The excitement of LaLiga EA Sports continues in this final stretch of the season when the teams take to the field to play for the three points in the matches corresponding to the 36th matchday.
After the weekend’s clásico, FC Barcelona took a big 7-point lead over Real Madrid. As a result, Barça is just one win away from securing the championship title this season 2024/25. On the other hand, Real Madrid is still in trouble. Although it is complicated for them not to be runners-up, they will have to leave everything on the field to prevent Atlético Madrid from overtaking them.
On the other hand, the fight for European places is still really intense. Athletic Club, Villarreal, and Betis are fighting to finish in the Champions League places. However, the biggest fight is for the rest of the European positions, as Celta de Vigo, Rayo Vallecano, Mallorca, Valencia, Osasuna, and Real Sociedad still have a chance to play in international tournaments next week.
We will have three great matchdays to close the season, and we bring you the preview of the best matches of this 36th LaLiga matchday, with their respective betting odds and our free predictions.
LaLiga Weekly Picks Betting Odds
Real Sociedad 2.58 | Celta de Vigo 2.67 | Draw Offs: 3.42 |
Real Madrid 1.345 | Mallorca 8.10 | Draw Offs: 5.35 |
Osasuna 3.64 | Atlético Madrid 2.069 | Draw Offs: 3.30 |
Espanyol 9.80 | FC Barcelona 1.275 | Draw Offs: 6.00 |
LaLiga Matchday 36: Real Sociedad vs. Celta de Vigo
When? | Tuesday, May 13, at 2:00 PM ET, 1:00 PM CST, 12:00 PM MT, and 11:00 AM PT |
Where? | Reale Arena. |
Where can I watch it? | DSports and Movistar Deportes |
We come to matchday 36 of the EA Sports League, where Real Sociedad, currently struggling, will host Celta Vigo at their Anoeta stadium in a neck-and-neck battle for 3 points, both teams aiming for continental qualification.
Real Sociedad, ranked #12 and 4 points away from the European places, is close in points but lacks positive momentum in recent weeks. Despite a promising start in April, they have endured a dismal period with five games without a win and a recent 0-4 defeat away to Atleti, emphasizing their lack of motivation. Their home form has also suffered, with only one win in their last three games.
On the other hand, Celta Vigo came into the match in considerably better shape and attitude. Despite recent defeats to Barca and Madrid, they have accumulated crucial points, currently sitting in 7th place with a two-point lead over their nearest rival.
They are eager to return to European competition after an 8-year absence and have a good chance of doing so, especially considering their past draws at the Anoeta stadium.
That said, we expect the Galicians to continue their magnificent form and take all three points from this match.
Real Sociedad vs. Celta de Vigo Betting Pick: Celta de Vigo
LaLiga Matchday 36: Real Madrid vs. Mallorca
When? | Wednesday, May 14 at 3:30 PM ET, 2:30 PM CST, 1:30 PM MT, and 12:30 PM PT |
Where? | Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. |
Where can I watch it? | DSports and Movistar Deportes |
In an exciting and goal-filled match, Real Madrid suffered a loss to FC Barcelona in the Clasico de los Clasicos, significantly denting their chances of winning LaLiga. Now, with just three games remaining, they will play Mallorca at their home stadium.
In their recent match, despite Kylian Mbappé’s impressive hat-trick, including the two goals that initially gave Madrid a 2-0 lead, they couldn’t secure the win against Barcelona, who eventually scored four goals to put the game in their favor. This defeat leaves Real Madrid with 75 points in LaLiga standings and seven points behind FC Barcelona.
Los Blancos urgently need to turn the page to take the win this matchday and prevent Atlético Madrid from catching them in the standings.
On the other hand, Mallorca is currently in ninth position with 47 points, still in contention for a place in European competitions.In their previous match, they triumphed over Valladolid with a 2-1 score, courtesy of goals from Omar Mascarell and Sergi Darder.
Mallorca has had some notable ups and downs so far this season. However, with three wins in this final stretch, they could secure their qualification to the Europa League or Conference League.
For this match, our prediction is a convincing victory for Real Madrid by 2-0.
Real Madrid vs. Mallorca Betting Pick: Real Madrid
LaLiga Matchday 36: Osasuna vs. Atlético Madrid
When? | Thursday, May 15, at 1:00 PM ET, 12:00 PM CST, 11:00 AM MT, and 10:00 AM PT |
Where? | Estadio El SADAR. |
Where can I watch it? | DSports and Movistar Deportes |
Osasuna comes into this match with an inconsistent performance, occupying eleventh place in the table with 44 points. Despite their fluctuations, they have shown a considerable level, above all, playing at home, with eight wins, six draws, and only three defeats at El Sadar. In their last five games in all competitions, under Vicente Moreno, Osasuna has managed three wins, one draw, and one defeat.
Their recent match ended in a 1-1 draw against Real Betis, demonstrating their ability to compete with teams of similar caliber.
Atletico Madrid, for their part, are in a crucial phase of the season, currently occupying third place with 70 points. With 20 wins, 10 draws, and five defeats, Simeone’s team has proven to be one of the most reliable teams in the league. Los Colchoneros have scored 60 goals and conceded 27, demonstrating a solid defensive structure and an efficient attack. However, they have failed in recent matches, which, in theory, they should have won.
In their last five games, Atletico have recorded three wins, one draw, and one loss. Their last notable performance was a resounding 4-0 win over Real Sociedad last weekend.
With that said, our winner’s tab goes to Atletico Madrid in this match.
Osasuna vs. Atlético Madrid Betting Pick: Atlético Madrid
LaLiga Matchday 36: Espanyol vs. FC Barcelona
When? | Thursday, May 15, at 3:30 PM ET, 2:30 PM CST, 1:30 PM MT, and 12:30 PM PT |
Where? | RCDE Stadium |
Where can I watch it? | DSports and Movistar Deportes |
Espanyol was in a great position several weeks ago to secure their stay in LaLiga for next season. However, they have lost three games in a row, leaving them with some problems to close the season.
Right now, Los Periquitos are in the #14 spot, only five points above Leganés in the relegation zone, with nine points to play for. As a result, the team needs to win two of the three games to secure its permanence and avoid depending on other results. There is no doubt that Espanyol has everything to stay in the first division, but it does not bode well against FC Barcelona at this stage of the season.
In their most recent match, Espanyol lost, precisely against Leganés, with a score of 2-3.
Barcelona, led by coach Hansi Flick, were aiming to regain the confidence of their fans after a trophyless 2023/2024 season. Despite winning the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey by defeating Real Madrid in the final, the team’s ultimate goal is to secure the LaLiga title. The team failed to advance to the Grand Final of the Champions League, but they have shown good soccer in every game they play.
Their recent victory over Real Madrid in the Clasico put them on the verge of winning their 28th LaLiga title, just one win away, with a 7-point lead over their rivals.
For this match, our prediction is a victory for FC Barcelona.
Espanyol vs. FC Barcelona Betting Pick: FC Barcelona