La Liga Predictions - 18 October 2026, Round 9

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 31 minutes ago

Simon Lewis 31 minutes ago

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Sunday’s Round 9 programme features four matches, culminating in Real Madrid hosting Sevilla.
Real Madrid sit fourth on 18 points with Sevilla fifth on 14 points.
Málaga are still searching for a first league victory.

Racing Santander have scored 13 goals in five games this season (Getty Images).

La Liga Predictions – 18 October 2026, Round 9

La Liga Predictions – 18 October 2026, Round 9
Osasuna vs Racing Santander
Celta Vigo vs Alaves
Malaga vs Real Sociedad
Real Madrid vs Sevilla

Osasuna vs Racing Santander

Osasuna return home after a difficult 5-2 defeat to Real Betis, with Ante Budimir and Raúl García de Haro finding the net in that loss. The hosts have eight points from eight matches, winning twice, drawing twice and losing four of those matches. Racing Santander also have eight points but their attack has produced 13 goals compared with Osasuna’s eight.

Defensive problems remain a recurring issue for the visitors who have shipped 23 goals in their eight league games. Racing drew 2-2 with Valencia last time out and both defences are likely to still offer opponents plenty of openings, although home advantage should swing in Osasuna’s favour. A goals market merits consideration ahead of a potentially open contest.

Celta Vigo vs Alaves

Celta have become the division’s draw specialists after sharing the points five times in eight matches. They have scored eight goals and conceded just six which underlines their relatively tight defensive record. A 0-0 draw away to Elche in their last match demonstrates how difficult they are to break down at the back.

Alaves have collected 11 points from eight matches, winning three, drawing twice and losing three. They suffered a narrow 2-1 home defeat against Atletico Madrid in Round 8 but with Celta struggling to turn solid displays into victories this has the look of a tough battle for the three points. The draw and a conservative goals market are both worth examining.

Malaga vs Real Sociedad

Malaga remain bottom of La Liga after eight matches without a win and picking up four draws and four defeats. Their four goals scored highlight the scale of the attacking problem, although a 1-1 draw against Espanyol last time out earned them a vital point. Adrian Nino has scored twice for Malaga this season, while Carlos Dotor and Chupe have each bagged a single goal.

Real Sociedad come into the clash in sixth place with 13 points following an entertaining 3-2 victory over Deportivo La Coruna. Luka Sucic leads their scoring with three La Liga goals supported by Ander Barrenetxea who has scored twice this season. Sociedad’s defence is shaky after conceding 15 goals but their greater attacking variety makes the away win appealing.

Real Madrid vs Sevilla

Real Madrid edged Villarreal 1-0 last weekend thanks to Yan Diomande’s second-half winner to make it six wins from eight league matches. Kylian Mbappe has bagged seven goals already this season, with Jude Bellingham contributing three goals. Star striker Vinicius Junior is unavailable due to a four-match suspension following his dismissal against Villarreal.

Sevilla have made a solid start to their season by collecting 14 points through four wins and two draws, but having scored 13 goals and conceded 12 goals points to defensive frailties. Their 3-3 draw with Levante in their latest match highlights their attacking strength and defensive weaknesses. Madrid have the stronger home credentials and far greater attacking depth, but Sevilla’s ability to score makes a clean sheet far from certain.

Verdict

La Liga

I'm backing goals to flow between Osasuna and Racing Santander, a draw between Celta Vigo and Alaves and wins for Real Sociedad and Real Madrid.

Real Sociedad Win

Result

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Osasuna Goals

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Real Madrid Win

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Celta Vigo Draw

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Simon is a talented sports writer in South Africa with a strong focus on cricket having played first-team level for UCT, including playing at two Universities Weeks.

From a young age Simon was an avid reader of cricket magazines and books, and went on to be Editor of The Googly, CricketScene SA and SA Cricket, in addition to being a Features Writer on SA Sports Illustrated.

He has interviewed most of South Africa's premier cricketers and was the first writer to interview a teenaged Jacques Kallis.

Simon has also written about English and local football, rugby and cricket, in addition to major international tennis and golf stars and competitions.

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