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La Liga Predictions - 23 August 2026, Matchday 2

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 22 Aug 2026

Simon Lewis 22 Aug 2026

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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.

Expired

Jules Kounde of Barcelona (Getty Images).

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

La Liga

Wins for Atletico Madrid, Racing Santander and Barcelona look worth backing.

Atletico Madrid Win

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Elche Goals

Total Match Goals Over 3.5

@2,15 - 1 Unit

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Racing Santander Win

Correct Score 1-0

@8,00 - 1 Unit

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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.

You can follow more from Simon at Muckrack, X and LinkedIn.