football predictions today: barcelona vs espanyol

Football Prediction Today: Espanyol vs Barcelona Sure Tip

La Liga resumes after the winter break with a highly anticipated Catalan derby as Espanyol host Barcelona at the RCDE Stadium. The Parakeets have been one of the surprise packages of the season, while the Blaugrana sit comfortably at the summit. Read on for our full preview of Espanyol vs Barcelona match. The Matchday 18 clash takes place on Saturday, marking the first derby of 2026. With both teams arriving in excellent form, MatchPlug brings you the latest odds, analysis, and insights for Espanyol vs Barcelona. Betting Preview for Espanyol vs Barcelona ● Venue: RCDE Stadium● Date: Saturday (Matchday 18)● Time: 21:00 CET● Teams to play: Espanyol vs Barcelona● Odds as provided by: 1XBet Betting On Espanyol ● 1XBet Spread: +0.5● 1XBet Moneyline: 3.90● 1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5 Espanyol head into the derby sitting fifth in La Liga with 33 points from 17 matches. They went into the winter break in scintillating form, having won five consecutive league matches, including an impressive 2-1 away victory over Athletic Club. Defensive solidity has been key to their rise, with three of those five wins coming by 1-0 scorelines. At the RCDE Stadium, Espanyol have been particularly formidable, winning six of their nine home league games this season. That home strength gives them belief heading into this derby. Betting On Barcelona ● 1XBet Spread: -0.5● 1XBet Moneyline: 1.85● 1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5 Barcelona remain top of La Liga with 46 points, holding a four-point lead over Real Madrid. The Blaugrana went into the break on a high after a 2-0 away win over Villarreal, extending their league winning streak to eight matches. With just two league defeats all season, Barcelona have been the most consistent side in Spain. However, there is a small vulnerability away from home, all three occasions where they dropped points this season came on the road, which could be a factor against an in-form Espanyol side. MatchPlug Prediction for Espanyol vs Barcelona This Catalan derby arrives with both teams in outstanding form, as Espanyol and Barcelona are the only sides in La Liga to have won their last five league matches. While Barcelona remain the stronger side on paper, Espanyol’s impressive home record and defensive discipline suggest this may not be straightforward. With Espanyol winning six of their last nine home league games and Barcelona showing occasional fragility away from home, the hosts have a genuine chance of avoiding defeat. Final Prediction: Draw

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Football Prediction Today: Celta Vigo vs Valencia Sure Tips

La Liga returns from the winter break with an intriguing clash between Celta Vigo and Valencia at Balaídos. Read on for our full preview of Celta Vigo vs Valencia. The hosts are pushing for European qualification, while the visitors are fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone. This Matchday 18 encounter is expected to be tight, with both sides showing a strong tendency toward low-scoring games. MatchPlug brings you the latest odds, analysis, and betting insights for this La Liga fixture. Betting Preview for Celta Vigo vs Valencia ● Venue: Estadio de Balaídos● Date: Saturday● Time: 21:00 CET● Teams to play: Celta Vigo vs Valencia● Odds as provided by: 1XBet Betting On Celta Vigo ● 1XBet Spread: -0.5● 1XBet Moneyline: 2.05● 1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5 Celta Vigo head into the restart sitting seventh in the table with 23 points from 17 matches. Their campaign has been built on resilience, as shown by eight league draws, including a 0-0 result away at Real Oviedo before the break. The Celestes won five of their last eight matches, putting them firmly in the European conversation. However, home form remains a concern, with just one win in nine home league games this season. That inconsistency at Balaídos could make this a cautious affair. Betting On Valencia ● 1XBet Spread: +0.5● 1XBet Moneyline: 3.75● 1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5 Valencia return from the break sitting 17th, just one point above the relegation zone. A 1-1 home draw with Mallorca last time out summed up their season so far: competitive, but lacking a cutting edge. Los Ches have managed only one win in their last 12 La Liga matches and remain winless away from home this season. Their struggles in attack have contributed heavily to a run of low-scoring games, with four draws in their last six league outings. MatchPlug Prediction for Celta Vigo vs Valencia Celta and Valencia approach this matchup in contrasting league positions, but their recent matches point toward a similar pattern, tight contests with few goals. Both sides prioritize defensive structure, and neither has been prolific in front of goal. With Celta’s home struggles and Valencia’s poor away record, a cagey battle looks likely as La Liga resumes. Final Prediction: Under 2.5 goals

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Football Prediction Today: Valencia vs Mallorca Sure Tips

La Liga action returns this weekend as Valencia welcome Mallorca to the Mestalla for a crucial Matchday 17 encounter. Read our preview for the Valencia vs Mallorca match. Valencia come into this fixture sitting 17th in the table, just above the relegation zone, while Mallorca are three places higher and looking to solidify their mid-table position. With both sides eager to bounce back from mixed recent form, this promises to be a tense and tactical contest. MatchPlug brings you the latest odds, team news, and predictions for Valencia vs Mallorca. Betting Preview for Valencia vs Mallorca ● Venue: Mestalla Stadium● Date: 19 December, 2025● Time: 21:00● Teams: Valencia vs Mallorca● Odds: As provided by 1XBet Betting on Valencia ● 1XBet Spread: 0● 1XBet Moneyline: 2.45● 1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5 Valencia head into this fixture boosted by a 2-0 Copa del Rey victory away at Sporting Gijón, a result that secured progression and provided a rare confidence lift. However, that win highlighted a worrying trend — it was just their second victory in regular time this season, following an earlier league success against Levante. In La Liga, Valencia’s form has been deeply concerning. They have managed just one league win in their last 11 matches, a run that has dragged them perilously close to the relegation places. Even home advantage has offered little comfort, with the hosts winless in four of their last five matches at the Mestalla. Defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in attack remain key issues that manager Rubén Baraja will be desperate to address. Betting on Mallorca ● 1XBet Spread: 0● 1XBet Moneyline: 3.10● 1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5 Mallorca arrive in Valencia after a disappointing Copa del Rey exit, having suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Deportivo La Coruña. That loss ended a five-match unbeaten run across all competitions, during which they had recorded two wins and two draws. In league action, however, Mallorca have shown more promise. Their most recent La Liga outing produced a convincing 3-1 home win over Elche, extending their three-game unbeaten run in the competition. That said, their away form remains a concern, particularly at the Mestalla, where they have failed to score in their last two visits. Improving their attacking output on the road will be key if they are to claim a positive result here. MatchPlug Prediction for Valencia vs Mallorca With both sides positioned near the lower end of the table, avoiding defeat will be a priority. Valencia are under pressure to move clear of the relegation zone, while Mallorca will be keen to maintain distance from danger and build on their recent league momentum. Historically, this fixture has been closely contested. Fifteen previous meetings have ended in draws, while Valencia have drawn three of their last five matches overall. Mallorca, meanwhile, have managed just one win in their last five away games, and three of their last seven trips to Valencia have finished level. All signs point toward a tight, low-risk encounter with few chances at either end. Final Prediction: Draw

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real-madrid

Mbappe and Rodrygo Rescue Real Madrid in 2-1 Win at Alaves

Xabi Alonso’s position as Real Madrid manager appears secure for now after his team battled to a 2-1 victory at Deportivo Alaves. The win marked only their third in nine competitive games, while Alaves have now lost four of their last five LaLiga fixtures. Despite only two sides managing to claim victories at Estadio Mendizorrotza this season, Real Madrid struggled to find an early breakthrough. Kylian Mbappe came close on a couple of occasions in the opening eight minutes but couldn’t hit the target. It was third time lucky for the French forward midway through the first half. Jude Bellingham released him down the left flank, allowing Mbappe to cut inside and curl an unstoppable effort past Antonio Sivera. Los Blancos were denied a quick second goal shortly after when Bellingham’s controlled header from a corner was ruled out for handball. They continued to press, with Federico Valverde narrowly missing from distance before Sivera produced a remarkable double save to deny Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. However, failing to put the game beyond doubt came back to haunt them. Alaves struck out of nowhere when a long ball over the top found Carlos Vicente, who finished past Thibaut Courtois. Although initially flagged for offside, VAR confirmed Vicente had perfectly timed his run. Rodrygo’s free-kick flew over the bar, adding to Real’s early nerves, but he later made amends. Vinicius Junior’s pace on the left allowed him to beat his marker and deliver a low cross that Rodrygo converted to restore the lead. Vinicius also had a penalty appeal turned down, while Bellingham and Brahim Diaz came close to a third. Alaves were unable to create any late chances, leaving Real Madrid to secure a crucial win, extending their unbeaten away streak to six matches and handing the home side their eighth consecutive loss against Los Blancos.

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Football Prediction Today: Rayo Vallecano vs Valencia Sure Tips

La Liga action resumes at the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas as Rayo Vallecano (13th) host Valencia (16th) on Saturday. Read our prediction for the Rayo Vallecano vs Valencia match. Both sides have struggled for form in recent weeks and will be eager to secure a much-needed victory.MatchPlug provides the latest odds, analysis, and insights for the Rayo Vallecano vs Valencia clash. Betting Preview for Rayo Vallecano vs Valencia ● Venue: Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas● Date: Saturday● Time: 20:00 CET● Teams: Rayo Vallecano vs Valencia● Odds provided by 1XBet Betting on Rayo Vallecano ● 1XBet Spread: 0● 1XBet Moneyline: 2.25● 1XBet Over/Under: Over 2.5 Rayo Vallecano enter this fixture on a concerning run of form, winless in three matches and coming off a 2-1 Conference League defeat to Slovan Bratislava. They have managed just one win in their last five games across all competitions after previously winning four of five.The major issue has been goals — Rayo are goalless in their last three La Liga fixtures and have struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. Betting on Valencia ● 1XBet Spread: 0● 1XBet Moneyline: 3.30● 1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5 Valencia aren’t in much better form, though their 1-0 win over Levante before the break ended a run of eight league matches without victory. Los Che are winless in three straight meetings with Rayo and have failed to score in two of those head-to-heads.Their defensive issues remain visible, just three clean sheets in 10 league matches, and they are still searching for their first away win of the season. MatchPlug Prediction for Rayo Vallecano vs Valencia Both sides have struggled massively in front of goal recently. The head-to-head record also leans heavily toward low-scoring outcomes — seven of their last eight meetings have produced under 2.5 goals. With both offenses out of rhythm and recent history pointing in the same direction, a cagey, low-scoring encounter looks likely. Final Prediction: Under 2.5 goals

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Barça Plans Messi Statue at Renovated Camp Nou

Barcelona president Joan Laporta announced that the club plans to install a statue of Lionel Messi outside the revamped Camp Nou. The decision follows Messi’s emotional visit to the stadium. Messi, 38, toured the new facility on Sunday. He left the club in 2021 and later wrote on Instagram that he hopes to return one day, not just to say goodbye. Laporta said at a book event that the board has already discussed creating a permanent tribute. He believes Messi deserves a statue like Johan Cruyff and László Kubala. The club will move forward once Messi’s family agrees. Laporta also said it is unrealistic for Messi to play for Barcelona again, especially after he extended his contract with Inter Miami. Messi joined Barcelona at 13 and spent 21 years with the club, scoring 672 goals in 778 games and winning major titles, including 10 LaLiga trophies and four Champions Leagues. Camp Nou reopened on Friday after almost 900 days of renovation. More than 20,000 fans attended an open training session. Laporta said the club hopes to hold “the most beautiful tribute in the world” once the work is complete.

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Atletico Madrid vs Levante

Football Prediction Today: Atletico Madrid vs Levante 

La Liga action continues this weekend with a clash between Atletico Madrid and Levante at the Civitas Metropolitano. Read our full preview on the Atletico Madrid vs Levante matchup.The game is scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, 2025, at 18:30.Atletico will aim to maintain their top-four momentum, while Levante fights to stay above the relegation zone in what promises to be an intriguing battle in Madrid. MatchPlug brings you the latest odds, betting analysis, and expert prediction for the Atletico Madrid vs Levante encounter. Betting Preview for Atletico Madrid vs Levante ● Venue: Civitas Metropolitano● Date: Saturday, 8th 2025● Time: 18;30● Teams to play: Atletico Madrid vs Levante● Odds as provided by 1XBet Betting on Atletico Madrid ● 1XBet Spread: -1.5● 1XBet Moneyline: 1.45● 1XBet Over/Under: Over 2.5 Atletico Madrid have found their rhythm again under Diego Simeone and are showing their trademark consistency both domestically and in Europe.They picked up an impressive 3-1 midweek Champions League victory over Union SG, which extended their winning streak to three across all competitions. In La Liga, Atletico have won back-to-back matches against Real Betis and Sevilla, keeping three consecutive clean sheets in the process. With 22 points from 11 matches (W6, D4, L1), they currently sit fourth in the table, eight points behind the leaders but with games in hand. At home, they’ve been nearly unbeatable — winning five of their six league fixtures at the Metropolitano this season. The return to form of Antoine Griezmann and Álvaro Morata has sparked their attack, while their defense remains one of the best in Spain. Atletico will look to maintain their impressive home record and close the gap to the top of the table. Betting on Levante ● 1XBet Spread: +1.5● 1XBet Moneyline: 8.50● 1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5 Levante enter this fixture in 16th place, surviving outside the relegation zone only on goal difference. With just nine points from 11 matches (W2, D3, L6), they’ve endured a difficult start to the season.Despite their struggles, Levante’s away form has been encouraging, they are unbeaten in their last four away league games, showing resilience on the road. However, their main issue lies in defense. The visitors have conceded 1.8 goals per match, one of the poorest defensive records in the league. Facing an Atletico side that thrives at home and rarely concedes will be a major test. Levante’s recent results suggest they’ll try to sit deep and counter, but their lack of cutting edge in attack may make it difficult to break down Atletico’s back line. MatchPlug Prediction for Atletico Madrid vs Levante Atletico Madrid are in commanding form and should have little trouble asserting their dominance at home.Although Levante have enjoyed some success at the Metropolitano in recent years, their current form doesn’t inspire confidence. Atletico’s defense has been near impenetrable, while their attack is firing again. Expect the hosts to control proceedings and keep another clean sheet in front of their fans. Final Prediction: Atletico Madrid

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alonso

Alonso: Madrid ‘arriving in a good moment’ for Clasico

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said his team are arriving at Sunday’s La Liga Clasico in better shape after correcting mistakes made in their derby thrashing by Atletico Madrid. Los Blancos suffered a humiliating 5-2 beating by rivals Atletico in their only defeat of the season after 12 games across all competition. Alonso side hold a two-point lead on Barcelona at the top of the table as they prepare to host the champions this weekend at the Santiago Bernabeu. “Without doubt a few weeks have passed in which we have been correcting things, doing things better,” Alonso told a news conference Saturday. “For tomorrow, we are arriving in a good moment, both in terms of morale, in a footballing sense, our competitive level – it’s a good moment.”

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jobe bellingham

Bellingham and Mbappe guide Real Madrid past Barça

Real Madrid came out on top in an enthralling El Clasico, defeating Barcelona 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu. They have extended their lead at the top of the LaLiga table to five points. Having recovered from a chastening 5-2 defeat to city rivals Atletico Madrid. Real came into this showpiece on the back of four successive wins in all competitions, and they appeared to carry that momentum into the opening stages here. Inside two minutes, referee Cesar Soto Grado pointed to the spot when Lamine Yamal’s intervention upended Vinicius Junior. However, following a VAR review, the decision was overturned. Undeterred, Real Madrid were celebrating in the 12th minute when Kylian Mbappe magnificently buried a bouncing ball with a dipping strike from range, only for the tightest of offsides to deny the Frenchman.

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football prediction today: villarreal vs barcelona

La Liga cancels plan to host Villarreal vs Barcelona match in Miami

La Liga proposal to stage Villarreal’s home match against Barcelona in Miami this December has been scrapped. This is due to “uncertainty” surrounding the event, the league confirmed on Tuesday. The game, set for December 20, would have been the first-ever European league fixture played outside its home continent. La Liga said the promoter decided to withdraw because of “uncertainty generated in Spain in recent weeks.” The league expressed regret over the cancellation. They called it a “historic and unparalleled opportunity” to showcase Spanish football internationally. Tickets for the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami were due to go on sale Tuesday, but the presale was delayed before the plan was officially dropped. The fixture will now be played as originally scheduled at Villarreal’s Estadio de la Cerámica.

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