Matchweek 18 of the 2025/26 LaLiga season takes place from January 2 to 4, starting the new year with a busy schedule where being in good form, staying focused, and recovering quickly can really make a difference. Observations from this match form part of the wider La Liga predictions, alongside analysis of other games from the same matchweek.
The round kicks off on Friday night with Rayo Vallecano facing Getafe, a tough match in the Madrid area that usually becomes a close, physical fight where set pieces and little mistakes can change the score.
Saturday is packed with exciting matchups. Celta Vigo will host Valencia in a game that can depend on the pace and control of the midfield, while Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao promises intensity and strong battles all over the field. Elche vs Villarreal is expected to be fast-paced with quick transitions, and the main event is Espanyol vs Barcelona—always emotional, full of pressure, and rarely easy to predict.
Sunday wraps up the matchweek with five matches in a row. Sevilla vs Levante could be a tough challenge if there are player rotations, then Real Madrid vs Betis follows with lots of attacking talent on both teams. Alavés vs Oviedo and Mallorca vs Girona seem like classic “momentum” games where the first goal is really important. The final match is Real Sociedad vs Atlético Madrid, a tactical battle that could significantly affect the standings at the top of the table.
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Rayo Vallecano vs Getafe
Rayo Vallecano is currently in 15th place with 18 points earned. After playing 17 matches, they have a record of 4 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses, with a goal difference of 13:20. This shows they have limited offensive ability and issues with consistency. Their form is shaky, having gone 7 matches without a win in the league, and they haven’t had any positive results to build confidence. Offensively, Rayo struggles to create clear chances and often fails to finish, while their defense can crack under pressure, especially against physically strong teams.
De Frutos and García are the most active in attack, but support from the midfield is limited. At home, they have only one win in 7 matches and a goal difference of 4:4, indicating a cautious style and few goals. Their style of play is aggressive, with high pressing, but they lack efficiency. In today’s match, they will also be without Pathe Ciss, who is part of the Senegal national team at AFCON.
Getafe is currently in 11th place with 20 points after playing 17 matches. They have achieved 6 wins, 2 draws, and a disappointing 9 losses, with a goal difference of 13:23, indicating significant fluctuations and defensive weaknesses. Their form is poor, having lost three of their last matches, which has affected their confidence. In the last 6 league games, they have suffered five losses and only managed one win. Offensively, Getafe creates very few chances and often relies on set pieces and individual efforts, while their defense can be vulnerable to quick counterattacks.
Mayoral is their main attacking threat, with Liso as an additional option, but they lack sufficient support. Away from home, they have three wins and 6 losses from 9 matches, with a goal difference of 6:16, highlighting their vulnerability on the road. Their style is direct and physical, focusing on duels. They have also lost their last three away matches.
Both teams are struggling with finishing and form, so a tight and tough match with few chances is expected. Rayo will press at home, while Getafe will try to take advantage of counterattacks.
X (Draw)
Predicted CS: 1:1
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Celta Vigo vs Valencia
Celta Vigo is currently in 7th place with 23 points. After playing 17 matches, they have achieved five wins, drawn eight times, and lost four, with a goal difference of 20:19. This shows they have a solid performance and a good balance in their gameplay. Their form is relatively good, with a few positive results in the recent matches, and they can earn points even when they are not dominating. Offensively, Celta has a good flow of the ball and knows how to create chances through positional attacks, but their finishing can be inconsistent. Defensively, they are disciplined, although not always reliable under pressure.
Iglesias and Aspas are key players in the attack, with Swedberg providing important support from the background. At home, they have five wins out of 9 matches and a goal difference of 12:9, which confirms their stability on their home ground. Their style of play is controlled, with patient buildup and moderate intensity.
Valencia is currently in 17th place with 16 points earned from 17 matches played. They have achieved three wins, seven draws, and seven losses, with a goal difference of 16:26, which clearly indicates serious defensive issues and a weak performance consistency. Their form is poor, with few victories and frequent losses against more organized teams. Offensively, Valencia relies on individual solutions and set pieces, but struggles to create chances from open play, while their defense often lags in positioning and allows too much space.
Duro is the main threat in attack, with Dani Gomez and Lopez as additional options. They have not won a single away game in 8 matches, recording three draws and five losses, with a goal difference of 5:18, highlighting their vulnerability away from home. Their style is reactive and cautious, focusing on defense.
Celta will have control through possession and better organization, while Valencia will try to defend deep and seek a point. The difference in stability and the home advantage favors the hosts.
1 (Celta Vigo to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:0
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Osasuna vs Ath Bilbao
Osasuna is currently in 12th place with 18 points earned. After playing 17 matches, they have a record of five wins, three draws, and nine losses, with a goal difference of 17:20. This shows that the team has clear ups and downs, but they can still be competitive, especially at home. Their form is solid, with a few wins in the last rounds and an improved performance compared to the previous period. Offensively, Osasuna plays directly and practically, focusing on set pieces, while their defense is physically strong but can struggle against technically better teams.
Budimir is the main attacking threat, with Garcia and Catena as important supporting players. At home, they have five wins out of eight matches and a goal difference of 14:8, which confirms their strength on home ground. Their style of play is combative and intense, with a high physical pace. In today’s match, they will additionally be without defender Boyomo, who is part of the Cameroon national team.
Ath Bilbao is currently in 8th place with 23 points after playing 18 matches. They have achieved 7 wins, 2 draws, and 9 losses, with a goal difference of 16:24, which shows some instability and defensive issues, especially when playing away. Their form has been inconsistent, with a mix of wins and losses in recent games, lacking a clear pattern. Offensively, Athletic relies on fast wing play and individual talent, but their finishing can be hit or miss, while their defense often leaves gaps behind the last line.
Williams is the most dangerous player in attack, with Berenguer and Navarro providing support. When playing away, they have only two wins in 8 matches and a goal difference of 6:13, highlighting their vulnerability as an away team. Their style is dynamic but often risky.
A high-intensity duel with a lot of physical battles is expected. Osasuna will try to take advantage of their home strength, while Athletic will look for space on the wings. Both teams are in similar form, so we expect a match where there won’t be more than two goals.
0-2 (Under 2.5)
Predicted CS: 0:1
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Elche vs Villarreal
Elche is currently in 9th place with 22 points. After playing 17 matches, they have a record of five wins, seven draws, and five losses, with a goal difference of 23:20, showing that they are a stable but not dominant team. Their form is solid, with a few wins and draws in the recent matches and a good consistency in results, especially against direct rivals. Offensively, Elche looks organized, with good pace and decent finishing, while their defense is compact and rarely allows many clear chances.
Mir and Silva are key players in the attack, with Rodriguez providing important support from the midfield. At home, they have five wins out of 9 matches and a goal difference of 16:5, indicating a strong performance in front of their fans. Their style of play is balanced, focusing on discipline and control.
Villarreal is currently in 4th place with 35 points after playing 16 matches. They have a record of 11 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses, with a goal difference of 31:15, which clearly shows they are a high-quality team with strong offensive power. Their form is really good, with several wins in a row and solid performances both at home and away. Offensively, Villarreal plays fast and with technical precision, featuring a lot of movement and diverse solutions, while their defense is stable and well-organized.
Moleiro and Buchanan are the main threats up front, with Moreno being a key scorer. On the road, they have 4 wins out of 7 matches and a goal difference of 11:9, showing they can be effective even away from home. Their style is proactive, with high possession and pressing.
In today’s match, they will additionally be without Akhomach and Gueye, who are part of AFCON, Buchanan will be absent due to accumulated yellow cards, and Renato Veiga is suspended due to a red card.
Elche will try to play patiently and compactly, but Villarreal has a clear advantage in quality and offensive variety. Control from the guests is expected, along with their gradual domination. However, due to forced rotations in the guest team, we can expect at least three goals in the match.
3+ (Over 2.5)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Espanyol vs Barcelona
Espanyol is currently in 5th place with 33 points. After playing 17 matches, they have a record of 10 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 22:17, showing a solid performance and good organization. Their form is excellent, with a series of victories in the recent matches and a high level of confidence, especially in their home games. Offensively, Espanyol plays in a disciplined and efficient manner, taking minimal risks, while their defense is compact and rarely allows easy breakthroughs from opponents.
Puado and Fernandez are key players in the attack, with Romero providing important support from the background. At home, they have achieved 6 wins out of 9 matches, with a goal difference of 13:10, confirming their strength at home. Their style of play is balanced, featuring good positioning and controlled transitions. In today’s match, they will additionally be without Pickel, who is participating in the African Cup of Nations.
Barcelona is in first place with 46 points after playing 18 matches, which is 4 points ahead of second place Real Madrid. They have achieved 15 wins, drawn once, and lost twice, with a goal difference of 51:20, clearly showing their dominance in the league. Their form is outstanding, with a series of victories and a high offensive intensity recently. Offensively, Barcelona is the strongest team in the league, with quick ball movement, depth in attack, and excellent finishing, while their defense is stable and well-organized.
Torres, Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal are the main attackers, constantly posing a threat from various positions. Away from home, they have 6 wins in 9 matches and a goal difference of 23:15, showing they are equally dangerous outside their home ground. Their style of play is dominant, with high possession and continuous pressure.
Espanyol will try to be compact and patient, but Barcelona has a clear advantage in quality and rhythm. The guests are expected to control the game and set the pace.
2 (Barcelona to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:3
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Sevilla vs Levante
Sevilla is currently in 10th place with 20 points earned. After playing 17 matches, they have a record of 6 wins, 2 draws, and 9 losses, with a goal difference of 24:26. This shows that the team has noticeable ups and downs and lacks consistent results. Their form is variable, with a few wins in the recent rounds, but also some disappointing losses, especially against better-organized opponents. Offensively, Sevilla has solid individual talent and knows how to create chances, but their finishing isn’t consistent, while the defense often makes mistakes during transitions.
Vargas and Adams are the most active in attack, with Romero as an additional option. At home, they have three wins out of 8 matches and a goal difference of 14:12, indicating moderate confidence without dominance. Their style of play is direct, with attempts to press and quick attacks. In today’s match, they will additionally be without forwards Adams and Ejuke, who are part of the Nigerian national team, and defender Marcao is suspended due to a red card.
Levante played a match on the 20th against a team that was ranked 10th. They had a tough game, with a score of 4-0 at halftime, and the final score was 17:29. The players worked hard, and they were really focused on winning. Levante’s performance was impressive, especially since they had a lot of support from their fans.
Etta Eyong and Romero were key players, while Alvarez also contributed to the team’s success. The match was intense, and they scored 9 goals in the first half, finishing with a score of 10:12. The team showed great teamwork and determination. Etta Eyong was a standout player, and Manu Sanchez also played a crucial role in the game.
Sevilla had a strong performance in their match, and they were determined to win against Levante. The game was exciting, and both teams gave it their all.
1 (Sevilla to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:0
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Real Madrid vs Betis
Real Madrid is currently in 2nd place with 42 points. After playing 18 matches, they have a record of 13 wins, three draws, and two losses, with a goal difference of 36:16, showing their high quality and consistency throughout the season. Their form is really good, with a series of wins in the league and only a few ups and downs, even though they faced some tough matches in the Champions League group stage. Offensively, Real Madrid is super effective, with quick transitions, width, and individual talent, while their defense is solid and well-balanced.
Mbappe is the top scorer, with Vinicius and Bellingham always posing a threat from the sidelines. At home, they have 7 wins out of 8 matches and a goal difference of 16:5, highlighting their dominance on home ground. Their style of play is offensive, with high intensity and control of the pace. In today’s match, they will also be without Brahim Diaz, who is part of the Moroccan national team.
Betis is currently in 6th place with 28 points after playing 17 matches. They have achieved 7 wins, 7 draws, and only lost three times, with a goal difference of 29:19. This shows they are a solid and well-organized team, but they struggle against the strongest teams. Their form is stable, with few losses, but many draws are slowing down their progress. Offensively, Betis has creativity and width, but their finishing varies, while their defense is disciplined but can be pressured by high-tempo teams.
Hernandez and Antony are the most dangerous in attack, with Fornals as the key playmaker. Away from home, they have two wins in 8 matches and a goal difference of 11:8, showing competitiveness but not dominance. Their style is balanced, trying to control the game and attack patiently. In today’s match, they will also be without Amrabat, Cedric Bakambu, and Ezzalzouli, who are participating in AFCON.
Real Madrid will dictate the game through possession and quick offensive solutions, while Betis will try to stay compact and respond with counterattacks. The quality and home advantage are clearly on Real’s side, so we expect them to secure three points.
1 (Real Madrid to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:0
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Alaves vs Oviedo
Alaves is currently in 14th place with 18 points earned. After playing 17 matches, they have a record of five wins, three draws, and nine losses, with a goal difference of 14:20. This shows that the team has limited offensive performance and inconsistent results. Their form varies, with a few positive performances at home, but they often struggle against stronger opponents. They play offensively in a simple and direct manner, but they create few chances from open play, and their defense can be vulnerable under continuous pressure.
Vicente is the main offensive threat, with Boye and Martinez providing support. At home, they have achieved four wins in nine matches and have a goal difference of 11:9, indicating that they can be competitive in front of their fans. Their style of play is physical and combative, focusing on being compact.
Oviedo is currently in 19th place with 11 points earned from 17 matches played. They have achieved two wins, five draws, and 10 losses, with a goal difference of 7:26, which clearly shows serious offensive issues and weak defensive stability. Their form is poor, with a long streak without a win and a low number of goals scored, as they have gone 11 matches without a victory in the league. Offensively, Oviedo rarely creates danger and mostly relies on individual efforts, while the defense often crumbles under pressure.
Rondon is one of the few players who can make a difference, with Carmo providing support from the background. On the road, they have only one win from 8 matches played and a goal difference of 5:16, highlighting their vulnerability away from home. Their style is cautious and reactive.
Alaves will try to take advantage of their home field and better organization, while Oviedo will focus on defense and limiting risk. The difference in stability is on the side of the home team.
1 (Alavеs to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:0
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Mallorca vs Girona
Mallorca is currently in 13th place with 18 points earned. After playing 17 matches, they have a record of 4 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses, with a goal difference of 19:24. This shows that the team fights well but has clear limits in consistency. Their form is inconsistent, with a few positive results at home, but they also struggle when they need to take the initiative. Offensively, Mallorca relies heavily on physical play and crosses, with a strong role for a classic striker. Their defense is organized but can falter during quick transitions.
Muriqi is the main attacking threat, with Costa providing support from the background. At home, they have achieved three wins in 8 matches, with a goal difference of 10:9, indicating moderate stability without dominance. Their style of play is direct and offensive.
Girona is currently in 18th place with 15 points after playing 17 matches. They have a record of three wins, six draws, and eight losses, with a goal difference of 15:33, which clearly shows serious defensive issues and a weak balance between their lines. Their form is poor, with more losses in recent games and struggles against better-organized teams. Offensively, Girona has individual talent and moments of creativity, but their finishing is inconsistent, while the defense often leaves too much space and allows easy goals.
Tsygankov, Dovbyk, and Stuani are the most dangerous in attack, but they lack sufficient support from the midfield. Away from home, they have only one win in eight matches and a goal difference of 7:16, highlighting their vulnerability outside their home ground. Their style is open but risky. They have a lot of injured players, and for this match, they will also be without Ounahi, who is part of the Moroccan national team.
Mallorca will try to take advantage of their physical strength and home field, while Girona will look for space through an offensive approach. Given the defensive weaknesses of the visitors, the home team has the upper hand for victory in this match.
1 (Mallorca to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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Real Sociedad vs Atl. Madrid
Real Sociedad is currently in 16th place with 17 points earned. After playing 17 matches, they have achieved 4 wins, 5 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 21:25, indicating serious fluctuations and a lack of consistent results. Their form is weak, with several losses in the recent league matches and difficulties in maintaining continuity, although they tend to perform better in cup matches. Offensively, Sociedad has quality and ideas for building attacks, but finishing is a problematic area, while the defense often struggles during direct play and transitions.
Oyarzabal is the main offensive player, with Barrenetxea and Méndez providing support from the sidelines. At home, they have secured three wins out of 8 matches, with a goal difference of 12:13, showing that they are not reliable even on their own turf. Their style of play is technical, focusing on possession and attempts to control the game. Additionally, besides the injured players, they will also be without Zubeldia and Gorrotxategi for this match due to accumulated yellow cards.
Atletico Madrid is currently in third place with 37 points after playing 18 matches. They have achieved 11 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses, with a goal difference of 33:16, showing their competitiveness at the highest level. Their form is really good, with a winning streak in the last few games and strong momentum, even with a tough schedule. Offensively, Atletico plays effectively and directly, with strong transitions and a clinical finish, while their defense is compact and tactically disciplined.
Griezmann and Julian Alvarez are the main players in attack, with Sorloth providing an additional physical option. Away from home, they have 3 wins in 9 matches and a goal difference of 11:9, indicating stability but also a cautious approach when playing away. Their style is pragmatic and results-oriented.
Real Sociedad will try to slow down the game through possession, but Atletico has a clear advantage in form and efficiency. The visitors will wait for their moments and can punish any lapse in concentration.
2 (Atlеtico Madrid to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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This matchweek follows on from La Liga Matchweek 17 predictions and will be followed by La Liga Matchweek 19 predictions in the next round.