Matchweek 17 of the 2025/26 LaLiga season is happening from December 19 to 22, bringing another exciting and competitive round in Spain as teams battle for points before the holiday break. This game features among the full La Liga predictions for the round, where all matches are evaluated using a consistent analytical approach.
The action kicks off on Friday night with Valencia taking on Mallorca, a match that usually brings a lot of intensity and strategic plays, especially since both teams want to start the round with a good result.
Saturday has a full lineup, starting with Oviedo against Celta Vigo, where both teams are looking to build some momentum. Levante will play against Real Sociedad in a game that could really test their defensive skills, while Osasuna faces Alavés in a classic mid-table showdown. Later that evening, Real Madrid will host Sevilla in one of the biggest matches of the weekend, with both teams feeling the pressure to perform well.
On Sunday, Girona will host Atlético Madrid in a tough matchup, followed by Villarreal against Barcelona, a game that often features exciting attacking plays and fast transitions. Elche will go up against Rayo Vallecano in a crucial match for teams looking for stability, and then Betis will play Getafe in the evening, where the outcome might come down to small details.
The round wraps up on Monday night with Athletic Bilbao welcoming Espanyol, finishing Matchweek 17 with a traditional and competitive game at San Mamés.
Table of Contents
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Valencia vs Mallorca
Valencia is currently in 17th place, having earned 15 points so far. The team struggles with offensive efficiency, scoring only 15 goals while conceding 25, which shows a weak balance between attack and defense. Their gameplay often relies on individual efforts, with Hugo Duro being the main offensive threat, but there is a lack of consistency and creativity from the midfield.
Their form is unstable, with just three wins out of 16 matches and frequent drops in performance during the second half. At home, they have three wins, three draws, and two losses, with a goal difference of 10:7, indicating moderate stability at home but without a dominant approach. The team finds it hard to control the pace of the game and often lets the opponent get into a rhythm.
Mallorca is currently in 14th place, having earned 17 points so far. The team shows better defensive organization, but has limited offensive ability, with a goal difference of 18:23. In their last 5 matches, they have only one loss, along with three draws. Their play focuses on a strong defensive block and quick counterattacks, with Muriqi being the main threat in the final moments and the most common target during set pieces.
Their form is inconsistent, but they have secured a few important wins that provide some point security. Away from home, Mallorca has only one victory in 8 matches, with one draw and 6 losses, and a goal difference of 8:14, indicating vulnerability under pressure and difficulty maintaining structure away from home.
Both teams are close to the relegation zone and enter the match with a strong need for points. Valencia has a greater potential for control and possession at home, while Mallorca will look for opportunities through transitions and set pieces. The match is expected to be tough and tactical, with a minimal difference in the final outcome.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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Oviedo vs Celta Vigo
Oviedo is currently in 19th place, having earned 10 points so far. The team is facing serious offensive limitations, with only 7 goals scored and 26 conceded in 16 matches, highlighting their poor scoring and vulnerability in defense. Their playstyle mainly focuses on a deep defensive block and minimizing risks, but there is very little creativity in the midfield. Salomon Rondon is the main offensive option, but he often finds himself isolated and lacking sufficient support.
The team’s form is negative, with no wins in the last 9 league matches and struggles to maintain intensity. At home, Oviedo has achieved just one win, three draws, and four losses, with a goal difference of 2:10, indicating a serious problem with converting chances even on their own turf.
Celta Vigo is in 8th place, having earned 22 points so far. The team shows a much more consistent performance, with a balanced game and a goal difference of 20:19, indicating solid offensive production along with controlled defense. Their style is based on possession, technical superiority, and gradually building up attacks, with Aspas and Borja Iglesias being key players in finishing, while Swedberg adds dynamism and penetration from the back.
In the last two matches, they achieved important victories against Ath Bilbao and Real Madrid, showing stable form with positive results against strong opponents. Away from home, Celta Vigo has 4 wins, 2 draws, and only 1 loss after 7 matches, with a goal difference of 11:7, which indicates a mature approach and the ability to control the game even on the road.
The difference in quality, form, and offensive potential is clearly evident. Oviedo will try to slow down the pace and defend compactly, but it will be hard for them to respond to the continuous pressure. Celta Vigo has enough quality to control the game and gradually settle the match in their favor.
2 (Celta Vigo to Win)
Predicted CS: 0:2
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Levante vs Real Sociedad
Levante is currently in 20th place, having only earned 9 points so far. The team is facing a serious crisis in terms of results and form, with just two wins out of 15 matches played and a goal difference of 16:28, which highlights their weak defense and frequent individual mistakes. Their style of play is mostly reactive, as they tend to fall back deep into their own half and try to launch direct attacks, but they lack enough support from the midfield. Eyong and Romero carry some of the offensive load, but the team struggles to create clear chances from organized plays.
Their form is very poor, with a series of losses leading to a drop in confidence. At home, Levante has one draw and five losses from 6 matches played, with a goal difference of 6:16, showing that they can’t even establish control or stability on their own turf.
Real Sociedad is in 15th place, with 16 points earned so far. The team has been playing inconsistently, but they have a much higher quality and better structure compared to the home team, with a goal difference of 20:24. Their game relies on organized possession, control in the midfield, and attacks through the wings. Oyarzabal is the main offensive player, while Barrenetxea and Mendez add dynamism and penetration.
Even though the results aren’t completely stable, they show the ability to create pressure and control the game against weaker opponents. Away from home, they have one win, three draws, and four losses after playing eight matches, with a goal difference of 8:11, indicating some instability but also the ability to earn points on the road.
The difference in quality and organization is clear, as Levante will try to slow down the game and defend deeply, while Real Sociedad has the individual quality to take the initiative and set the pace.
2 (Real Sociedad to Win)
Predicted CS: 0:2
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Osasuna vs Alaves
Osasuna is in 16th place, having earned 15 points so far, which keeps them above the relegation zone. The team shows a solid defensive structure, but they have limited offensive options, as seen in their goal difference of 14:20. Their gameplay often relies on a strong block, duels, and set pieces, with Budimir being the main threat in attack, supported by Catena and Munoz in the background.
Their form is inconsistent, with important wins against direct rivals, but also losses to stronger teams. At home, Osasuna has 4 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses after 7 matches played, with a goal difference of 11:9, indicating solid stability and the ability to impose their rhythm in front of their fans. The team struggles to dominate possession, but they can be dangerous when they control the transition.
Alaves is in 12th place, having earned 18 points so far. Recently, they have been struggling, with 4 losses in their last 5 matches. The team has a similar style to today’s opponent, focusing on defensive discipline and direct play, but they have a slightly better balance between their lines. Their goal difference is 14:20, showing moderate effectiveness, with Garcia and Vicente being the most frequent sources of threat.
Their form is unstable, with several losses in the recent rounds, which affects their confidence. Away from home, Alaves has only achieved one win in 7 matches, along with one draw and five losses, resulting in a goal difference of 3:8, indicating serious issues when under constant pressure and playing away.
Both teams have a similar style and limited offensive capacity, suggesting a tough and tactical match with few clear chances. Osasuna looks more compact and organized at home, while Alaves struggles to find solutions when playing away. We give a slight edge to the home team for the win.
0-2 (Under 2.5)
Predicted CS: 1:0
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Real Madrid vs Sevilla
Real Madrid is in second place with 39 points so far, just 4 points behind the first place team, Barcelona. The team plays with high intensity and a clear offensive focus, having scored 34 goals and conceded 16, which shows a good balance between attack and defense. Their game relies on quick ball movement, aggressive pressing, and individual skill in the final third, with Mbappe and Vinicius Junior being the main players making an offensive impact, while Bellingham and Guler add creativity from the midfield.
Their form is stable with strong performances in the domestic league, although there has been a slight drop in European competitions. At home, Real Madrid has 6 wins and 1 loss from 7 matches played, with a goal difference of 14:5, indicating control, confidence, and the ability to win matches in their favor.
Sevilla is in 9th place with 20 points so far. The team has inconsistent form and limited consistency, with a goal difference of 24:24, showing offensive potential but also defensive weaknesses. Their gameplay often relies on individual decisions and set pieces, where Mir Rafa, Ocampos, and Rakitic play key roles in creating chances.
The form is unstable, with a mix of wins and losses, and problems usually arise when the team is under constant pressure. Away from home, Sevilla has three wins, one draw, and four losses after playing eight matches, with a goal difference of 10:12, indicating vulnerability against technically and tactically superior opponents.
The difference in quality, squad depth, and home performance clearly favors Real Madrid. Sevilla can be dangerous at certain moments, but it will struggle to withstand continuous pressure and a high pace. If the host imposes its dynamics from the start, the match could be decided without much uncertainty.
1 & T1 2+ (Real Madrid to Win & Over1.5)
Predicted CS: 3:1
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Girona vs Atl. Madrid
Girona is in 18th place, having earned 15 points so far, which puts them in the relegation zone. The team shows a relatively balanced performance, but they struggle with scoring, as seen in their goal difference of 15:30. Their style relies on controlled buildup from the back and patiently looking for space, with Tsygankov and Dovbyk being the main contributors to their offensive creativity.
Their form varies, with wins, draws, and losses, and they often face problems against physically stronger and more offensively focused opponents. At home, Girona has achieved two wins, three draws, and three losses after playing 8 matches, with a goal difference of 8:14, indicating a decent level of stability and the ability to keep the score under control, even though they often lack finishing.
Atl. Madrid is in 4th place with 34 points so far, and they are trying to secure a spot among the top 4 in the league. The team has a clear tactical identity, with strong defensive organization and efficiency in transition, which is shown by their goal difference of 30:16. Their play is disciplined, focusing on compactness and quickly using space behind the defense, with Alvarez and Griezmann being key figures in the attack, while Sorloth provides excellent support offensively.
Their form is generally stable, although there have been a few ups and downs against strong teams. Away from home, Atl. Madrid has two wins, three draws, and three losses after 8 matches played, with a goal difference of 8:9, showing that the team knows how to be pragmatic and effective even when playing away.
The match features a clash of two different playing styles, with Girona trying to control the game through possession, while Atl. Madrid will wait for their moments through transition and tactical discipline. We expect the visitors to showcase their offensive power and aim for victory.
2 (Atl. Madrid to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:3
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Villarreal vs Barcelona
Villarreal is in 3rd place with 35 points so far, and they are already 7 points behind today’s opponent. The team is having one of its most offensive seasons in recent years, scoring 31 goals and allowing 13, which shows a strong balance between attack and defense. Their style is based on high intensity, quick rotations in the midfield, and constant pressure in the final third, with Baena, Moreno, and Barry being key players in creating and finishing chances.
Their form is stable, with 7 consecutive wins in the domestic league, and the team shows maturity and tactical flexibility. At home, Villarreal has 7 wins and 1 draw from 8 matches played, with a goal difference of 20:4, which clearly highlights their dominance and ability to control games against the toughest opponents.
Barcelona is in first place with 43 points so far. The team is in great shape and has the best offense in the league, scoring 49 goals and only allowing 20. Their playstyle focuses on high possession, quick ball movement, and aggressive pressing, with Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal posing a direct threat, while Raphinha adds width and creativity.
Their form is incredibly strong, with a series of wins in all competitions, boosting their confidence even more. When playing away, Barcelona has five wins, one draw, and two losses after 8 matches, with a goal difference of 21:15, indicating an open style and readiness for high-paced matches with plenty of chances. This season, they have only lost twice after 17 matches, and in the league, they have achieved 7 consecutive victories.
The clash promises a match with high intensity and open play, where both teams have the quality to create and convert chances. Villarreal is very strong at home, while Barcelona rarely plays defensively away, which could lead to a dynamic and effective game.
3+ (Over 2.5)
Predicted CS: 2:2
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Elche vs Rayo Vallecano
Elche is in 11th place with 19 points earned so far. They have had a noticeable drop in form recently, with only one win in their last 8 league matches. The team shows solid defensive discipline and controlled play, with a goal difference of 19:20, indicating a balanced but not overly productive style. Their game usually relies on a compact formation and patiently building attacks, with Marti and Chaves being the main offensive options, while the midfield focuses on stability and disrupting the opponent’s rhythm.
Their form is inconsistent, but Elche looks much more confident at home. On their home ground, they have 4 wins and 4 draws from 8 matches played, with a goal difference of 12:5, which shows clear organization and the ability to control the pace in front of their fans.
Rayo Vallecano is currently in 13th place with 18 points earned so far. Even though they are doing great in the conference league, they haven’t won a match in the domestic league for 6 games, with 4 draws and 2 losses. The team plays with high intensity and an aggressive approach, but they often struggle with finishing, which is reflected in their goal difference of 13:16. Their style is based on pressing and quick attacks down the wings, with de Frutos and Garcia being the most dangerous during offensive transitions.
Their form is unstable, and they especially lack consistency when playing away. On the road, Rayo has three wins, one draw, and five losses from 9 matches played, with a goal difference of 9:12, indicating vulnerability when forced to play under the opponent’s control.
The match promises a tactical battle with a limited number of clear chances, where Elche will try to impose their stability and control, while Rayo will look for space through pressing and transitions. Playing at home and having defensive security gives Elche a slight advantage in this type of match.
0-2 (Under 2.5)
Predicted CS: 1:0
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Betis vs Getafe
Betis is in 6th place with 25 points earned so far. The team has a balanced performance with a clear focus on control and gradually building their attacks, which is reflected in their goal difference of 25:19. Their play is based on technical quality and width on the wings, with Perez, Antony, and Ez Abde bringing creativity and direct threats, while Isco plays an important role in connecting the lines.
Their form is relatively stable, although there are occasional fluctuations against stronger opponents. Even though the match is not played at the standard stadium, Betis is officially the home team and has 4 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses in 8 home games, with a goal difference of 14:11, indicating solid reliability and the ability to impose their rhythm.
Getafe is in 10th place, with 20 points earned so far. The team has a strong defensive approach and a practical style, with a goal difference of 13:18, which shows their limited offensive output. Their game usually relies on a solid block, duels, and set pieces, with Mayoral being the main offensive option, supported by Greenwood and Mata during transitions.
Their form is unstable, with 4 losses in the last 5 league matches, and the problems become more noticeable in away games. On the road, Getafe has achieved three wins and five losses in 8 matches, with a goal difference of 6:12, indicating difficulties in maintaining results and limited creativity under pressure.
We expect Betis to try to dominate possession and control the midfield, while Getafe will look for chances through set pieces and defensive discipline. The quality and offensive variety give Betis an advantage.
1 (Betis to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:0
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Ath Bilbao vs Espanyol
Ath Bilbao is currently in 7th place, having earned 23 points so far, and they are trying to break into the top six of the league. The team is known for its strong organization, high intensity, and aggressive pressing, but their offensive efficiency is still limited, as shown by their goal difference of 15:22. Their gameplay usually relies on a solid defensive line and direct attacks down the wings, with Nico and Inaki Williams providing speed and penetration, while Berenguer adds creativity from the back.
Their form has been inconsistent, featuring important wins but also losses to teams that manage to break their pressing. At home, they have achieved five wins, one draw, and three losses in nine matches played, with a goal difference of 9:9, indicating stability in results but also matches with few goals.
Espanyol is currently in 6th place with 30 points earned so far, and this season they have a real chance to secure a spot in the most prestigious European competition. The team is having a great season with a well-balanced approach, combining a strong defense and effective transitions, which is shown by their goal difference of 20:16. Their play is based on discipline and quick attacks, with Puado and Braithwaite being key players in the offense, while the midfield provides stability and control.
Their form is positive, with a streak of 4 consecutive wins in the league and increased confidence. When playing away, Espanyol has achieved three wins, two draws, and two losses after 7 matches, with a goal difference of 7:6, showing maturity and the ability to get results even in tough away games.
The match promises to be a strong and tactical duel, with limited space and high intensity in the midfield. Ath Bilbao will try to take advantage of their home aggression, while Espanyol will be patient and wait for their moments through transitions. Given the style of both teams, a match with few goals and a small margin is expected.
0-2 (Under 2.5)
Predicted CS: 1:1
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For additional context, you can review the analysis from La Liga Matchweek 16 predictions and look ahead to La Liga Matchweek 18 predictions as the season progresses.