The action continues in LaLiga with two important fixtures that will interest gamblers. FC Barcelona will look to continue their excellent form as they take on Sevilla, while Real Valladolid will travel to Atletico Madrid.
Sevilla vs FC Barcelona
When gamblers were looking at betting on the side that will be crowned Spanish champions this season, this was always a fixture that they would have been wary of. One of the biggest obstacles between Barcelona and another LaLiga title will be this fixture against Sevilla on Friday night. Barcelona have been in excellent form since the return to action in Spain, as they have won both of their games, while Lionel Messi has looked as though he hasn’t missed a beat in the three-month break.
Barcelona have scored six goals in the two games since the restart, with their most recent win coming against Leganes on Tuesday night. Ansu Fati scored the opener for Barcelona before Lionel Messi added a second goal in as many games from the penalty spot. Quique Seiten will be aware that his side will have to win every game between now and the end of the season to ensure that Real Madrid don’t overtake them, and this will be one of the potential banana skins.
Sevilla would appear as good value to finish in the Champions League places this season as they currently have a four-point advantage over Real Sociedad. The hosts this weekend have the fourth-best defensive record in the division, and a win over Barcelona this weekend would see them get within five points of Real Madrid. Sevilla have restarted the season well as they have won and drew. The draw was their most recent outing in La Liga, as they were held by Levante.
This will be a difficult challenge for Barcelona, but there is an expectancy that they will get the three points that they need to remain in control of the La Liga title race.
Atletico Madrid vs Real Valladolid
One of the sides that have certainly benefited from the break in play has been Atletico Madrid, as they have now taken complete control in the battle for a place in the top four this season. They have won and drawn since the restart, and that has helped them establish a two-point lead over Real Sociedad at present.
There has been no doubting Atletico’s defensive form throughout the season as they have the second-best record in the division. However, there have been concerns at the attacking options available to Diego Simeone. Any doubts that some gamblers may have had about the lacklustre strike force was answered emphatically in their last match as they recorded a huge 5-0 victory over Osasuna. Joao Felix scored a brace in the fixture, while there were goals in the final ten minutes for Marcos Llorente, Alvaro Morata and Yannick Carrasco. A repeat performance this weekend will see Atletico win big again.
Real Valladolid have also been unbeaten since the La Liga returned as they have won once and drew once. They may still have one eye on the relegation battle, but their eight-point advantage does seem pretty healthy with nine games of the season remaining. Their last game in La Liga was a scoreless draw against Celta Vigo. Neither side did enough to win the game, but Valladolid will be hoping that they will be able to defend as strongly against Atletico this weekend.
This is a daunting challenge for Valladolid this weekend, as they will be coming up against a free-scoring Atletico side that are thriving in this behind closed doors environment. This should be a big win for the hosts.
