La Liga Matchweek 21 of the 2025/26 season (January 23–26) arrives with growing pressure across the table, where consistency becomes just as important as quality. Teams pushing for European places face opponents battling for stability, making tactical balance and concentration vital. Many matches are likely to be shaped by tempo control, defensive organization, and key moments in the closing stages, as fine margins continue to separate success from dropped points. Within the current round of La Liga predictions, matches like this are evaluated through tactical structure, recent form, and squad availability.
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Levante vs Elche
Levante is currently in 19th place with 14 points and is in serious danger of being relegated. After playing 19 matches, they have three wins, five draws, and 11 losses, with a goal difference of 21:32, indicating a lack of defensive stability and frequent lapses in concentration. Their form is weak, with few positive results and struggles to maintain consistency.
Offensively, they can be dangerous with quick attacks and individual talent, but their finishing is inconsistent, while the defense often allows easy goals. Etta Eyong is the most effective forward, supported by Romero and Alvarez, but the team generally relies on individual solutions. At home, they are still winless, with three draws and five losses in eight matches, which is a serious issue. Their style of play is open, but tactically it is not stable enough.
Elche is currently in 8th place with 24 points and is having a much calmer season. After playing 20 matches, they have five wins, nine draws, and six losses, with a goal difference of 27:26, showing a balanced approach and solid organization. Their form is inconsistent, but they can still earn points even in tough away games.
Offensively, they play patiently and with structure, making good use of their chances, while their defense is generally disciplined. Mir and Silva are the main attacking options, with Rodriguez providing creativity from the midfield. On the road, they have not won yet, with four draws and five losses, indicating that they struggle to win but often manage to avoid defeat. Their style is balanced and results-oriented.
Levante will need to take risks because of their position on the table, while Elche will try to control the game and punish mistakes. The match seems evenly matched, with a low number of goals.
X (Draw)
Predicted CS: 1:1
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Rayo Vallecano vs Osasuna
Rayo Vallecano is currently in 13th place with 22 points and has had a season marked by inconsistent results. After playing 20 matches, they have five wins, seven draws, and eight losses, with a goal difference of 16:25. This shows they have limited offensive ability and a solid, but not always reliable defense. Their form is variable, with mixed results and a struggle to maintain consistency.
Offensively, they create very few clear chances and often rely on set pieces or individual efforts, while their defense is generally organized but can falter under pressure. De Frutos is the most effective forward, with Garcia and Palazon as important backup options. At home, they have two wins, six draws, and one loss in nine matches, indicating they find it hard to lose but also rarely win. Their style is combative, intense, and tactically disciplined.
Osasuna is currently in 12th place with 22 points and has had a season full of ups and downs. After playing 20 matches, they have 6 wins, 4 draws, and 10 losses, with a goal difference of 21:24. This shows they can be dangerous in attack, but they often leave gaps in defense. Their form is inconsistent, with some good performances here and there, but they lack long-term stability.
Offensively, they rely heavily on Budimir as a classic striker, with Munoz and Garcia providing support from midfield. Their defense is aggressive, but they tend to make mistakes during transitions. They are still winless away from home, with two draws and 8 losses in 10 matches, which is a serious disadvantage. Their style is direct and physical, focusing on duels.
Rayo will try to control the game with intensity and discipline at home, while Osasuna will look for chances through direct attacks. Given Osasuna’s poor away form, the home team has a slight advantage.
1 (Rayo Vallecano yo Win)
Predicted CS: 1:0
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Valencia vs Espanyol
Valencia is currently in 17th place with 20 points and is directly involved in the fight for survival. After playing 20 matches, they have 4 wins, 8 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 19:31, which shows serious issues with defensive stability and frequent lapses in concentration. Their form is inconsistent, with a few positive results but lacking continuity.
Offensively, they create a limited number of chances and often rely on individual efforts, while the defense tends to struggle under prolonged pressure. Hugo Duro is the most effective forward, with Gomez and Diego Lopez as additional options, but the support from the midfield is insufficient. At home, they have three wins, five draws, and two losses in 10 matches, which is a solid foundation. Their style is cautious, focusing on the result.
Espanyol is currently in 5th place with 34 points and is having a very stable season in the upper part of the table. After playing 20 matches, they have 10 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses, with a goal difference of 23:22, showing a balanced and effective approach. Their form is good, with several important victories and a clear tactical structure.
Offensively, they play directly and organized, with good execution, while the defense is compact and disciplined. Braithwaite is the main attacking threat, with Melamed and Puado providing creative support. Away from home, they have 4 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses, which is an excellent performance. Their style is balanced, with control and quick transitions.
Valencia will try to take advantage of their need for points and home field, while Espanyol has more stability and quality. A cautious match is expected, with at least one goal from both sides.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 1:1
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Sevilla vs Ath Bilbao
Sevilla is currently in 14th place with 21 points and is fighting to stay in the league. After playing 20 matches, they have 6 wins, 3 draws, and 11 losses, with a goal difference of 26:32, indicating an unstable season and issues with consistency. Their form is poor, with more losses in recent games and a lack of confidence in crucial moments.
Offensively, Sevilla creates chances, but their finishing is inconsistent, while the defense often struggles under pressure. Vargas and Adams are the most dangerous players up front, with Romero posing an additional threat from the back. At home, they have three wins, one draw, and 6 losses in 10 matches, with a goal difference of 14:16, showing that home advantage isn’t really helping them. Their style is reactive, trying to control the game through possession, but they lack a stable structure.
Athletic Bilbao is currently in 10th place with 24 points and is having a fairly stable season. After playing 20 matches, they have 7 wins, 3 draws, and 10 losses, with a goal difference of 19:28, which shows some fluctuations, especially in defense. Their form is inconsistent, with a mix of good performances and dips against stronger opponents.
Offensively, Bilbao plays directly and intensely, focusing on the wings, while their defense can be vulnerable during quick transitions. Williams is the main attacking threat, with Navarro and Berenguer providing significant support. Away from home, they have two wins, two draws, and 6 losses in 10 matches, with a goal difference of 9:17, indicating issues on the road. Their style is physical, aggressive, and fast-paced.
In the group stage of the Champions League, they managed to defeat Atalanta away with a score of 2:3.
Sevilla will try to control the game through possession and take advantage of their home support, while Bilbao will play directly and with intensity. A close match is expected, but we give a slight edge to the visitors for the win.
X2 (Draw or Ath Bilbao to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Villarreal vs Real Madrid
Villarreal is currently in 3rd place with 41 points and is having a strong season with consistent results. After playing 19 matches, they have achieved 13 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 37:19, showing high efficiency and a good balance between their lines. Their form is very good, with more wins in the recent rounds and a high offensive rhythm.
Offensively, Villarreal plays fluidly, with quick combinations and quality finishing, while their defense is disciplined and rarely allows clear chances. Moleiro is the top scorer, with Mikautadze providing important support, and Buchanan adds width and depth to the team. At home, they have 8 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in 10 matches, with a goal difference of 23:7, making them an extremely dangerous host. Their style is attacking and strategically aggressive.
In the group stage of the Champions League, they were defeated by Ajax at home with a score of 1:2.
Real Madrid is in 2nd place with 48 points and is once again in the race for the title, just one point behind Barcelona. After playing 20 matches, they have 15 wins, three draws, and two losses, with an impressive goal difference of 43:17, showing top-class performance in both phases of the game. Their form is solid, although there are occasional ups and downs in derby matches.
Offensively, Real Madrid is extremely dangerous due to individual talent and quick transitions, while their defense operates compactly and skillfully. Mbappe is the main threat, with Vinicius Junior and Bellingham providing constant support from the background. On away grounds, they have 6 wins, three draws, and one loss in 10 matches, with a goal difference of 20:11, indicating stability even when playing away. Their style is direct, controlling, and tactically flexible.
They completely outplayed Monaco in the group stage of the Champions League, winning 6:1 at home.
Villarreal will try to impose their offensive style and home rhythm, while Real Madrid will look for space through quick transitions and individual skill. An open match with goals is expected.
3+ (Over 2.5)
Predicted CS: 2:2
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Atl. Madrid vs Mallorca
Atl. Madrid is currently in 4th place with 41 points and is firmly in the race for a spot in the Champions League. After playing 20 matches, they have 12 wins, five draws, and three losses, with a goal difference of 35:17, showing a high level of stability and control. Their form is positive, with several wins in the recent rounds and consistent scoring reliability.
Offensively, the team is efficient and direct, with good finishing and a threat from set pieces, while the defense is compact and well-organized.
Alvarez and Griezmann are the main players in attack, with Sorloth as an option for finishing. At home, they have 9 wins and 1 draw in 10 matches, with a goal difference of 23:7, making them one of the strongest home teams in the league. Their style is intense, disciplined, and tactically mature.
In the group stage of the Champions League, they drew with Galatasaray away with a score of 1:1.
Mallorca is currently in 14th place with 21 points and is fighting to stabilize in the middle of the table. After playing 20 matches, they have five wins, six draws, and nine losses, with a goal difference of 24:30, which shows issues in their defensive balance. Their form is unstable, with frequent ups and downs and difficulties in stringing together positive results.
Offensively, Mallorca relies on direct play and the individual talent of Muriqi, while support from the midfield is limited. The defense often struggles under pressure and has positioning problems. Away from home, they have one win, two draws, and seven losses in 10 matches, with a goal difference of 10:17, indicating serious weaknesses outside their stadium. Their style is defensive and reactive.
Atl. Madrid will control the game with high intensity and territorial dominance, while Mallorca will defend deep and look for chances on the counter. We expect the home team to win.
1 (Atl. Madrid to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:0
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Barcelona vs Oviedo
Barcelona is in first place with 49 points and leads the table, having just one point more than Real Madrid. After playing 20 matches, they have 16 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, with an impressive goal difference of 54:22, showing a strong offense and a fast-paced style of play. Their form is excellent, with a series of victories and solid performances in the recent rounds.
Offensively, Barcelona creates many chances through quick combinations, fluid movement, and width on the wings, while their defense generally operates steadily and rarely allows long periods under pressure. Torres and Lewandowski are the main scorers, with Lamine Yamal providing creative sparks. At home, they have 9 wins out of 9 matches, with a goal difference of 28:5, making them an extremely dominant host. Their style is possession-based, attacking, and involves continuous pressure.
In the group stage of the Champions League, they defeated Slavia Prague 4:2 away.
Oviedo is currently in 20th place with 13 points and is in serious danger of being relegated. After playing 20 matches, they have two wins, seven draws, and eleven losses, with a goal difference of 11:31, indicating significant offensive limitations and defensive issues. Their form is very weak, with a long streak of matches without a win and frequent collapses in the second halves.
Offensively, Oviedo creates very few chances and mostly relies on set pieces and individual efforts, while their defense is under constant pressure from stronger opponents. Vinas and Reina are the most effective players up front, but they lack sufficient support from the midfield. On the road, they have one win, two draws, and seven losses in ten matches, with a goal difference of 8:20, which further highlights their weakness away from home. Their style is defensive, with a deep block and a reactive approach.
Barcelona will control the game through possession and high intensity, while Oviedo will defend deep and try to slow down the pace. A match with clear dominance from the home team is expected.
1 & 3+ (Barcelona to Win & Over2.5)
Predicted CS: 3:0
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Real Sociedad vs Celta Vigo
Real Sociedad is currently in 9th place with 24 points and is fighting to get into the upper half of the table. After playing 20 matches, they have 6 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 26:28, indicating a season with noticeable ups and downs. Their form is decent, with a few good results in the recent rounds and improved defensive stability.
Offensively, Sociedad plays in an organized and patient manner, but they often struggle with finishing their chances, while the defense can sometimes falter against faster transitions. Oyarzabal is a key player in the attack, with Guedes and Mendez providing important support from the midfield. At home, they have 4 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses in 10 matches, with a goal difference of 15:15, showing moderate confidence. Their style is positional, focusing on control and gradually building up attacks.
Celta Vigo is currently in 7th place with 32 points and has had a really positive season so far. After playing 20 matches, they have 8 wins, 8 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 28:20, showing a good balance and stable results. Their form is excellent, with a series of victories and confidence in their play.
Offensively, Celta plays fluidly and creatively, with good ball movement and effectiveness in finishing, while their defense is organized and rarely allows easy goals. Iglesias is the most dangerous player up front, with Swedberg and Aspas providing constant support and creative threats. Away from home, they have five wins, three draws, and one loss in 9 matches, with a goal difference of 12:7, making them one of the tougher away teams in the league. Their style is balanced, technically sound, and tactically disciplined.
In the group stage of the Europa League, they defeated Lille 2:1 in front of their fans.
Real Sociedad will try to control the game through possession and rhythm, while Celta will respond with an organized structure and quick transitions. A close and tactical match is expected.
X2 (Draw or Celta Vigo to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:1
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Alaves vs Betis
Alaves is currently in 18th place with 19 points and is fighting to stay in the league. After playing 20 matches, they have five wins, four draws, and eleven losses, with a goal difference of 16:25, showing they struggle with efficiency and consistency. Their form is shaky, with few positive results and drops after good performances.
Offensively, Alaves creates very few chances from open play and often relies on set pieces, while their defense is under constant pressure and makes mistakes during transitions. Boye and Vicente are the most effective in attack, with Martinez as an additional option, but support from the midfield is limited. At home, they have four wins, three draws, and three losses in ten matches, with a goal difference of 12:10, which provides moderate confidence. Their style is defensive and reactive, focusing on being compact.
Betis is currently in 6th place with 32 points and is firmly in the race for European spots. After playing 20 matches, they have 8 wins, 8 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 33:25, showing solid offensive potential and a decent defensive balance. Their form is good, with several wins in the last rounds and consistent performances.
Offensively, Betis plays fluidly and technically, with good ball movement and creativity between the lines, while the defense is organized but can leave space when pressing high. Cucho Hernandez is the main attacking threat, with Antony and Fornals providing key support. Away from home, they have two wins, 7 draws, and one loss in 10 matches, with a goal difference of 13:14, indicating their ability to earn points even on the road. Their style is controlling and positional.
In the group stage of the Europa League, they were defeated by PAOK 2:0 away.
Alaves will try to close down the game and slow down the pace, while Betis will impose control and look for space through possession. We do not expect the visitors to leave this match without any points.
X2 (Draw or Betis to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Girona vs Getafe
Girona is currently in 11th place with 24 points and has had a season with mixed results. After playing 20 matches, they have 6 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 20:34, indicating issues with defensive stability and conceding goals at crucial moments. Their form is decent, with a few wins in the last rounds and an improved rhythm at home.
Offensively, Girona creates chances through dynamic play and quick transitions, but their finishing can be inconsistent, while the defense often leaves space behind the line. Van de Beek and Tsygankov are the most effective in attack, with Cunha as an additional option from the sidelines. At home, they have three wins, three draws, and 4 losses in 10 matches, with a goal difference of 9:17, showing limited reliability. Their style is open and offensively timed, but it comes with risks in defense.
Getafe is currently in 16th place with 21 points and is focused on staying in the league. After playing 20 matches, they have 6 wins, 3 draws, and 11 losses, with a goal difference of 15:26, showing they have limited offensive ability. Their form is weak, with a series of losses and struggles to control the game.
Offensively, Getafe relies on direct play and set pieces, while their defense is often under pressure from technically stronger teams. Mayoral is the main attacking threat, with Arambarri and Liso providing support from midfield. Away from home, they have three wins, one draw, and 6 losses in 10 matches, with a goal difference of 7:17, highlighting their weakness on the road. Their style is defensive, physical, and reactive.
Girona will try to control the pace through possession and quick attacks, while Getafe will defend deep and look for chances from set pieces. A low-scoring match is expected, with the home team taking the initiative.
1 (Girona to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:0
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Context from La Liga Matchweek 20 predictions, together with the forthcoming La Liga Matchweek 22 predictions, provides a clear progression across rounds.
