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La Liga Predictions - 23 August 2026, Matchday 2

Simon Lewis
Editor
Last updated: 1 hour ago

This article previews the upcoming La Liga matches, offering predictions for key fixtures. Atletico Madrid's home advantage should see them edge Villarreal, while Racing Santander look poised for an upset against a fatigued Getafe, possibly winning 1-0. Barcelona are expected to continue their dominance over Elche, with a strong likelihood of a high-scoring game favoring Barca. Betting recommendations include backing wins for Atletico, Racing, and Barcelona, with an eye on a narrow Racing victory and a high-goals match between Elche and Barcelona.

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  • Atletico Madrid should take the win over a rusty Villarreal. 
  • Racing Santander to win a low-scorer away to Getafe. 
  • Elche to soak up a good few goals from Barcelona’s strikers.
Jules Kounde of Barcelona
Jules Kounde of Barcelona (Getty Images).

La Liga Predictions


Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal


Not much to separate the two sides in their last five meetings, but home ground advantage could be the kingmaker in this fixture. Atletico won their opening match of the season 2-0 at home to Malaga, while Villareal had to settle for a 2-2 away draw to Racing Santander.

Villareal fought back from 2-0 down after 34 minutes, pulling level with a great goal on 45 minutes and another screamer in extra time in the first half, but they looked scrappy so their hosts should feel confident ahead of their clash.

Getafe vs Racing Santander


Both sides have three defeats in their last five, but Racing pulled off a really good draw over Villareal in their La Liga opener, while Racing went down to Alaves 3-0 in their opener. Getafe pulled off a good 3-1 win in Europe on Thursday but they are likely to be drained of some energy after two matches in a week so early in the season.

Getafe have shipped 10 goals in their last five matches, scoring just five, so although they have the low odds with the bookies I’m feeling bullish about Racing, who have scored 7-4 in their last three outings. Getafe have lost two and drawn two of their last four at home to Racing, with only four goals between the sides in those four matches, so I’m going for a 1-0 win for Racing with the eye on a big payout.

Elche vs Barcelona


Elche have four draws and one win in their last five matches, scoring 8-5, but they have lost their last five matches to Barca by a combined score of 15-3.

Barca have yet to play a competitive match this season, winning their last two friendlies 7-3 on aggregate. They’re not scared of travelling to Elche, winning their last five matches away to them 6-0, 2-0, 2-1, 4-0 and 3-1. This match has goals written all over it, although probably not many for the home side.

Verdict

Wins for Atletico Madrid, Racing Santander and Barcelona look worth backing.
       
Best Bet1: Atletico Madrid Win Result @1,80 at Pantherbet - 2 Units
Best Bet2: Elche Goals Total Match Goals Over 3.5 @2,15 at Jabula Bets - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Racing Santander Win Correct Score 1-0 @8,00 at 10bet - 1 Unit
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Simon Lewis

Sports Editor • 20+ years betting experience

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