All eyes on El Clasico this gameweek

LALIGA All eyes on El Clasico this gameweek

Faruq Ibrahim 15:54 - 17.03.2023

The El Clasico headlines LaLiga Gameweek 26

The previous gameweek saw Real Madrid cut Barcelona's lead down to six ahead of Barcelona's difficult trip to San Mames; however, Barcelona managed to reestablish their margin ahead of the El Clasico this weekend. 

Real Sociedad continue to slip up, but Villarreal and Betis failed to capitalise as they played a draw against each other, while Atletico Madrid continued to strengthen their top-four position. 

Cadiz's win lifted them out of the relegation place, while Valencia avoided the relegation zone this week despite their loss, thanks to a better goal difference than Getafe.

This weekend, LaLiga teams will be in action again as they continue to fight towards their season goals. 

Real Madrid vs Barcelona (El Clasico)

Other than the historical rivalry that charges the El Classico, the game also influences the LaLiga title race, as both teams find themselves in contention for the LaLiga title every season, and this season is not left out, as both teams occupy first and second on the LaLiga table. 

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Barcelona have struggled in this tie in LaLiga in recent seasons, having lost five of their last six games against Real Madrid in the league, but it came after a run of seven games without defeat to the Los Blancos.

However, Barcelona have already beaten Madrid twice this season after their first-leg loss in the league, beating them to the Supercopa Espana and taking a first-leg advantage in the Copa Del Rey.

Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey
Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey

They are also unbeaten in their last 10 games, winning 10 and drawing two.  

Barcelona will head into the tie with Pedri in doubt and Ousmane Dembele ruled out, while Real Madrid are handed a boost as Benzema and Kroos are fit enough to play after picking up knocks in their triumph over Liverpool.

Atletico Madrid vs Valencia 

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A few seasons ago, this was a top-four clash, but now it's a match between a side fighting for the top-four, Atletico Madrid, and another fighting against relegation, Valencia. 

This match-up has been more than one-sided in recent history as Valencia have failed to beat Atletico in their last 16 attempts, with Diego Simeone's side winning ten and drawing six.  

Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring for Atletico Madrid /via Getty.
Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring for Atletico Madrid /via Getty.

Atleti are also unbeaten in their last nine games in the league, winning six and drawing three.  

Cavani remains a doubt for this clash, while Atletico are able to name the same side that got a victory against Girona with no new casualties. 

Real Betis vs Mallorca

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A match between the fifth-place team and the tenth team in the league is one of the most exciting games to look forward to this weekend. 

Betis have not lost against Mallorca in their last five games against them, winning three and drawing two. The run is even better for Betis at home, winning four and drawing one of their last five.  

Borja Iglesias in action for Real Betis
Borja Iglesias in action for Real Betis

The hosts are also unbeaten in their last five league games, while Mallorca have lost each of their last five games away from home. 

The full LaLiga Gameweek 26 fixtures

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Expert betting predictions for LaLiga

In-house betting expert Stephen Oladehinde gives the best predictions from each game in LaLiga round 26.

Valladolid - Ath Bilbao -:- under 3.5 goals

Almeria - Cadiz CF -:- under 3.5 goals

Rayo Vallecano - Girona -:- under 3.5 goals

Espanyol - Celta Vigo -:- home handicap +2

Atl. Madrid - Valencia -:-Atl Madrid to win

Betis - Mallorca -:- Betis win or draw

Osasuna - Villarreal -:- home handicap +2

Real Sociedad - Elche -:- Real Sociedad to win

Getafe - Sevilla -:- under 3.5 goals

Barcelona - Real Madrid -:- over 2.5 goals

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