget, and Espanyol and Getafe occupy the other two spots in the bottom three, although there is time for that to change.
Overall then, I have to say Valencia are the biggest disappointments of La Liga 2022-23 with Eden Hazard the biggest disappointment as a player.
Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard with teammates during training
Valencia, twice Champions League finalists, are a proud club which totters from one crisis season to the next, not yet safe from the unthinkable relegation and a venue for regular disgruntled fans making their voices of dissent heard.
Hazard is Real’s highest earner, thought to be on around €14 million per year, and their last-choice forward.
If he could rediscover the form which led them to pay Chelsea an initial £88.3 million four years ago, rising to a reported £142 million, they would have some player.
Logic, though, suggests he has missed his chance.
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The newly crowned La Liga champions welcome Real Sociedad and are to get their hands on the trophy for the first time in four years.
So could it be the ideal time for the visitors to create some La Liga highlights of their own – and my word they haven’t many to talk about in the Camp Nou over the last 30 years – and strengthen their top four bid if the hosts are otherwise distracted.
Talking Points
Either way, there’s every reason to expect a Catalonia coronation after nine months in which Xavi Hernandez’s team have stretched every sinew to secure.
Remember, this was a campaign which began with Hernandez reportedly worried about the club’s financial situation.
They splashed the cash, most notably securing Robert Lewandowski whose 21 goals in 30 league games means he has become the joint third quickest to reach 20 goals in the competition in the 21st century, after Julio Baptista in 2004 (30 matches), Radamel Falcao in 2012 (26) and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2010 (24) – good company indeed.
His double at Espanyol last weekend meant Lewandowski also moved four ahead of reigning world player of the year Karim Benzema in the Golden Boot race.
It’s not just the prestige of winning the title but also the financial benefits which the club need now.
Aside from the increase in profile and sponsorship opportunities, Barcelona are set to gain an extra €8.93 million in TV money as a result.
In total, they are expected to bring in about €103m, around €10m more than Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, depending on who finishes second in the table.
Meanwhile in the Champions League next season, the club will once again be a top seed, which will affect their TV share, giving them 40%, an extra 10% over second place.
First things first, though, as Saturday is all about a party.
As for Sociedad, a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty and a goal from veteran playmaker David Silva, who signed a one year contract extension with the club earlier this week, put the Basque hosts into a commanding lead against Girona last weekend before they were pegged back in a 2-2 draw.
They still need a few more points to secure a top four finish and Champions League football next season.
If they could seal a first win at the Camp Nou in 32 years, they will be almost home n’ hosed.
History
Mikel Oyarzabal in action playing for Real Sociedad
Overall, there have been 101 Barca victories in their head-to-head games in all competitions with 33 Sociedad successes and 36 draws.
Last season, this corresponding fixture ended 4-2 to the hosts with Gerard Pique, Martin Braithwaite (two) and Sergi Roberto finding the net – this after late goals from Julen Lobete and Oyarzabal had briefly threatened a comeback.
There was a flying start to their meeting earlier this season when Lewandowski fired them in front after just a minute before Alexander Isak, who was snapped up by Newcastle a week later, levelled within five minutes.
That was as good as it got for Sociedad as Ousmane Dembele, Lewandowski again and Ansu Fati hit three in a 13-minute second half period as the game finished 4-1 to the Catalonians.
They have met a total of 17 times since then (13 in La Liga, three in the Copa del Rey and once in the Supercopa) and Barca have won 15 times with two draws.
The last time Sociedad won in the Nou Camp was in a league game in 1991 when, three days after Barcelona had been beaten by Manchester United in the European Cup Winners’ Cup Final, they lost 3-1 at home.
The English contingent of Dalian Atkinson and John Aldridge each scored before Julio Salinas netted a consolation.
Barca are overwhelming favourites with the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds, priced 1X2 @ 1.67 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.23.
Sociedad are well adrift with odds of 1X2 @ 4.60 and Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 2.01.
A repeat of last season’s scoreline – Correct Score 4-2 – is on offer @ 55.00, while goal options include over 2.75 @ 2.20, total goal 0-1 @ 3.40, 2-3 @ 1.95 and 4-6 @ 3.65.
Despite the fact Sociedad could do with taking something out of the game, I cannot see beyond a home coronation.
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La Liga: Valencia’s Top-Flight Status Next Season is Not Yet Guaranteed
alencia vs Real Madrid
Valencia may have moved out of the relegation zone, but the job is not yet finished with four more La Liga games to go, as they need to get a few more points to ensure their top-flight status for next season.
Ruben Baraja’s side is currently 14th in the standings with 37 points, which is only three points adrift of 18th-placed Getafe.
They will return to their home stadium, the Mestalla, on Sunday in an effort to capitalise on a shell-shocked Real Madrid, whose attempt to win the Champions League again was thwarted by Manchester City yesterday.
Real Madrid will have to account for Justin Kluivert and Samuel Lino this Sunday. Kluivert is the leading scorer for Valencia with six goals, while Lino now has five after scoring in their last three games to tie with Edinson Cavani.
Kluivert and Lino came on loan from AS Roma and Atletico Madrid, respectively, and they’ve relished their opportunities in the Mestalla. Because of their success this season, both are keen to stay longer at Valencia if given the opportunity.
Valencia can opt to buy them both to keep them permanently, but they’ll face some competition in the transfer market. Ajax are reportedly “tempted” to bring back Kluivert, while several rival clubs from Spain are taking a look at Lino.
Ruben Baraja seems to favour his youngsters more as we head towards the conclusion of the 2022-23 campaign. Other than Kluivert and Lino, he has also deployed the likes of Andre Almeida, Diego Lopez, Nico Gonzalez, and Javi Guerra, all of whom are under 25 years old.
And so far, it’s working, given their recent La Liga 2023 results. Los Che have won three of their last five La Liga matches prior to Sunday (D1, L1), which is as many wins as in their previous 21 games (W3, D5, L13).
Real Madrid fresh from painful thrashing
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti before the La Liga match against Getafe
We won’t blame Real Madrid if they want their season to end after losing out on both the La Liga and Champions League, but they insist that they’re still aiming to play for their pride.
Real Madrid have to beat Valencia if that’s the case, especially after they played poorly against Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals.
After being held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Real Madrid came undone in the second leg, conceding four goals to Manchester City while they’d scored none. The Sky Blues looked like the hungrier team, as they’re aiming to finally break their Champions League hoodoo.
Eder Militao, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos were badly outplayed, while Karim Benzema was not at 100-per cent, and wingers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo couldn’t make enough of an impact.
The loss against Manchester City has left Real Madrid with questions to answer this summer. But for now, there are still a few more games to play.
History
Valencia have lost their last four La Liga games against Real Madrid. Should they lose again on Sunday, it’ll be the first time since 2011 that they’ve lost five in a row against them in the 21st century.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men were 2-0 winners in their reverse fixture last February, as Marco Asensio and Vinicius Jr. scored two goals between the 52nd and 54th minute. Valencia were reduced to 10 men when Gabriel Paulista was sent off with a straight red card.
Real Madrid defeated Valencia on their last visit to Mestalla in La Liga (2-1 in September 2021) after having won just one of their previous seven away games against Los Che (D2, L4). They last won consecutive games at Mestalla in La Liga in December 2013 (W5).
The La Liga 2023 odds actually predict a close affair between Real Madrid and Valencia. Real Madrid were given the edge at 2.25, whereas Valencia are right behind them at 2.88, and a draw is priced at 3.25 in the SBOTOP 1X2 market.
Despite Real Madrid being the superior team, Valencia are more than capable of picking up a positive result, and it helps that they’ll be playing at home.
Recent encounters between these two sides have provided us with goals, so we expect more of the same this weekend, making Total Goal 2-3 at 1.91 your best bet.
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As La Liga results go, it could be one of the most important of the season.
The tension was palpable as fellow strugglers Cadiz and Real Valladolid battled it out on Friday night with the winner knowing they would climb out of the drop zone.
If you are unsure how damaging relegation would be, incidentally, then recently released figures have laid bare the pitfalls.
A study shows how much each of the sides involved in the basement battle would be set to lose, based on rough calculations and highlighted purely in terms of television money and parachute payments.
The parachute payments, worked out based on results in the last five seasons and the size of their budget this season, show Cadiz would lose €24 million should they lose their top flight status, while Valladolid would receive the least in parachute payments, €11.5m, which would also see them make the largest losses at €30.5m.
Cadiz players celebrate after winning their La Liga match against Real Valladolid
After Friday night, Valladolid are closer to having their worst fears realised.
The Andalusians were handed a perfect chance to edge in front before the break but Ruben Alcaraz’s penalty came back off the crossbar.
The game remained in the balance until 20 minutes from time when Theo Bongonda powerfully fired home the opener for the hosts before the Congo international doubled the home side’s advantage, six minutes later.
Martin Hongla’s late dismissal was another negative for Valladolid, who dropped into the drop zone when Getafe gained a point at home to Elche.
The fact remains, though, that they really could have done with all three points at home to already relegated opponents at the foot of the table.
Munir El Haddadi gave them the perfect start after eight minutes when he volleyed home a Damián Suárez cross.
However, Elche – who defeated Atletico Madrid last weekend – took advantage of a defensive error just before the break with a Lucas Boyé header and that’s how it finished.
Getafe may not have but Almería now have some wiggle room after a hat-trick from Brazilian striker Lázaro Vinicius.
He was the star man as they saw off Mallorca, who may find themselves struggling to get motivated in the final weeks of the campaign as they are comfortable in ‘no-man’s land’ – midtable and safe from the drop but too far adrift to challenge for a European berth.
There were plenty of La Liga highlights in that race too as the underdogs of Girona suffered last-gasp heartache at home to Villarreal to drop out of the seventh and final European spot.
Gerard Moreno was the late hero for the visitors as he steered home the winning goal in the fifth minute of added time in Catalonia after fine work from Nicolas Jackson
That, coupled with Athletic Bilbao’s 2-1 home success over Celta Vigo, means the Basque club now occupy that place.
Seventh place, which would put them in the Europa Conference League next term, was claimed after goals from Inaki Williams and Alex Berenguer.
Villarreal actually still have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League, granted that is unlikely after Real Sociedad upset the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds to rain a little on Barcelona’s title party.
The Catalonia coronation was not as home fans wanted on the pitch as Sociedad clinched a first victory in the Nou Camp in 32 years and their first win over Barca since 2016.
On that occasion Mikel Oyarzabal, then 18, scored the only goal of the game for the San Sebastien men, then managed by David Moyes.
This time they got off to an ideal start when Alexander Sorloth set up Mikel Merino to finish from close range.
Robert Lewandowski pulled a goal back in injury time but the champions were unable to find a leveller.
On Sunday, Espanyol did their survival bid no harm at all as they won at Rayo Vallecano to within a point of moving out of the bottom three.
Nicolás Melamed netted the winner just before the hour mark after Sergi Darder and Raul de Tomás had traded goals.
Elsewhere, the battle for Europe remains delicately poised.
Atletico Madrid are back in second ahead of city rivals Real – it’s been a miserable week for them – after they went down to Valencia whose win should see them safe at the end of a tumultuous campaign.
Osasuna, who Atletico saw off 3-0, still have an outside chance of securing a European place, as do Sevilla whose remarkable turnaround continues.
Three days after they reached the Europa League Final with victory over Juventus, they drew with Real Betis and are just two points adrift of Bilbao.
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The La Liga title is back in Catalonia for the first time since 2019, the first time since Lionel Messi left the club and the first time under the reign of Xavi.
But on the evidence of the 2022/23 campaign it won’t be the last.
The Blaugrana stormed to the title and had a coronation when Real Sociedad came to the Camp Nou last week, though they went down to a 2-1 defeat to the Champions League chasing Basque club. But that didn’t matter one bit. Xavi’s men are still 13 points clear of the chasing pack having won the title away to local rivals Espanyol…it could hardly have been better!
The margin of victory has surprised everyone, with Real Madrid the pre-season favourites in many eyes, so what has been behind the remarkable transformation at the famous Camp Nou Stadium?
Summer 2022
It all started back in July when Polish scoring sensation Robert Lewandowski joined the club from FC Bayern at a cost of 45m, and he has proved to be worth every penny as he heads towards the Golden Boot award in his first season in La Liga. Lewi has scored 22 goals, five more than Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, while also making six assists in the league. It was a masterstroke from Xavi who also brought in winger Raphinha, in a 58m move from Leeds United, and Sevilla defender Jules Kounde at a cost of 50m.
One of the most significant moves was one which didn’t actually happen as midfield ace Frenkie De Jong, aggressively pursued throughout the transfer window by Manchester United, stayed at the club. The Dutch master had a superb season, as one of the most accurate passers in the league.
Out went Phillipe Coutinho, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Miralem Pjanic and Xavi had his squad, smaller than most of his rivals, but good enough to destroy each and every one of them.
The Big Players
Apart from Lewandowski and De Jong, Barca had plenty of other players making spectacular La Liga 2023 results highlights, including youngsters Pedri and Gavi. But I’ve picked out three other stars who played a huge role in the Blaugrana’s success.
Barcelona defender Sergio Busquets makes a speech during the club’s La Liga championship awarding ceremony
Uruguayan centre back Ronald Araujo has certainly come of age and, at 24, he has his best years to come. Araujo has grown into one of the most assured defenders in world football, tough in the tackle and very comfortable on the ball. In front of the centre backs midfield general Sergio Busquets has been as influential as ever. The skipper is approaching 500 games for Barca but he has recently announced his departure from the club and he will leave a big hole to fill.
And then there is wide man Ousmane Dembele, who, when he returned from injury helped push the Blaugrana over the line. The France star played a crucial role in Lewandowski’ s success and the Polish hitman clearly thrived when Dembele was on the pitch. He’s lightning fast down the left or right flank and can turn a defender inside out before delivering a cross or cutting inside to shoot.
Xavi’s midfield obsession
Part of Dembele’s success can be attributed to Xavi’s insistence that midfield domination is key to his strategy. By crowding spaces in the middle of the park Barca can make space for Dembele to work in and De Jong can then release him with a pinpoint ball.
Of course Xavi, alongside Busquets and Andrea Iniesta made up a formidable midfield trio in Spain’s 2010 World Cup winning side. While he values the devastating wing play of Dembele, Xavi often chooses to add an extra man in the middle and play with an inverted wide man on the other flank. Alongside Busquets and De Jong, Pedri and Gavi often make up the midfield square with Dembele supporting Lewandowski. This way the Blaugrana can take total control of the middle and, with the best defence in the league and second most prolific attack, Xavi’s plan has worked to perfection.
Last week, here at SBOTOP, we took a look at how Napoli conquered Italy, the only team to beat the Blaugrana to the winning post, a week before Xavi’s men won their title away to Espanyol with a 4-2 victory over their relegation-threatened neighbours.
The La Liga 2023 betting odds pretty much handed the title to Barca on the 23rd April when a Ferran Torres goal earned them a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, but there was another pivotal moment a couple of weeks earlier. On 5th April the Blaugrana were thumped 4-0 by Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey and, from that moment on, the Catalans became ruthless. They had already gone out of the Europa League to Manchester United at a time when they had a lot of injuries so, with the title run in their only priority… Barcelona delivered.
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La Liga: Can Sevilla Complete the Recovery of all Time?
Sevilla FC vs Real Madrid
La Liga: Sevilla vs Real Madrid is the Spanish top flight entertainment on Saturday and it’s a great contest to get our teeth into, as a game with plenty at stake.
And, for the hosts, there is a much brighter picture than we saw just a couple of months ago.
When Los Sevillistas were hammered 6-1 by Atletico Madrid in March, relegation was a very real possibility but now, Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side find themselves in tenth and one point behind seventh place and in a Europa League final. And they Sevilla are on a run of six games without a defeat, a sequence they will be keen to continue over the next three games.
The Ramon Sanchez Pizjuain Stadium will be packed to the rafters for the visit of Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid. After Barcelona won the league at a canter Los Blancos’ objective is to finish second above Atletico, who currently sit a point behind in third. Seville come into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw away to Elche, while Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1 in midweek.
A UEFA Europa League final against Roma next Wednesday is the reward for Sevilla’s remarkable resurgence; and they have manager Mendilibar to thanks for their turnaround in fortunes. The 62-yea- old Spaniard was appointed on 21st March and seen as a desperation measure after Jorge Sampaoli’s chaotic period in charge came to an end. He took over a team in real danger of relegation and immediately set about beating Manchester United, 5-2 on aggregate, in the Europa League quarter finals.
His mandate was to keep this proud club in the top flight and he has done that in some style. In the 14 games he’s had in charge Mendilibar has led the team to eight wins, five draws and just one defeat, a surprise home loss to Girona on 1st May. And Sevilla now sit a full 11 points clear of the drop and back among the European football chasers. With star players Youssef En Nesyri and Lucas Ocampos now hitting their best form again Sevilla are playing like a top four side. But they will be without Senegal midfielder Papa Gueye for this game. He was sent off early in the draw with Elche and will be likely be replaced by the experienced Ivan Rakitic.
The Sevilla vs Real Madrid betting odds back the visitors to win, but the odds are close and the hosts will certainly fancy their chances against a slightly subdued Madrid.
Los Blancos stand with Vinicius
Spanish football was drawn into a racism row last week when 22 year old Vinicius Junior was abused by Valencia fans during Los Ches’ victory over Real Madrid at the Mestalla Stadium. Vinicius has been the victim of racist chants before during this campaign and Atletico Madrid fans have also been charged with unacceptable behaviour, hanging an effigy of the player from a bridge near Los Blancos’ training ground. After the latest incident in Valencia Vinicius was red carded late in the game for violent behaviour, but the suspension has been rescinded by La Liga.
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. reacts after being sent off during their match against Valencia
The Brazil star was unable to face Vallecano on Wednesday due to a knee injury as goals by Karim Benzema and Rodrygo gave Ancelotti’s team a 2-1 victory. A banner in the stadium read, ‘We are all Vinicius – Enough is Enough’ and the Madrid players all took to the field wearing Vinicius’ Number 20 shirt.
The club now wants to put this behind them and finish the season on a high. When Real Madrid visited Manchester to take on Pep Guardiola’s rampant Sky Blues they were thrashed 4-0, and followed that up by losing to Valencia. But they are back to winning ways and if they can add two more victories, against Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao, they will finish the campaign as top dogs in Madrid.
History
With 42 wins to 16, in all competitions over the last three decades, Los Blancos have enjoyed the better of the head to head Sevilla vs Real Madrid results,and they have won five of the last six encounters, including a 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu in October.
With three wins and three draws, Sevilla have been in better form over the past six games than Real Madrid, who have won three, drawn one and lost two.
Los Blancos are favourites, at SBOTOP odds of 2.21 to win with Sevilla at 2.71 and the draw priced at 3.40. 1-1 at odds of 5.99 is the most likely score and, with home advantage and some serious momentum, I think that’s the least Sevilla fans will expect.
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It must have caused huge frustration for Colchoneros manager Diego Simeone whose side led after goals from Saul Niguez, Yannick Carrasco and Antoine Griezmann put them firmly in the ascendancy.
They also possibly had fortune on their side with Espanyol enraged that Atletico’s second goal, scored by Griezmann, was allowed to stand. The goal was given, with VAR unable to determine whether the ball was definitely over the line.
It still wasn’t enough for maximum points though and, afterwards, Atletico captain Koke Resurreccion admitted they had not been focused in the second half.
Furthermore, a late winner for Real Madrid in their match against Rayo Vallecano – Brazilian Rodrygo scoring in the 89th minute – meant they were overtaken in second spot by their city rivals.
It is amid that backdrop of that frustration that they welcome Real Sociedad to the Metropolitano Stadium this weekend.
Talking Points
Now while Atletico are already assured of qualifying for the Champions League next season, they will want to finish on a high in their final home match of the campaign – and, who knows, perhaps Simeone’s swansong.
That scenario means this game should be far from an end-of-season encounter as both teams have something to play for, particularly the Basque club.
Earlier this week, their boss Imanol Alguacil made it very clear that finishing fourth – behind Barcelona, Real and Atletico – would be akin to being La Liga champions, given the differing scale of resources (certainly compared to the Barca-Real duopoly).
They have suffered a blow with the news that veteran David Silva will miss the final two games of the season.
Real Sociedad’s David Silva and Real Sociedad’s Aihen Munoz in action with Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez
The silky Spaniard came off with a knee injury in their 1-0 victory over Almeria on Tuesday and it has since been announced he has a muscle tear.
Even at the age of 37, his influence has been clear and it would seem harsh were he to now miss out on another season at Europe’s top table.
Sociedad, who have beaten Barcelona and Real Madrid in recent weeks, are set for a busy summer with plenty of incomings and one departure already confirmed as captain Asier Illarramendi set is to bring his second spell to an end at the conclusion of the season.
If he can now lift his team to some more La Liga highlights on Sunday, the men from San Sebastien will have achieved their aim.
History
Last season, this fixture ended 2-2 when goals early in each half from Alexander Sorloth and Alexander Isak put the visitors in the ascendancy before a Luis Suarez double rescued a point for the then defending champions.
Then, last January, Sorloth was on target again, along with Adnan Januzaj, as Sociedad sent Atletico packing from the Copa del Rey at the last 16 stage.
Atletico gained some revenge on the final day of the season when Rodrigo De Paul and Angel Coorea scored the goals in a 2-1 win.
Earlier this term, the sides played out a 1-1 draw with Alvaro Morata’s opener cancelled out by an Umar Sadiq header.
Sociedad have failed to win any of their last six league meetings – the most recent coming in September 2019 when Martin Odegaard and Nacho Monreal netted twice in four minutes to earn the home side a 2-0 win in San Sebastien.
Overall, Atletico have 73 successes compared to 45 Sociedad wins and 31 draws.
Atletico will be cursing the fact they have ceded the initiative for second spot back to their city rivals.
They are favourites for this game with the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds, priced 1X2 @ 2.07 and Asian Handicap -050 @ 2.08, compared to Sociedad 1X2 @ 3.15 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 1.82.
Goals may be hard to come by given odds of Over 2.75 @ 2.04 and 2-3 @ 1.96 – although Total Goal 0-1 @ 3.75 caught my eye.
A repeat of the 2-2 draw from this contest last season will pay out @ 12.50 with Correct Score.
I can see this ending level-pegging which is why my *** prediction is a 1X2 Draw @ 3.35.
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La Liga: After Real and Barca, Sociedad Aim for Triple Scalp
Real Sociedad confirmed their Champions League qualification with a game to go of the 2022/23 La Liga campaign, despite going down 2-1 to Atletico Madrid at the Civitas Metropolitano.
La Real have their top four place in the bag because Villarreal went down to a surprise 2-1 defeat away to Rayo Vallecano. At SBOTOP odds of 2.23 to win Atletico were superb as Antoine Griezmann scored a sublime opener before the break, taking a pass from Rodrigo de Paul and sliding the ball home; and then he teed up Nahuel Molina for the second midway through the second half. Griezmann has bee simply sensational since his return from Barcelona.
Head coach Imanol Iguacil can be happy with Sociedad’s performance as his team shared possession at 50/50 and the shot count at five each on target. Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth pulled a late goal back for La Real but Los Rojiblancos held out to climb to within a point of second placed Real Madrid. But it is the Basque team which is celebrating tonight.
Sergio Busquets bids farewell to Barcelona fans in their home match against RCD Mallorca
In other La Liga 2023 newsReal Betis confirmed their Europa League place with a 2-1 win away to Girona and that confirms their sixth place. Elsewhere Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets said goodbye to Barcelona fans in their final seasons at the Camp Nou as the Blaugrana beat Mallorca with Ansu Fati scoring an early brace. That result took Barca on to 88 points and 11 clear of Real Madrid at the end of a brilliant campaign for Xavi’s men. But Busquets and Alba will leave big shoes to fill as Xavi continues his evolution at the Camp Nou.
While for Barcelona it was a sentimental night, elsewhere in Catalonia there was despair.
Late Heartbreak for Espanyol is delight for Valencia
Valencia looked like they were being dragged back into the relegation scrap as Espanyol went into a 2-1 lead at the Mestalla but a late, late goal gave Los Ches a big chance of another year in the top flight while Espanyol were condemned to the drop.
Diego Lopez gave Los Ches a lead late in the first half but Espanyol hit back with a well taken header from Cesar Montes. Martin Braithwaite poked home from close range to put Los Periquitos in front early in the second half and they held out until the 93rd minute until Samuel Lino got Valencia out of jail with a spectacular finish in the top right corner.
Espanyol players believed there was a foul in the lead up to Valencia’s equaliser and they have been upset by many referee decisions this season. But that won’t help them now and they need to prepare to fight back in the Segunda Division next term.
Rodrygo’s time to shine
Without the injured duo of Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior it was the turn of 22 year old Brazil star Rodrygo to take the limelight for Real Madrid as he scored a well taken brace in a 2-1 win over in-form Sevilla. Last week Real Madrid visited Valencia and slumped to a 1-0 defeat and they recovered to beat Rayo Vallecano in midweek; but they made a very slow start at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuain Stadium when Rafa Mir followed up a blocked shot to fire the hosts in front, with just three minutes on the clock.
Los Blancos were level on the half hour when Rodrygo lined up a free kick and swept it low into the bottom right corner, giving Sevilla keeper Bono no chance. His second goal, and Real Madrid’s winner, came with 20 minutes to go as the visitors broke at speed, Toni Kroos fed Rodrygo and he was clinical again, once again finding the bottom right corner. Any thoughts of a Sevilla fight back went out of the window when Marcos Acuna felled Dani Ceballos and the referee brandished a red card, and Kroos was close to adding a third for Los Blancos as the clock ticked down.
The pre-season La Liga 2023 betting odds pitched Los Blancos as favourites to win the title, but a drift in form as Barca clicked through the gears saw the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s challenge to Xavi.
Sevilla’s recent form has been mightily impressive. They have coasted to safety following a poor first half of the campaign but this defeat left then in tenth place and they need to beat Roma in the Europa League final on Wednesday to avoid missing out on European football for the first time since 2013.
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So much has been written about the stars, the surprises and the setbacks.
So much has been written about the financial levers one club used to return to the top domestically and the staying power of another whose campaign – despite featuring three trophy successes – may not even be sufficient to keep their manager in post.
Despite the dominance of the usual duopoly, a number of players from other clubs also feature on the radar in my team of the season for they have created La Liga 2023 highlights consistently.
How does your XI compare?
Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid
He was one of the best performers in the Premier League during his time at Chelsea and remains one of Europe’s best custodians in Madrid.
Kounde is a player who slotted seamlessly into the back line at Barca following his move from Sevilla last summer.
In Catalonia, the central defender has been used more often at right back, at times to his frustration. Across the backline, though, he has played a part in their successful title campaign.
Eder Militao – Real Madrid
It has been suggested the Brazilian’s form has dipped in recent weeks. If that is the case, perhaps it’s understandable given they have had little to play for other than the runners-up spot.
That he has been a regular for Carlo Ancelotti, and that no Real defender has started more games this term, tells you it all, though.
Fran Garcia – Rayo Vallecano
This player will be a teammate of Militao next season. They have announced their first signing of the window with the left-back re-joining the capital giants from Rayo Vallecano three years after departing.
He has been a consistent and reliable figure for the mid-table Basque club.
Brais Mendez – Real Sociedad
Another Basque club, another inclusion. Mendez has helped pull the stings for Sociedad this season who have now qualified for the Champions League for the first time in a decade.
He could easily have been joined by another couple of teammates in my team of the season.
Aleix García – Girona
Their Euro dreams may have been damaged during the final month of the campaign but their midfield magician did as much as anyone to get them into that lofty position.
Girona have picked up some notably excellent results, including a sensational 4-2 victory over Real Madrid, as well as goalless draw at the Nou Camp.
Let’s not forget, this season was only their third in the top division of Spanish football in their entire history, and it’s been a real success.
They are not safe from relegation, at least not yet, but they may have been down and out but for a player who has enjoyed a breakthrough season for his boyhood club.
Rumours suggest he may be about to leave La Liga for the English Premier League and Newcastle United. If he does depart, Celta Vigo fans will appreciate his impact, which include nine league goals and four assists.
His performances have caught the attention of clubs across Europe with many recognising his potential as a top quality attacking midfielder. Veiga’s journey from Celta’s academy to a first-team breakthrough showcases his determination and improvement.
Antoine Griezmann – Atletico Madrid
This Frenchman would have escaped my attention until I looked at his statistics.
I must admit I thought his best days were behind him but, under his old mentor Diego Simeone, he has once again found his feet.
Griezmann’s 13 league goals and 14 assists are why Atletico Madrid sit comfortably in third place and yet another season in the Champions League awaits – more impressive when you remember that he began the season on the bench thanks to Atletico’s row with Barca over the terms of a permanent transfer.
Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona
La Liga’s leading marksman and someone who would have been in the top two if SBOTOP La Liga 2023 betting odds existed for likely top scorers.
Having already netted 23 goals with a game remaining, the Poland captain appeared in 32 Spanish top-flight games and was also responsible for seven assists.
At the age of 35, a final big payday would make economic sense for someone who has nothing to prove football wise. Still a prolific talent and second in the La Liga scoring charts this term.
The 22 year-old Brazilian has tormented many teams this season.
In the Champions League alone, he bowed out with seven goals and five assists. Although Real Madrid went out in the final four. Vinicius will remain the third-joint top scorer in the competition this term. His domestic performances have been topnotch too with 10 goals and 10 assists.
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La Liga: Bilbao at the Bernabeu but will it be a Last Hurrah for Real Greats?
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao
While there’s a chance there is hope.
That is the reality facing Athletic Bilbao as they prepare to travel to the Bernabeu at the conclusion of La Liga on Sunday.
The maths are simple; the task far from it.
Talking Points
Win or draw and the Basque outfit could qualify for Europe next season and seal the seventh and final spot available to Spanish clubs via the league standings.
Lose and there will be no Europa Conference League combat for them next term, which would be a shame in the year the club is marking its 125th anniversary.
Athletic Bilbao take on Real Madrid in their final game this season hoping to move up the La Liga standings
Even if they do win, however, victory may not be enough given Osasuna will stay in front of them if they see off Girona at home – opponents who themselves have a chance of finishing seventh as only a point separates the three clubs.
Bilbao, who have long had an unwritten rule where the club will only sign players who were born in the Basque Country, may well feel aggrieved given they have a better goal difference than Osasuna but, as the table is based on head-to-head encounters, fate is not in their own hands.
What’s more, they are facing a Real Madrid side which will want to finish the campaign on a high and claim the runners-up berth from their city rivals Atletico.
Dani Carvajal will be back from suspension and, while Karim Benzema and Mariano Diaz are still doubts with muscle problems, Real will want to put on a show if it turns out to be the Frenchman’s swansong.
The prolific marksman, reportedly close to joining Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad on a two-year deal when his contract expires this month, certainly has had the scoring knack against Bilbao over the years.
If he does leave the Spanish capital, the wily Italian will be a very hard act to replace as one of the best managers in history, let alone of his generation.
They call this El Viejo Clasico which, translated, basically means the ‘other classic’, the name given to any football encounter between Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid.
Surely that means La Liga highlights will follow this Sunday teatime?
Madrid recovered well, of course, and went onto clinch a La Liga and Champions League double.
When they met earlier this season at San Mames, goals from Benzema and Toni Kroos helped Real Madrid run out 2-0 winners.
Much has changed over the last half century or so.
The Basques and Real met in nine Cup finals between 1903 and 1958 with Bilbao triumphing in six of those matches.
Madrid have dominated generally in modern times but Bilbao have actually got the better of their illustrious counterparts on occasions.
Cast your mind back to the 2021 Spanish Super Cup and a Bilbao victory in the semi-final over Real through two Raul Garcia goals which sealed victory before they went onto lift the trophy.
Real Madrid are very rarely anything but favourites when it comes to home advantage and this is no different with the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds this weekend.
So how about Los Blancos 1X2 @ 2.00 or Asian Handicap – 0.75 @ 2.28.
Bilbao are not ruled out completely, mind, priced 1X2 @ 3.35, Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.17 and with the 1X2 Draw @ 3.30.
Another 2-0 Real success, just like earlier this term, is on offer @ 10.50 with Correct Score.
With it being the final day of the season, there may be an element of kamikaze football and a fair few goals. The offers include over 3.00 goals @ 2.14, Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.99 and 4-6 @ 2.91.
I am backing Real to win and my *** tip is Asian Handicap – 0.75 @ 2.28.
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Diego Simeone brings his Atletico Madrid to Castellon on Sunday to take on Villarreal in their last game of the 2022/23 La Liga campaign.
This game between Villarreal and Atletico Madridlooks like a tasty fixture at the best of times. If it weren’t on Matchday 38, there would undoubtedly be plenty riding on it.
But the title race is run and both Los Rojiblancos and the Yellow Submarine have their European places confirmed, so all that remains is to ensure your team doesn’t fizzle out.
And for Simeone’s men, they can still become Kings of Madrid by taking second place away from Los Blancos. Atleti beat Real Sociedad 2-1 last week to stay one point behind Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid, who are at home to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
Quique Setien’s Villarreal have confirmed their fifth place finish, and they lost their last game 2-1 away to Rayo Vallecano, but they will want to put on a show for their fans in a party atmosphere at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
Talking Points
Jackson on fire for Villarreal
The pre-match La Liga 2023 betting oddsmake this a tight game with all three results in play. But with little other than a winning finish to play for, can the hosts maintain their level of intensity?
One player who won’t have any problem getting up for this game is Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson, who has just won the La Liga’s Player of the Month Award for May after he scored five goals and made two assists in five games to fire Villarreal to European football, and that takes him up to 11 for the campaign.
Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson kneels down as he celebrates scoring their second goal against Athletic Bilbao
Jackson struggled in the first half of the season and was close to signing for Premier League side Bournemouth in January, but after shaking off a niggling hamstring injury, he has roared back in the second half of the campaign and he scored both goals as Villarreal beat Cadiz 2-0 in their last game at home.
Make no mistake, this is a team which has finished comfortably in fifth place in one of the top leagues in the world, and Villarreal have plenty of players who can hurt the opposition.
Yeremy Pino is one of the best young players in Spain while Dani Parejo, at 34 and at the other end of his career, is still a class act in midfield.
And keep an eye on Giovanni Lo Celso, on loan from Spurs. The Argentine has enjoyed his time at Villarreal as an attacking midfielder, and he may well be on show in the Spanish league again next season.
What a return for Griezmann
Atletico Madrid have a real chance of bettering their third place finish from last term with a little help from Athletic Bilbao, and the big story of Los Rojiblancos’ campaign has been the return of prodigal son Antoine Griezmann.
After becoming a talisman at the Metropolitano, he broke Atleti hearts when he switched to Barcelona for a €120 million fee in 2019. But in a period of transition at his new club, the France star never really settled in Catalonia, and he returned at the start of last season to his spiritual home on a one-year loan.
At the start of this campaign, his appearances were limited to 30 minutes a game as Atleti didn’t want to pay Barca the asking price for a full transfer, but a deal was struck in October and, when he was a Roijiblanco once more, Griezmann began to show his best form again.
In other Madrid news, another Atleti star is not so settled. Joao Felix, who has spent the last four months on loan at Chelsea, must wonder if he made the right decision, though a move to Newcastle or maybe even Barcelona may be on the cards for the young Portuguese star.
There is no way Atleti fans would swap Griezmann for Felix now.
The Yellow Submarine has just about had the better of the head-to-heads with 16 wins to 14 in all meetings over the past 25 years, and Villarreal won 2-0 at the Civitas Metropolitano earlier this season thanks to goals from Pino and Gerard Moreno.
With identical La Liga 2023 results over the past six games at four wins, one draw and one defeat each, these are two teams in good form and with players who want to finish on a high.
With Villarreal at a price of 2.55 and Atleti at 2.33, there isn’t a lot to choose between these two teams. And I think they may well cancel each other out, which means a fifth versus third match may well finish exactly the same.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH:
= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
= €10 (CONFIDENT)
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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Summertime is here folks, and so with it comes the annual “will he won’t he?” saga that accompanies Harry Kane after another trophy-less season at Tottenham.
The England captain has been with Spurs since 2009 – man and boy – and after a series of successful loans, he made himself the clubs’ talisman from 2014 onwards.
Kane has been the Premier League top scorer on three occasions and won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup. But he has still never won a team trophy and, as he reaches his 30th birthday during the close season, time is running out.
A move to Manchester City is no longer on since the arrival at the Etihad of Erling Haaland, and now there are reports circulating that Kane could be bound for La Liga with Real Madrid the only likely destination.
The shock news that Los Blancos top scorer Karim Benzema is considering a move to Saudi Arabia has left boss Carlo Ancelotti prospecting for a replacement for the prolific Frenchman. Benzema has refused to confirm that he is leaving, but it looks likely and, with 30 Premier League goals in his tally this season, Kane would be an impressive replacement.
The Spanish press reports that Kane has said he would love to play for Real Madrid so fans are asking whether the England man will swap the white of Tottenham for the white of Madrid.
Benzema has had another great campaign, and he is in SBOTOP’s La Liga Team of the Year, but Los Blancos’ will need to move quickly if he does hit foot it off to Saudi.
Another England star who does seem to be ending closer to the Santiago Bernabeu is Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham with a £87 million deal apparently on the table.
And while Real Madrid need reinforcements in other areas, the La Liga 2023 betting odds for the new campaign may well take a turn towards the Bernabeu if these two England stars join Los Blancos.
Messi move in doubt
One of the biggest La Liga 2023 news stories currently circulating is the romantic notion that Lionel Messi could return to Barcelona to see out his career, and the Catalans would simply love to see Leo back at the Camp Nou.
Paris St Germain’s Lionel Messi during the warm up before their match against RC Strasbourg
But the move may be hitting a hitch as the Blaugrana are struggling to move Ansu Fati on, and they need that to happen for Messi to be reunited with his old mates.
Barcelona have tried to persuade Fati to move to Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the player is refusing to go even though his agent Jorge Mendes is trying to smooth the deal through.
The young Spain star took Messi’s Number 10 shirt when he went to PSG, but after an exciting start to his career, Fati has failed to kick on this season because of his fitness struggles, and head coach Xavi would be happy to see him make room in the squad.
Who will replace Busquets?
While that situation remains unresolved, another Barcelona legend is heading for pastures new as Sergio Busquets has said goodbye to Barcelona after 18 years at the Camp Nou, and the Spain star is in talks to join the Saudi Arabia league. And Xavi is on the lookout for a replacement in the center of midfield.
Reports are circulating that Barca have been watching the progress of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, but another player who has been highlighted is Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich, who would be a superb replacement for Busquets.
Kimmich has just helped Bayern Munich to another Bundesliga title and, at the age of 28, he is widely thought to be one of the best midfielders in the world. He is extremely versatile, playing in the centre of midfield or in a deeper lying role often preferred by Busquets.
Bayern are not keen to lose their man and the player has not yet made undertones, but there will be more activity in Munich this summer which may ease a move for Kimmich.
The Bavarians were a little lucky to win the 2023 title as Borussia Dortmund choked on the last day of the campaign, and they have missed the goals of Robert Lewandowski, while Sadio Mane has had a poor season by his high standards.
If head coach Thomas Tuchel makes a big scoring striker his priority, that could be an expensive move, and he may want to bring some funds in elsewhere.
Barcelona are watching the situation closely and will be keen to replace Busquets early in the transfer window if possible. It opens for business on 1st July, but there will be plenty of negotiations going on over the next four weeks.
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Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Real Sociedad finished in the Top 4 in La Liga for good reason. Even though their players, who compete in every game, receive the most praise, the men on the sidelines deserve our respect as well.
The Blaugrana did the right thing by trusting Xavi with the process, as he has guided them to winning La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup this season. Los Blancos, meanwhile, won three trophies with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm.
And then there’s Imanol Alguacil, who has done a masterful job of bringing Real Sociedad back to the Champions League next season, which is quite impressive.
Without further ado, join the SBOTOP team as we give these top managers credit where it’s due.
Xavi, Barcelona
When Xavi came back to Camp Nou two years ago, he inherited a squad that was broken inside and out, from their financial problems to the holes in their roster.
And while he has yet to turn his team into the juggernauts that they were in the past when he was still playing for them, winning the top prize in Spain is a huge step in the right direction.
The addition of Robert Lewandowski proved to be a masterstroke for Xavi, as he won the Golden Boot award in his debut season. The €50 million transfer fee that they paid to get Lewy was worth every penny, as the Pole recorded 22 goals and six assists in the league.
Keeping Frenkie de Jong also proved to be the right move for Xavi, as the Dutchman had a superb campaign. Despite the departure of Sergio Busquets, Barcelona fans can sleep well at night knowing that Frenkie de Jong is going to take over in midfield.
Besides Lewy and de Jong, Xavi has done a great job of incorporating their youngsters into the fold this season, namely Ferran Torres, Pedri, Gavi, Ousmane Dembele, Jules Kounde, and Ronald Araujo.
These youngsters should only continue to get better under Xavi, making them the favourites to win it all again next season, according to the La Liga 2023 odds.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti coaches from the sideline during their La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao
Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that he will stay at the Bernabeu next season after being repeatedly linked to the Brazilian national team head coaching job for most of the year.
His first season back at Real Madrid in 2021-22 ended with La Liga and Champions League trophies, but this season was more difficult, as they couldn’t challenge Barcelona for the La Liga title and they were unceremoniously dumped out by Manchester City in the Champions League.
But even without those trophies, the 2022-23 campaign is still considered a success for Ancelotti, as they managed to win the Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
Ancelotti is facing a huge challenge in trying to refresh his squad with younger legs, especially with the likes of Luka Modric (37), Toni Kroos (33), Eden Hazard (32), and Karim Benzema (35) all approaching the twilight of their football careers.
Benzema, their top scorer this season, shocked everyone when he recently confirmed the La Liga 2023 news of his big-money move to Saudi Pro League champions, Al-Ittihad. Eden Hazard, who didn’t get to play much under Ancelotti, is also set to leave the Bernabeu after terminating his contract.
Modric and Kroos, meanwhile, are expected to stay. The good news for Real Madrid is that they have the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni to turn to, and help is on the way as they’re already negotiating terms with Jude Bellingham.
Despite losing star striker Alexander Isak to Newcastle United and being without captain Mikel Oyarzabal through injury, La Real have been one of the most consistent La Liga sides all season because many players have stepped up.
Alexander Sorloth became their top scorer with 14 goals, while Brais Mendez has 10 goals and five assists. Takefusa Kubo, a former Real Madrid squad player, is also enjoying life at La Real with nine goals and six assists.
David Silva and Mikel Merino are two of the team’s most creative outlets this season, with 15 assists combined. At the same time, we’re also seeing the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Mohamed-Ali Cho come of age.
Prior to the season, Imanol Alguacil set out on a mission to bring Real Sociedad back to the Champions League after a decade-long absence, and he has succeeded. In fact, being in the Top 4 feels like winning La Liga for them.
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Just as before a ball was kicked the main headline on the final day actually centred on events off the pitch as much as on it.
A few hours before kick-off at the Bernabeu between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, it was announced that a bona fide club legend was about to say farewell.
The news came 24 hours after it was also announced that Spanish international Marco Asensio has agreed a deal to join Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain – also on a free transfer following nine years with the club – so Madrid wished to give the duo a fitting send-off.
He joins Eden Hazard and Mariano Diaz (both unused substitutes) in the departures lounge.
Ultimately, Real gave Benzema the perfect send-off or, rather, their number nine gave himself the ideal send-off, slotting home a second half penalty (his 354th goal for the club) after Eder Militao was fouled in the box.
Oihan Sancet had earlier fired the visitors in front from close range, this after Thibaut Courtois kept out his initial effort.
The Belgium goalkeeper also saved a first-half penalty from Mikel Vesga following a Toni Kroos handball.
That point ensured Real held onto second spot in the table as city rivals Atletico conceded a stoppage time equaliser against Villarreal.
Diego Simeone’s men were leading 2-1 at the Estadi de la Ceramica and due to pip Real to the runners-up spot, thanks to Angel Correa’s double.
Yet Jorge Pascual’s 92nd minute equaliser pushed Atletico, who had played the final quarter with 10 men following Axel Witsel’s dismissal, meant the contest ended 2-2.
Elsewhere, the focus was on the fight for seventh place and the final European spot, along with the bid to beat the drop.
The former was the first to be determined as Osasuna secured the final La Liga European qualifying spot.
Osasuna players during their Copa del Rey match against Real Madrid
Jagoba Arrasate’s side missed out on a place in the Europa League, after losing to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, but there was to be a last gasp reprieve.
Seizing their chance at home to fellow European hopefuls Girona, the club from Paploma secured European football for the first time since 2006, courtesy of Ante Budimir’s quickfire second half double in a 2-1 victory.
Fast forward a few hours, and the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds went one way then the other as clubs were on tenterhooks to try and preserve their top flight status.
Valencia conceded a first minute goal at Real Betis to slip within one place of the drop zone, while Cadiz netted inside 10 minutes at rock bottom Elche to ease any anxiety they could be dragged into the scrap.
There was then a massive boost for Celta Vigo when they went in front against champions Barcelona through young talent Gabri Veiga.
That denied Marc-Andre Ter Stegen the chance to claim the outright La Liga season clean sheet record of 27 shutouts.
If that brought unadulterated joy for the Galicians, the same player doubled their advantage just after the hour with a superb long range effort, Celta were home n’ hosed and went onto record a 2-1 triumph.
Below them, the picture changed within a few minutes.
Just as already relegated Elche were equalising against Cadiz, Valencia were drawing level against Betis to give themselves a little bit of breathing space.
Two minutes later, Espanyol – also already down – took the lead against Almeria who then dropped below Real Valladolid into the bottom three.
Remember, this was down to their head-to-head meetings during the campaign, rather than goal difference.
Was Luka Koleosho going to relegate the south-eastern club or could they draw level or hope fellow battlers Getafe could take the lead at Valladolid.
Meanwhile, Valencia’s nerves weren’t helped when Yunus Musah was dismissed at Betis 10 minutes from time.
America got their moment three minutes from time when Adrian Embarba equalised from the penalty spot with his second goal of the game. Now Valladolid needed a goal at home to Getafe or would be back down after one season. They didn’t get it. Their recent yo-yo history continues.
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Lionel Messi just announced his decision to not come back to Catalunya, shutting down any possibility that he’ll play another La Liga game, much to the dismay of the majority of Barcelona’s ardent supporters.
He has been a hot topic since his camp announced that he will no longer stay at PSG beyond this season following an up-and-down campaign in Paris, and now he finds himself embarking on a new challenge.
Following this decision, Barcelona will have to focus on their other transfer targets, as Xavi indicated that they will continue to retool their team this summer.
Meanwhile in Madrid, Real just landed their newest Galactico, although they’re still searching for a new striker, while their city rivals, Atleti, are not expected to do much this offseason.
Check out the latest La Liga 2023 updates here at SBOTOP.
With or without Messi, Xavi knows for a fact that Barcelona still have a long way to go in order to become the world beaters that they once were when he was still playing for them.
He deserves his flowers for ending the Blaugrana’s four-year La Liga title drought, and the top management should continue to back him by fulfilling his wishlist this offseason.
Xavi has called on the club to reinforce their midfield to replace their captain, Sergio Busquets, who’s been linked with a move to join Messi at Inter Miami.
Barcelona already have the likes of Gavi, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong, but Xavi wants an additional playmaker who will improve their depth. This is the main reason why they’re eyeing the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Ruben Neves, and Joshua Kimmich.
Gundogan’s contract with Manchester City is due to expire this month, and no new deal has been agreed. He’s had many talismanic performances for the Sky Blues this campaign, including his brace against Manchester United most recently in the FA Cup final.
Barcelona are also taking a look at Gundogan’s Manchester City teammate, Bernardo Silva.
Neves is reportedly involved in a possible swap deal with Ansu Fati. Although Xavi isn’t a huge fan of the Portuguese, Neves can definitely carve out a role with the Blaugrana.
Kimmich, on the other hand, is reportedly becoming unsettled in Germany. It’ll be much harder to pry him away from the Allianz Arena, as he still has two years left on his contract and because of his high market valuation.
Real Madrid confirm new additions and striker interest
Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham celebrates after their Bundesliga match against Gladbach
Real Madrid had been longing for Bellingham since the start of this year with the intention of refreshing their midfield options because Toni Kroos (33) and Luka Modric (37) aren’t getting any younger, and Casemiro left for Manchester United this season.
And after months of speculation, Los Blancos finally got their wish of landing Bellingham, reportedly paying Borussia Dortmund €103 million with add-ons.
The 19-year-old English international no longer needs to be introduced at Real Madrid, as he’s already recognised as one of the best midfielders in the world today, and his arrival will certainly boost Los Blancos’ La Liga 2023 odds. He has played in 42 games for Borussia Dortmund this season, scoring 14 goals and notching seven assists.
Brahim Diaz, meanwhile, was given a two-year extension by Real Madrid following his successful loan spell at AC Milan. The 23-year-old forward was I Rossoneri’s third-leading scorer with seven goals, and he has registered eight assists.
Fran Garcia will be returning to Real Madrid three years after he left the club to play for Rayo Vallecano. Real Madrid only had to pay €5 million to trigger his buy-back clause.
Furthermore, Los Blancos are looking for a new No. 9 following the departure of Karim Benzema, and reports claim that they’re keeping tabs on Kai Havertz and Harry Kane.
Atletico Madrid preparing for “silent” window
Unlike Barcelona and Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid are planning to play it smart, as Diego Simeone admitted that they won’t be very active in the summer transfer window.
Atleti will welcome a raft of loanees back this offseason, such as Joao Felix from Chelsea and Matheus Cunha from Wolves, and it remains to be seen where they will be in Simeone’s pecking order next season.
Felix has been one of the bright spots for Chelsea in their miserable 2022-23 campaign, emerging as their third-leading scorer with four goals. In contrast, Cunha didn’t make much of an impact at Wolves.
Atletico Madrid’s most notable addition so far is Caglar Soyuncu, who will arrive on a free this summer following Leicester City’s relegation to the Championship.
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His £113.5m (including add-ons) switch from Borussia Dortmund will make Bellingham one of the biggest stars in the Spanish league, and he is already planning his move from Germany where he arrived as a 16 year old. He’s the perfect box to box midfielder and has shown for the Three Lions that he has a mature head on his young shoulders.
Strong in the tackle and with the ability to make driving runs, Bellingham is a real threat in attack and a strong presence in front of the back four, and he will slot into a midfield which is in desperate need of a youthful injection, for so long relying on the excellent Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, as well as Casemiro before his transfer to Manchester United. The only problem facing Bellingham is that his favourite number (22) has already been taken by Anton Rudiger and the former Chelsea centre-back is a big bloke!
In other La Liga 2023 news, Karim Benzema has played his last game for Los Blancos but head coach Carlo Ancelotti seems unlikely to bring in a marquee replacement according to the Spanish football press. Ancelotti himself has been linked with the Brazil national team head coach job but, for now, he is focussed on his task in Madrid, to put together a squad capable of winning the 2023/24 title. But speculation that either Kylian Mbappe or Harry Kane might move to the Santiago Bernabeu seems to be cooling as Brahim Diaz has retuned to the club, following his 2022 loan move to AC Milan; and Ancelotti has hinted he may make a bid for Espanyol’s veteran striker Joselu.
Real Madrid thought they would sign Mbappe last summer but the Frenchman made a U-turn and Los Blancos will wait for him to make the first move if, indeed, they remain interested.
The early La Liga 2023 betting odds rate Los Blancos as marginal favorites to wrestle the title back from Catalonia, with the Blaugrana hot on their heals. But champions Barcelona have already cut their wage bill to 530m Euros, from its figure of 656m last season, and they will continue to try to slash their wage bill to help them comply with financial fair play rules. The big reduction so far has been made following the departure of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba and now it seems Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet and Sergino Dest could be on their way out of the Camp Nou.
Barcelona coach Xavi during their celebration after winning the La Liga title
Centre-back Umtiti has been unlucky with injury in his time with Barcelona, suffering a serious knee problem, but he’s a high earner and the Blaugrana may be willing to let him go in a cut price move, with his former club Olympique Lyonnais close to agreeing a deal to take him back to Ligue 1. Umtiti’s France team-mate Clement Lenglet has been on loan at Tottenham Hotspur where few defenders can be proud of their campaign as Spurs shipped 63 goals in 38 games. Barca are looking for a fee of around £10m for Lenglet and a similar amount for wing back Sergino Dest, who had a decent world cup with USA but hardly appeared during his loan season at AC Milan.
Last week my SBOTOP colleague reported that Blaugrana legend Lionel Messi will not be returning to the Camp Nou, instead heading for the USA and, while that’s disappointing news for Barca fans, it will make balancing the books a little easier. The club might resort to using the strategy employed last summer when signing defender Jules Kounde from Sevilla. The France star was not registered to play in the first two games of the campaign, and appeared in the third match of the season. Barca might use that tactic again and they will also be shopping wisely; recent reports suggest head coach Xavi is set to make an offer for Feyenoord’s highly rated 22 year old right back Lutsharel Geertruida. He is already a Dutch international and has starred for Feyenoord in domestic and European competition over the past two days.
Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez will arrive on a free transfer while Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye is set to sign for a 5m Euros fee from the Croatian league.
Barca are shopping carefully but I’d back Xavi to make it work.
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Surely the young midfielder already was – after all, he managed 49 appearances in all competitions, including 30 starts last term, chipping in with three goals and seven assists along the way.
And surely the talented young midfielder had agreed a long-term contract extension some time ago?
Well yes, but the financial problems at the Catalan club actually meant the deal could not be registered – until now!
With his youth contract due to expire this summer, Gavi agreed a long-term extension with Barcelona last September but his deal could not be made official due to the club’s financial concerns, which saw them banned from increasing their salary without first reducing it.
That is exactly what it did and the prestige of a first league title in four years will now see an increase in profile and sponsorship opportunities, as well as an extra €8.93 million in TV money.
Meanwhile, the club will once again be a top seed in the Champions League next season, which will affect its TV share, earning 40%, an extra 10% more than the league runners-up.
So, matters look a little healthier and this week’s news will be welcomed by manager Xavi Hernandez who relied heavily on the 18 year-old in the recently ended campaign. That Gavi now has a contract which runs until the summer of 2026, and reportedly contains a release clause of a staggering €1 billion, is one piece of good news.
The bigger picture remains, however, and while the departures of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba will undoubtedly help lower the wage bill this summer, a handful of others may have to be sold given there is still a reported €200 million gap between the club and the permitted salary limit.
Of course, they will wish to strengthen and two men they are being linked with are midfield aces Ilkay Gundogan and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.
Manchester City captain Gundogan has reportedly given the green light to move to Catalonia if finances allow. That possibility was given a helping hand when it was revealed today that City have agreed a deal with Chelsea to sign a potential replacement in Mateo Kovacic.
Xavi has identified the pivot position as the utmost priority after long-serving stalwart Busquets announced his departure.
There is a suggestion a team-mate of Gundogan could join him in Spain with Barca supposedly well placed to sign Joao Cancelo.
Efforts were made to sign him on loan in the winter but the move fell through as Cancelo ended up joining Bayern Munich.
With the Bavarians opting against triggering the €70 million purchase option on him, the right-back is back at Man City, where he has no future following the falling out with manager Pep Guardiola.
Just like at Barca, there’s rarely a quiet summer at Real Madrid who have already brought in Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund and, interestingly, Joselu on loan.
Al-Ittihad new signing Karim Benzema waves to fans during his presentation
He found the net 16 times in La Liga for Espanyol last season and is actually no stranger to the Spanish capital.
Between 2010 and 2012, Joselu netted 40 goals in 73 outings for their B team and also made two appearances for Jose Mourinho’s first team during that time, scoring during an 8-1 win against Almeria.
One suspects a major deal for a striker though is still yet to come.
What happens in that regard could determine who the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds make favourites for next season.
Elsewhere, one club may struggle to keep hold of its top young talent.
Celta Vigo starlet Gabri Veiga appears as if he will be on the move with club president Carlos Mourino declaring as much in April. Since then, he has been one of the most courted names in the transfer market.
Chelsea have been repeatedly associated to the €40m-rated midfielder, although he has also been linked with a number of English Premier League clubs.
One club not hanging around after securing survival a few weeks ago is Getafe.
They have made their second signing of the summer, exercising a buy option on Portu. The versatile wide player joins permanently from Real Sociedad after spending last season on loan in Madrid. This comes after Omar Alderete’s move from Hertha Berlin was also made permanent.
Portu will sign a three-year deal with Los Azulones, where he made 37 appearances last term, helping to keep them up on a dramatic final day.
The flags and goal nets have barely been put away on the 2022-23 campaign but La Liga is already looking ahead.
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Yet such is the congested calendar in modern football right now, that no sooner has one term ended, it’s not too long until you start to look ahead to the next tranche of La Liga highlights.
That has become more real now we know the schedule for 2023-24.
For many neutrals, the first job in scanning the fixture list will be to see when the latest instalments of El Clasico take place.
Barcelona and Real Madrid actually met five times last season.
Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema celebrates scoring against Barcelona during a La Liga match on October 16, 2022
They gained one win apiece in the league, one win apiece in the Copa del Rey (although Real won 4-1 on aggregate), while Barca saw off their deadliest rivals in the Final of the Spanish Super Cup.
Barcelona retained the title, Madrid won the Copa and now they’ll go all out again, although I suspect the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds will fluctuate a fair few times between now and next season depending on the incomings and outgoings.
For those keen to know, the pair will first meet on the last weekend of October at the Camp Nou with the return scheduled for the Bernabeu on April 21, 2024.
Both sides will start away from home in the league next season as they try to finish work on the Estadi Lluis Companys and the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu respectively. The first weekend is scheduled for August 12-13.
Real will then finish out at home to Real Betis in late May next year, with Barca due to take on Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. However, let’s not jump the gun.
With the fixtures now released, we also know the potential key dates for other fixtures.
Atletico Madrid take on their city rivals at the Metropolitano on Matchday 6, the weekend of September 24, and Los Rojiblancos make the opposite trip on February 6 on Matchday 23.
The Basque derby is underway relatively earlier, featuring on Matchday 8 on October 1 at the Reale Arena. The Nuevo San Mames edition occurs on January 13, which is Matchday 20.
At the other end of the country, the Seville derby first gets underway on November 12 with the return fixture at the Benito Villamarin, on April 28.
Of course, some of these fixtures could move a day or two either way as the season progresses.
Watch this space for more – a few big ones are still to come.
As for the Bernabeu works, it’s hard to think the entire stadium had been dismantled less than a fortnight after the final contest of 2022-23.
At times, more than 700 workers are on site both inside and outside the stadium.
A retractable turf system continues to be installed and tested to ensure the hallowed turf looks perfect all year round.
In addition, all the seats are being removed to install the new and definitive ones.
Fans will notice a big change when they return to the stadium in September as the colour of the seats will have changed for the first time in more than 30 years.
They will be navy blue, much darker than the ones they had until now. The colour of the aisles will also change: from orange to grey, while the south end stands are starting to be rebuilt.
Work is also being carried out on the installation of the new 360 video scoreboard – an engineering feat with LED going around the entire ring of the amphitheatre.
It’s all changed in La Liga, yet some things always remain the same – the clamour for the next set of fixtures!
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On top of that conviction, it has also been alleged that Dominguez has breached the restraining order his ex-girlfriend had put in place. The Las Palmas youngster has denied these claims.
Whatever the right or wrongs with the club’s decision – and there will never be common agreement – hopefully the focus can be on the football going forward.
On the playing side, and on a far more positive note, there has been a suggestion that Kevin-Prince Boateng could return to the side from the Canary Island.
The 36 year-old has fond memories of his time at the club during the 2016/17 season and has an excellent relationship with Ramirez so may be a welcome, experienced addition as they bid to cement their top flight status.
And what of Granada who gained promotion at the first attempt, beating Leganés 2-0 on the final day of the season to win the second tier by three points.
They have also been linked with well known names who can offer experience.
Ahead of their top-flight return, it’s been reported the Andalucians have contacted the representatives of former Barcelona defender, Yerry Mina, recently released by English Premier League club Everton.
Yerry Mina in action playing for Everton during their match against Wolverhampton Wanderers
The 28 year-old is attracting interest from clubs across Europe and Granada will be looking to put together a strong package for the towering centre back.
Despite struggling with injuries during his time in England, the Colombian has a reputation as an effective enforcer, if he can stay fit.
They will also now be signing Shon Weissman.
He joined on loan in January from now relegated Real Valladolid and, Granada’s promotion, means a €4 million obligatory buy clause has been automatically activated.
Another club bidding to create La Liga highlights next season are Alaves, who are also back at the first time of asking after a last-gasp victory in the play-off final against Levante.
They spent six years in La Liga until last summer and perhaps the footballing Gods are with them the way in which they gained promotion.
With the first leg finishing goalless, it was a winner-takes-all affair in Valencia, although if that second leg was drawn after 120 minutes, Levante would be promoted by way of finishing higher in the Segunda Division.
It remained 0-0 after 90 minutes, which meant extra time was required. It stayed that way until late in stoppage time, when Alaves were awarded a contentious penalty for handball.
Levante were seconds away from promotion, but it was snatched away when Asier Villalibre, on loan from Athletic Bilbao, dispatched the penalty in the 129th minute to send Alaves back up.
Now that is drama!
The SBOTOP La Liga betting odds show all three promoted clubs are joint favourites for the drop next season, along with Cadiz and Almeria who were not safe until the final day.
Nothing will give the new boys greater satisfaction than to prove the doubters wrong.
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Summer’s here and the time is right for the football transfer rumour mill to spin into action, and this year is no exception.
In England, Spurs striker Harry Kane is the annual “will he won’t he?” story as the England captain ponders whether he should leave his boyhood club in search of silverware. This season, he has been linked with Manchester United, FC Bayern, and Real Madrid, and it looks like the Tottenham man may finally leave.
And then there’s Kylian Mbappe. The France megastar and all-time PSG top scorer was within a whisker of moving to La Liga giants Real Madrid last year, and now the question has arisen again.
Mbappe said recently that he would not extend his contract at the Parc des Princes, and that has sent the money men into overdrive in France and over the border in Spain. The French champions will not be happy to see the jewel in their crown disappear with no cash coming in, and so a move over the next few weeks is looking more likely.
Outlets in the La Liga 2023 news have reported that Mbappe has already made an agreement with Real Madrid for 2024, but surely PSG would rather move their star on this year.
Los Blancos may have competition elsewhere in Europe with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp a huge admirer of Mbappe, but the France star grew up a Real Madrid fan, so the Bernabeu appears to be the most likely destination, though rumours suggest the asking price may be as much as €300 million.
This story will continue to gather pace and, here at SBOTOP, we’ll keep you posted as and when the big news arrives.
New contract offer for Dembele
The La Liga 2023 betting odds predict a Real Madrid and Barcelona shootout again next season and, across the El Clasico divide, Barcelona are attempting to trim their squad as well as finding the right blend which will help them to retain their title that they won so impressively last season.
While the likes of forwards Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres may be off the pastures new, Barca head coach Xavi is keen to keep winger Ousmane Dembele at the club. The France star’s return from injury coincided with Barca’s impressive end to the season and striker Robert Lewandowski thrived when Dembele was on the pitch.
The 26-year-old’s contract runs out at the end of the 2023/24 campaign and he has a €50 million release clause in his current deal, so the Barca board is desperate to extend his contract to ward off any potential buyers.
According to the Catalonia media, Dembele is ready to meet the club to try to negotiate a deal as he is happy at Barcelona and enjoys playing under Xavi. Negotiations between Dembele’s agent and the club have not always gone smoothly, so both parties will be keen to settle the situation quickly as an agreement now would certainly settle the Blaugrana’s front line.
Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele during their Champions League opener against Viktoria Plzen
Another area of concern for Xavi is his midfield following the departure of club legend Sergio Busquets, and the Barca fans will be delighted to welcome former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, who has left the Etihad following his contract expiry.
Gundogan leaves the Sky Blues on the back of their best ever season, completing the treble with a Champions League victory over Inter Milan.
The midfield ace was in talks with Manchester City last week but has decided to move on, and that is excellent news for the Camp Nou faithful.
Barca still need to make room in their squad, and the arrival of Gundogan has moved the exit of Franck Kessie a little closer. The Ivory Coast midfielder has said he was happy to stay at the Camp Nou to fight for his place, but he now seems open to a move if Xavi tells him his chances will be limited next season.
The former AC Milan star won’t have any problem finding a new club, and he has been targeted by Saudi Arabia side Al-Ahli. If the Middle East does turn out to be Kessie’s preferred destination, then that could mean the Catalans will get a higher price and they will hold out for a fee of €30 million or more.
Assuming Kessie exits, then Barca will be in the market for another middle man. However, having already expressed an interest in FC Bayern ace Joshua Kimmich and Inter Milan star Marcelo Brozovic, they are no closer to finding another big signing, but at least Gundogan is already in the building.
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After finishing third in the Premier League last season, there’s a sense of optimism at Old Trafford, but that will all go for naught if Manchester United do not improve their roster this summer.
Meanwhile, their biggest rivals, Manchester City, just keep getting better and better, even if they just won the treble last season, while teams such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle United are looking to boost their Premier League 2023 odds next season with moves of their own.
Learn more about the latest SBOTOP Premier League 2023 updates by continuing reading below.
United turn to other targets after talks reach impasse
Manchester United are looking to avoid the same mistake they made last summer when they waited too long to go to Plan B after Plan A failed.
Last year, the Red Devils went hard for Frenkie de Jong, who made it clear at the time that he wouldn’t leave for Barcelona. Talks dragged on, especially when Barcelona’s complicated financial situation was brought up, but Manchester United ultimately missed out on him.
This time, getting a top striker is their main priority, while they’re also looking at acquiring another centre-back, midfielder, and goalkeeper.
It’s unlikely that they’ll get Harry Kane now because of Daniel Levy’s stubbornness, while Chelsea are holding out on Mason Mount, and David de Gea has yet to sign a new deal.
Chelsea’s Mason Mount looks dejected after the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United’s third bid, worth £55 million, for Mount was rejected by Chelsea. Mount wants to move to Old Trafford, but the Red Devils may be forced to look elsewhere for now, with the likes of Adrien Rabiot and Moises Caicedo next on their list.
Randal Kolo Muani was offered to Manchester United, but they are unwilling to pay Eintracht Frankfurt’s asking price of at least £86 million. While they’re officially holding talks with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, they’re also looking at Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund.
Andre Onana is being eyed to become the team’s new No. 1, given that David de Gea has yet to sign a new contract. Onana had worked with Erik ten Hag before at Ajax, although he has been an enigma these past few years.
Because they adhere to the FFP rules (unlike certain teams, it seems), Manchester United are also trying to raise funds, and they’re reportedly willing to listen to offers for up to 13 of their current players, namely Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial, and Jadon Sancho.
City not resting on their laurels
Manchester City fans were sad to see Ilkay Gundogan go on a free transfer, but they’re still in great shape, given their progress so far this summer.
Declan Rice is expected to leave West Ham United this summer, but the Hammers have put a huge price tag on the midfielder. Arsenal were the first team to try and sign Rice, but West Ham United rejected the Gunners’ two bids.
The former West Ham United captain is seen as the perfect replacement for Gundogan, so they sent out a bid worth £80 million plus £10 million in add-ons.
Josko Gvardiol is also expected to leave the Bundesliga this summer. The towering Croatian burst onto the scene in the 2022 World Cup, and RB Leipzig want at least €100 million for him. Gvardiol has a release clause in excess of €110 million that can be triggered next summer.
The Sky Blues are looking to strengthen their defence, as they’re expected to sell Aymeric Laporte this summer. Chelsea are reportedly keeping tabs on the out-of-favour Manchester City centre-back.
The Manchester-based clubs are not the only ones making headlines, as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle United have done their bit as well.
Arsenal’s bid for Rice has been rejected, and it would be a huge blow for them if they lose him to Manchester City. But they’ve managed to bolster their frontline with the addition of Kai Havertz, and they’re in advanced talks with Jurrien Timber.
Chelsea, who sold Hakim Ziyech, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy to Saudi Pro League teams, have confirmed Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, and Kendry Paez as their newest signings.
But there remains uncertainty over a host of their players, such as Mason Mount, Trevoh Chalobah, Conor Gallagher, Cesar Azpilicueta, Christian Pulisic, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Romelu Lukaku.
And last but not least, Newcastle United signed Sandro Tonali on a £60 million deal, who’s coming off a solid campaign for AC Milan.
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Well, we may be about to find out over the next month whether or not his words ring true.
Certainly, whether this summer or not, Kylian Mbappe will soon be available and so the lure of the La Liga champions will be tested to the full.
Right now, though, Barca are settling on others such as the signing of Ilkay Gundogan, fresh from helping Manchester City to a silverware clean sweep.
Ilkay Gundogan in action playing for Manchester City
Inigo Martinez is expected to arrive from Athletic Bilbao, again on a free transfer, while among those also linked are Oriol Romeu (Girona), Iván Fresneda (Real Valladolid), Vitor Roque (Athletico Paranaense) and Arda Güler (Fenerbahçe), the latter two particularly strongly mooted and expected to join. But when, and at what cost?
Back to Laporta. the Blaugrana president made his comments while unveiling ‘Barca Vision’, a content platform where the club intends to group together all of its digital initiatives.
With such bold talk and such bold concepts, perhaps Barcelona will be able to sustain their quest for glory next term.
They have made a start with the departures of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba helping lower the wage bill.
Meanwhile, the prestige of the La Liga highlights which brought title success will bring a further an increase in profile and sponsorship opportunities, as well as an extra €8.93 million in TV money.
The club will once again be a top seed in the Champions League next season, which will affect its TV share, earning 40%, an extra 10% more than the league runners-up.
Laporta also believes the construction of the new Camp Nou will come in under budget.
Yet, despite all of this, a number of players may well need to be sold given there is a reported €200 million gap between the club and the permitted salary limit.
With Clement Lenglet (possibly set for a move to Spurs), Samuel Umtiti, Sergino Dest, Gustavo Maia and Alex Collado all still on the books, the club’s ability to recruit has potentially been slowed down.
Talented youngster Ansu Fati has been linked with a move away which could, potentially, free up some cash.
What follows over the next month may well determine how Barca fare next season and whether they can leapfrog arch rivals Real Madrid in the La Liga betting odds.
Remember, this is a club which is still paying former star Lionel Messi until 2025 (even though he left them two years ago) after the Catalans failed to offer him a new contract that would successfully allow them to navigate Financial Fair Play limits.
Cash-trapped and debt-ridden or ready to challenge yet again for major honours?
Actions speak louder than words so watch this space.
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It may only be early July but you could fill a newspaper a day with all the speculation linking players to La Liga – particularly as far as the big two are concerned.
For the rumours never cease when it comes to Barcelona and Real Madrid and I get the impression that is just how the Spanish clubs like it.
Both clubs have made their first moves fairly early this summer with the arrivals of Jude Bellingham (19) and Ilkay Gundogan (32) capturing the attention for very different reasons.
Of course, after a barren spell (by their standards) and financial worries, perhaps a quick fix was understandable.
And when you have two young talents such as Gavi and Pedri in your ranks, perhaps it makes sense to bring in seasoned, experienced talents to help their development.
Either way, the differing stage of both clubs’ development makes La Liga highlights and next season’s title race an intriguing prospect.
He found the net 16 times in La Liga for Espanyol last season and is actually no stranger to the Spanish capital.
Between 2010 and 2012, Joselu netted 40 goals in 73 outings for their B team and also made two appearances for Jose Mourinho’s first team during that time, scoring during an 8-1 win against Almeria.
It also appears Real have pipped their arch rivals to a Turkish teenage sensation.
Arda Guler’s future has been the subject of intense speculation over the last few weeks, with the 18 year-old having recently been linked with several top clubs across European football.
Barca had seemed in pole position to sign him but he now seems poised to join their El Clasico rivals.
Guler’s club, Fenerbahce, are reportedly very angry about this decision. Their President, Ali Koc, would have preferred the Turkish international to join Barcelona, as it would have meant that he would have remained at the club for next season and then move to Spain next summer. This was because they believed he would not be registered by LaLiga now due to their financial issues.
Ultimately, though, it appears it is the Bernabeu where Guler will be heading and the deal could be completed very shortly after a fee was agreed with Fenerbahce on Wednesday.
Elsewhere across the city, it’s been a productive few days for Atletico Madrid.
After confirming Javi Galan as their first addition on Monday, they have since completed the signing of ex-Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu and have now followed that up with a deal for Cesar Azpilicueta.
Chelsea will allow their captain to leave for free as a gesture of gratitude. He will sign a one-year contract, with the option for a further year also included, boosting manager Diego Simeone in his search for defensive reinforcements.
Ilkay Gundogan is expected to play a key role in Barcelona set pieces next season
Of course, there remains a feeling there could yet be one big summer move which will turn the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds well and truly on their head.
I write this only hours after the president of Paris St German said Kylian Mbappé must sign a new contract if he wants to stay as the French champions will not let him leave for free next year.
Mbappé sent a letter to PSG last month stating he had no intention of extending his contract, which expires in 2024.
And on the day the club sacked Christophe Galtier and replaced him with the former Barcelona and Spain coach Luis Enrique, the message from the Parisians was clear.
PSG will surely now allow Mbappé to run down the final year of his contract and be unable to recoup any of the €180 million they spent in 2017 to sign him from AS Monaco.
Mbappé has finished as Ligue 1’s top scorer in the last five seasons.
Real, you sense, are waiting in the wings.
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