The derby in the capital between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid dominates the headlines in La Liga this weekend. FC Barcelona go away to Pamplona and Athletic Club host Sevilla FC elsewhere. Read on to see our La Liga Matchday 8 predictions.
La Liga Matchday 8 Predictions: All Eyes On Madrid As Fiery Derby Awaits
A Classic Encounter Awaits
So much narrative is currently surrounding the build-up to Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid. Atleti have reason to already be ticked off due to the prior scheduling that is giving Real Madrid a significantly longer rest before the game. There are also the forgiving decisions of officials in previous matches which could have seen Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Endrick all suspended, will be on their minds too.
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When there’s so much needle pre-match, a fiercely competitive game prevails. In the raucous Estadio Metropolitano, there will be crunching tackles, off-the-ball incidents and controversy that will be talked about long after the final whistle. However, in terms of football, we could see two midfields cancel each other out.
LWOF Prediction: Atlético Madrid 1-1 Real Madrid
Barcelona to Notch Up Eight Consecutive Wins
Eventually, Barca’s bubble will burst, but away to CA Osasuna is unlikely to be where it happens. Hansi Flick’s men will be without captain Marc-André ter Stegen following his season-ending injury, but should still have enough to get past the team from Navarra.
LWOF Prediction: CA Osasuna 0-3 FC Barcelona
Fourth-place favourites, Villarreal CF, host UD Las Palmas who sit rock-bottom of the La Liga table. There shouldn’t be too many problems for the home side in this all-yellow affair.
LWOF Prediction: Villarreal CF 2-1 Las Palmas
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In a battle between two of La Liga’s most historic clubs, Athletic Club will take on Sevilla FC in Bilbao on Sunday afternoon. The away side have, somewhat surprisingly, renewed manager Javier García Pimienta’s contract until 2027 despite starting this season in terrible fashion. Their recent resurgence may continue against the Basques.
LWOF Prediction: Athletic Club 1-1 Sevilla FC
Other Madrid Derby to Give Less Excitement
Just a few kilometres south on the M-40 motorway from where Atleti and Real will be putting on a Madrid derby spectacle, another game featuring two clubs from the capital will take place the day before. Rayo Vallecano, in their dilapidating stadium, will host CD Leganés in a fixture that they’ll be eyeing up to take three points from.
LWOF Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 2-1 CD Leganés
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Real Sociedad and Valencia CF won Copa del Rey trophies just a few years ago but now find themselves languishing dangerously above the relegation zone after their first seven games. A cagey affair could be expected, with the away side even snatching the win.
LWOF Prediction: Real Sociedad 0-1 Valencia CF
True La Liga fans will know that this season you must tune into all of RC Celta Vigo’s matches. They have scored the third-most amount of goals and conceded the second-most amount of goals meaning that they always deliver on an entertainment front. Their opponents, Girona FC, also know a thing or two about racking up a big scoreline in their games as well.
LWOF Prediction: RC Celta Vigo 3-2 Girona FC
Mallorca To Continue Impressive Start
RCD Mallorca have emerged as unlikely early contenders for a European spot under new manager Jagoba Arraste. They go away to strugglers Real Valladolid so will be expecting to claim their fourth win of the season.
LWOF Prediction: Real Valladolid 0-1 RCD Mallorca
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Real Betis will welcome RCD Espanyol to the Estadio Benito Villamarín with the hope of progressing up the table. However, it might be more tricky than expected against the so far unpredictable side from Catalunya.
LWOF Prediction: Real Betis 1-1 RCD Espanyol
It feels harsh to be leaving Getafe until the end once again, but with only three goals scored and six conceded, it’s fair to say there isn’t too much excitement currently being generated from José Bordalás’ side. Deportivo Alavés might struggle to score a lot of goals past them but will be expected to come away from south Madrid with all three points.
LWOF Prediction: Getafe CF 0-1 Deportivo Alavés
