LaLiga Matchday 18 Betting Favorites

Last Updated on December 30, 2025 4:03 pm by Erwin Noguera

Matchday 18 of LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26 comes with a special context, as it will be the first weekend of the new year 2026, a circumstance that adds a symbolic component to each match.

The teams face this date with the extra motivation of starting the year on a high note, aware that a positive result can set the competitive tone for the coming months.

In addition, the matchday comes at a key moment in the calendar, as it is the penultimate matchday of the first half of the season (and the last for some clubs before the Super Cup break). With FC Barcelona already confirmed as winter champions, attention is divided between the fight to consolidate positions at the top of the table, the battle for European places, and the need to pick up points to escape the bottom of the table.

The weekend will kick off on Friday and wrap up on Sunday night, with matchups that combine historic rivalries, head-to-head clashes, and coaching debuts. From high-tension derbies to games where the context weighs as heavily as the play, LaLiga promises thrills to start 2026 with intensity and ambition in every stadium.

At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all the predictions for the LaLiga EA Sports, the final bets for this matchday, and the odds for each match.

LaLiga Weekly Pick Betting Odds

LaLiga Matchday 18: Celta de Vigo vs. Valencia

Celta Vigo welcomes Valencia to Balaídos with the intention of turning its recent solid form into a victory that will allow it to look at the table with greater peace of mind. Claudio Giráldez’s side is coming off a goalless draw against Real Oviedo, in a tight game with few clear chances, but one that once again showed an interesting balance between defense and attack.

In their most recent games, Celta has made good use of their offensive opportunities, with consistent scoring and a defense that has responded with order. At home, they will look to impose their rhythm and take advantage of their opponents’ fragility away from Mestalla, relying on a compact block and intensity in the opponent’s half.

Valencia comes into the match after drawing with Mallorca in a game where they dominated possession but lacked the expected punch in the final third. Although the team has shown an ability to create chances and score regularly, its biggest weakness continues to be its away form, where it has gone a long time without a win. The challenge will be to maintain its attacking approach without neglecting a defense that tends to struggle away from home.

Celta de Vigo vs. Valencia Betting Pick: Celta de Vigo

LaLiga Matchday 18: Espanyol vs. Barcelona

The Catalan derby takes center stage at Cornellà-El Prat, bringing with it a mix of tension and high expectations. Espanyol arrives with renewed confidence following a valuable away victory against Athletic Club, a result that boosted their morale and confirmed their strong defensive form, as they have conceded very few goals in recent matches.

The blue and whites have made solid defense their main strength, effectively controlling games even when they do not dominate possession. At home, they will aim to compete with intensity and capitalize on any mistakes made by their opponents. However, their recent record against Barcelona is not in their favor, presenting a significant challenge.

Barcelona, having already secured the winter championship, approaches the derby with the goal of reaffirming its dominance to start the new year. Coming off a convincing win against Villarreal, the team has displayedclear ball control and high offensive production. With a solid performance and strong goal-scoring ability, Barcelona remains a formidable opponent, even in the challenging atmosphere of a derby.

Espanyol vs. Barcelona Betting Pick: Barcelona

LaLiga Matchday 18: Real Madrid vs. Real Betis

Real Madrid kicks off 2026 at the Santiago Bernabéu to stay firmly in the fight for the top spot. The Whites are enjoying a great run of form, stringing together victories both at home and away, and showing remarkable consistency in their attacking play, which has paid off in most of their league games.

At home, Madrid has been particularly reliable, picking up the vast majority of points available. Although some games have been decided in the second half, their ability to maintain control and punish opponents at key moments has been a constant throughout the season.

Real Betis arrives with confidence after a resounding victory in the previous matchday and with a striking statistic: its best form has been seen away from home.The green-and-white team has gone several games without losing on the road and has shown character to compete in demanding scenarios. The challenge will be to maintain that level against an opponent that rarely concedes advantages at home.

Real Madrid vs. Real Betis Betting Pick: Real Madrid

LaLiga Matchday 18: Real Sociedad vs. Atlético Madrid

Real Sociedad faces this match at Anoeta in a delicate situation, needing points to move away from the bottom of the table and stabilize its season. The recent draw against Levante partially alleviated the situation, although defensive problems remain a constant, with goals conceded regularly week after week.

The San Sebastian side has shown itself to be competitive in attack, capable of scoring frequently, but its fragility at the back has cost it important results. At home, its results have been inconsistent, although the games tend to be open with chances at both ends, which could make for a dynamic encounter.

Atlético Madrid is in good form and aiming to start the year by consolidating their place on the podium. After a clear away win on the last matchday, the Colchoneros have reaffirmed their ability to strike first and manage their lead. Although they have struggled to pick up points away from home, their offensive consistency and effectiveness at key moments make them a very dangerous opponent for a struggling Real Sociedad.

Real Sociedad vs. Atlético Madrid Betting Pick: Atlético Madrid