La Liga (Spanish League) Prediction Thread 2025/26

[jakdanyel]

Arbeloa's stats so far in the 9 matches he managed in all tournaments...

7 wins and 2 losses in those by the way. One were in the Champions League and the other one was that shocking loss against Albacete in the Copa del Rey.

5 wins in 5 matches in the La Liga since he arrived. He goes on better than I expected. But will this be sustainable though? It is hard to make a guess about it for now. But they are doing good by taking the lead in the league.

[babo]

I agree with you @banana33. Although I am a barcelona fan. But I will also say that Madrid's squad is stronger than Barcelona's. But the opponent should never be underestimated. Madrid's squad was very strong last season as well. But even then they lost all  4 matches against Barcelona. Barcelona is the la liga champion but Madrid can not win any title. Madrid's squad is strong this season as well. But there is nothing surprising if Madrid does not win any titles this time. Winning titles requires stability and  consistency in performance. The team whose  overall performance is consistent till the end of the season will be the la liga champions.

I was also surprised by this mistake, which in my opinion was a huge one.
I didn't expect this mistake from Flick because the mistake is his, let's be clear
he hasn't been able to manage a team that ultimately plays and doesn't have big problems like Real Madrid can have.

[JeromeTash]

Arbeloa is doing better than I expected. We criticize arbeloa because madrid's overall performance is not stable. But since Arbeloa became manager, Madrid has won every la liga match. Although they lost to Benfica in the group stage of the champions league, Madrid won the away match of the play-offs. But it can not be denied that Madrid's overall performance is  still not stable. And we can see a decline in madrid's performance at any time. But arbeloa is able to do a good enough job.

But they did drop out of Copa Del Rey against a very low-tier team. They also risked dropping out of the Champions League by going for playoffs, yet they could have easily finished anywhere near third place. By not finishing in the top four, Real Madrid disadvantaged themselves as the tournament progresses.

Arbeloa hasn't done badly, but I guess he came in at the wrong time. The remaining part of the season isn't a joke. So many decisive games, a lot of players develop fatigue in games that are endless with little resting time.

[Danica22]

And speaking of Real Madrid, they are currently quite consistent in their performance, and their win against Benfica clearly had a positive impact on them. But honestly,, even with a one-goal difference, Real Madrid can't be completely calm right now. Because in the second leg, Benfica could be even more aggressive, as they did in the previous match. Therefore,, Real Madrid must remain calm and not underestimate Benfica. Because this is a very decisive match for them.

I also agree with what you said previously, i understand that this team is clearly stronger than Barcelona, but certainly underestimating the opponent is never a good thing, Barcelona is a solid team but has some shortcomings in defense, now they must go straight and win to try to overtake Real Madrid hoping for some of their mistakes

The gap between barcelona and Madrid is very small. Barcelona is only  2 points behind. This is not a big gap. If real madrid loses a point in one match, barcelona will probably be able to regain the top spot in the table.
You are right that barcelona's defense has some flaws. Barcelona has lost the last two matches because of a  weak defense. Hansi flick must solve these problems  very quickly. Otherwise , they will fall further behind in the title race.

[bitLeap]

Barcelona are still strong they still have a chance to defend the title against real madrid. It is not game over yet for them and real madrid shouldn't be relax because they are at the top of the table. Real madrid is only leading by two points in the standings barcelona are still left with many chances to take the lead back although it wouldn't be easy but if the opportunity present itself barcelona will certainly take their chance.

Surely.. There are still many chances for Barcelona. Real Madrid is only 2 points ahead but there are many more matches left in the tournament. Barcelona is definitely a much stronger team than Real Madrid. Real Madrid might go further ahead because they are the favourites against Osasuna tomorrow. Barcelona has fallen a bit behind but I think it is a lesson learned because consecutive wins give players the confidence to win the next match. Overconfidence in players leads to defeats. I believe Barcelona will come back with full strength and win the trophy.

Indeed that opportunity is still wide open for Barcelona, ​​especially with the recent news that Gavi has returned from a long term injury giving Barcelona a boost in their squad. Meanwhile Fabrizio recently reported that Huijsen has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his right calf, and losing him is a major loss for Madrid. Therefore a two point gap is still too vulnerable for Real Madrid in the standings.

[ndutndut]

Arbeloa's stats so far in the 9 matches he managed in all tournaments...

7 wins and 2 losses in those by the way. One were in the Champions League and the other one was that shocking loss against Albacete in the Copa del Rey.

5 wins in 5 matches in the La Liga since he arrived. He goes on better than I expected. But will this be sustainable though? It is hard to make a guess about it for now. But they are doing good by taking the lead in the league.

The first defeat to Albacete eliminated them from the Copa del Rey the second defeat to Benfica in Matchday 5, which knocked them out of the top eight and now Madrid have bounced back in the play off round with a win in the first leg. So far, Arbeloa's Real Madrid has shown significant changes in recent weeks. They are currently at the top of the La Liga standings, all because Arbeloa can control the dressing room, ensuring his strategy is executed with discipline and planning.

I see Arbeloa understands that Madrid is all about counterattacking remembering when he was coached by Pellegrini, Mourinho (in his prime) and Ancelotti. So the mainstay formation of that era was 433, but on the field it became 4231. But Albeloa understands because now he has Mbappe who is not a target man type, so he adapts to 442. I believe that Albeloa will be successful at Madrid. In the past Zidane did not have direct experience coaching Madrid, but the result was success. Now it is Arbeloa's turn, Madrid's DNA is only understanding each other with their champion mentality.

[Fiatless]

Arbeloa's stats so far in the 9 matches he managed in all tournaments...

7 wins and 2 losses in those by the way. One were in the Champions League and the other one was that shocking loss against Albacete in the Copa del Rey.

5 wins in 5 matches in the La Liga since he arrived. He goes on better than I expected. But will this be sustainable though? It is hard to make a guess about it for now. But they are doing good by taking the lead in the league.

He took over a club that was divided and lacked motivation. So the two losses are excusable. The loss against Benfica was a big blow because they had to play matches in the Playoffs. But Real Madrid has taken over the leadership of La Liga, which is commendable. If Real continue with this performance, they might win the La Liga and could do well in the UCL if they survive in the playoffs.  

[changaa]

The title contenders have quite easy matches on paper at the weekend:

• Osasuna - Real Madrid
• Barcelona - Levante

Both favourites shouldn't have big issues with winning normally, right? The Girona match was also like that but Barcelona lost it. Levante are a way weaker team than Girona. I think a solid make up for it by Barcelona like a win by a big score gap.

Osasuna haven't lost in the league for 5 weeks. However Real Madrid have also won 8 times in a row! Maybe Arbeloa might prefer a rotation because of the rematch against Benfica in a few days. But I would still expect a win against Osasuna...

is not a given, remember that Barcelona lost to Girona, which is a team that is much lower than Barcelona.
Villarreal are surprising me in a positive way, they are playing really well and it shows.
The third wheel this season is Villarreal.

[Merit.s]

Arbeloa's stats so far in the 9 matches he managed in all tournaments...

7 wins and 2 losses in those by the way. One were in the Champions League and the other one was that shocking loss against Albacete in the Copa del Rey.

5 wins in 5 matches in the La Liga since he arrived. He goes on better than I expected. But will this be sustainable though? It is hard to make a guess about it for now. But they are doing good by taking the lead in the league.

So far, his performance has been impressive in the outcome of Real Madrid matches. We might underestimate Arbeloa but he might give us the surprises that we didn't expect from him.

I still have this feelings in me that Arbeloa will win a trophy for Real Madrid this season because he is progressing more than expected. The team feel cool with him and I believe that they are ready to support him and work with him for the progress of the club.

[LUCKMCFLY]

In my view, big lead has passed because Madrid is able of playing under pressure while Barcelona does not play same way every time and even making comeback is very difficult. Winning machine in Madrid is now on winning end with El Clasico at its door, and the question remains, is Hansi Flick team able of getting back its form of early part of season before it is too late.

What matters right now is that these top teams in Spain are at the same level There's a lot of competition, and besides, Real Madrid's advantage isn't significant They're only one game and one draw behind. If Real Madrid loses two games, they could be overtaken, so they can't be overconfident. Barcelona has a very good team What I don't like is Lamine's ego , but I think Real Madrid shouldn't waste this opportunity with the advantage they have.

[Adbitco]

Arbeloa's stats so far in the 9 matches he managed in all tournaments...

7 wins and 2 losses in those by the way. One were in the Champions League and the other one was that shocking loss against Albacete in the Copa del Rey.

5 wins in 5 matches in the La Liga since he arrived. He goes on better than I expected. But will this be sustainable though? It is hard to make a guess about it for now. But they are doing good by taking the lead in the league.

Let's just wait and see what happens from now till May. At least there's no excuse and this time around thee players that revolted against Alonso are not doing so against Arbeloa which means his coaching in a conducive environment and not on a hot seat like Alonso, I really liked Alonso only if the players and board had given him a suitable environment to bring in the needed changes he has in his heart for the team, but since his gone the fans will support the new coach and hope he does his best by winning trophies for the team. Now that they are on top of the league and of course it's who's in top that receives more pressure, so if his able to handle the pressure and deliver the league for the club then I'm sure he will be appointed, that's how it worked for Zidane back then when he delivered the Champions League in 2016.

[lizarder]

These teams are very similar and they know very well that the work that has to be done is practically the same, they are two teams that are doing the same thing in the league, clearly these teams also excel in the Champions League and that's why they then resort to each other because they are very strong there too.

It's different regarding the results they got in the Champions League, but if you look at their performance in the domestic league, they actually experienced several problems. As is the case with Barcelona, even though in the Champions League they have still performed quite consistently so far but it will be a little more difficult when faced with competition in La Liga. In fact, I see that there is no big guarantee that Barcelona can progress further in the Champions League if they are not able to maintain consistency.

It's the same with Real Madrid because currently there are a few problems that they haven't been able to overcome even though their performance has been a little better in the previous few matches. The victory against Benfica can be a reference because even though they played well the final solution was still a problem because they were only able to score one goal in that match.

[Baki202]

And speaking of Real Madrid, they are currently quite consistent in their performance, and their win against Benfica clearly had a positive impact on them. But honestly,, even with a one-goal difference, Real Madrid can't be completely calm right now. Because in the second leg, Benfica could be even more aggressive, as they did in the previous match. Therefore,, Real Madrid must remain calm and not underestimate Benfica. Because this is a very decisive match for them.

I also agree with what you said previously, i understand that this team is clearly stronger than Barcelona, but certainly underestimating the opponent is never a good thing, Barcelona is a solid team but has some shortcomings in defense, now they must go straight and win to try to overtake Real Madrid hoping for some of their mistakes

The gap between barcelona and Madrid is very small. Barcelona is only  2 points behind. This is not a big gap. If real madrid loses a point in one match, barcelona will probably be able to regain the top spot in the table.
You are right that barcelona's defense has some flaws. Barcelona has lost the last two matches because of a  weak defense. Hansi flick must solve these problems  very quickly. Otherwise , they will fall further behind in the title race.

The gap is not much but we should not underestimate real Madrid the same time because the won all there five games and it is very unlike them, seems they are more balanced now and as for Barcelona things are not going well for them and that is what is given real Madrid all this opportunity to win,  and am surprised that Barcelona is not doing well and real Madrid is doing well so see how things works because who would imagined that real Madrid will pick this early,  and at least they have the chance of winning something this period because last season they did not win anything, they should try and win something, and the way Barcelona have lost those games surprised me.

We don't know the situation of Barcelona yet but hopefully let's see if they will do a come, because we never can tell but I feel is not over for Barcelona because they will not just make it easy for real Madrid to win just like that,  because they  have worked hard just to get what they want and real Madrid has taking over so let's not expect this drama to be over any time soon so let's wait and see what will happen before the season will.

[Minor Miner]

It's the same with Real Madrid because currently there are a few problems that they haven't been able to overcome even though their performance has been a little better in the previous few matches. The victory against Benfica can be a reference because even though they played well the final solution was still a problem because they were only able to score one goal in that match.

There are still many problems within the Real Madrid squad. There is no denying it. The bonding between the Madrid players is not strong. This is their biggest weakness. Also, the team is still dependent on the performance of Mbappe.

Arbeloa could not solve the problems. But Madrid was able to continue their winning streak. This is commendable. Madrid is playing quite well with the help of Arbeloa. But the problem is that we still do not know if Madrid can continue this streak. It is difficult for Arbeloa's inexperienced manager. But so far Madrid is in a good position.

[Furious 7]

This happened because Flick overemphasized their attacking style which is always all out which makes Barcelona always lose when trying to intercept fast counter-attacks especially some players like Balde at left-back for me tend to be slow when compared to some left-backs at big clubs like Carreras at Madrid or Ruggeri at Atletico. Actually, it doesn't matter when Flick wants to try to continue to prioritize good pressing and make their attack patterns look very real but this must also be balanced with a defense line that has speed and endurance in roaming the field and currently they don't have it in both full-backs.

Pedri does have a contribution but for his performance this season I don't see anything that stands out when compared to last season or previous seasons because at the moment Pedri also seems to have a decline even though he is still very capable in controlling the midfield for Barcelona.
The next few matches, especially against Villarreal at the end of this month, will definitely not be easy especially since Villarreal is still one of the clubs that can be a stumbling block even though against Levante I am quite sure of 3 points for them.

The counter-attack thing is actually not every team is able to do this to them. Regular mid-table sides who simply sit back? Barcelona mop them off, high line holding, no problem. It's specifically teams with proper pace up front as well as someone that can play a quick vertical ball. That's the exact trigger. Atletico had all of that with one firing.

What I can't get out of my mind is those two matches back to back. Four days apart. Key players already playing from injured And yet Flick's solution afterwards was basically "trying harder". 

I think people see a quite game and they assume decline. But that's precisely the point of Pedri, he makes it all quiet. Controlled.

Which by the way Joan Garcia is actually elite. He just gets completely abandoned sometimes.

Villarreal end of month - that's the true test. They play the exact same as the Atletico did. Fast breaks, disciplined block then vertical ball into space. If Pedri and Rashford aren't back-fit. I don't know man. I really don't know. Could get ugly again.

Not all are able to do that to Barcelona but once a club succeeds then it is definitely a defeat for them and this has happened in their last few matches in the competitions they run and it is not impossible when the gap is getting more and more open then it is not impossible that some clubs who study Barcelona's style of play can copy this plan if Barcelona still continues to impose the same scheme.

Especially for Joan Garcia, he is still good enough for a goalkeeper but the support of the defense must also be good and we did not find that in Barcelona in the last 2 matches. But sometimes it seems that Joan Garcia's mentality must also continue to be honed because seeing from what happened (for the Atletico match) when his mentality decreases, it is certain that he will immediately go down and that can be a problem.

Levante must be used as a moment of awakening in this case because after Villarreal at the end of the month there will be Atletico and Bilbao who are immediately ready for them to face at the beginning of next month and we know they are quite a troublesome club even for Barcelona.

[Jaycoinz]

It's the same with Real Madrid because currently there are a few problems that they haven't been able to overcome even though their performance has been a little better in the previous few matches. The victory against Benfica can be a reference because even though they played well the final solution was still a problem because they were only able to score one goal in that match.

There are still many problems within the Real Madrid squad. There is no denying it. The bonding between the Madrid players is not strong. This is their biggest weakness. Also, the team is still dependent on the performance of Mbappe.

Arbeloa could not solve the problems. But Madrid was able to continue their winning streak. This is commendable. Madrid is playing quite well with the help of Arbeloa. But the problem is that we still do not know if Madrid can continue this streak. It is difficult for Arbeloa's inexperienced manager. But so far Madrid is in a good position.

Well we always take the positive and the positive now is that Real Madrid have been and they have continued doing it and if they can maintain this form for some time longer then they maybe very well on the verge of clingy on to the La Liga title since they have manage to go top of the league but with the number of games still remaining a whole lot of possibilities can still happen and a whole lot of changes too can still occur so it's very an open affair for everyone most especially Real Madrid and Barcelona.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Both teams have been both good and inconsistent with their performances, at the moment Real Madrid are in front and with the advantage, now the pressure is on Barcelona to win games in hopes of Madrid dropping points but what will really decide the league is the coming El Classico, whoever wins it wins the league if eventually it ends in a draw Madrid maintains her advantage.
Barcelona performance this season has dropped from what they offered last season and Laliga is now back to a battle.

If it's a fact, Barcelona is under immense pressure right now Real Madrid has everything to take advantage of Barcelona's slip-up. It would be good if they did, because Barcelona always likes to capitalize on these situations and claim they're in first place and all that I'd prefer Real Madrid to win La Liga this time and fight to win the Champions League that would be fantastic.

[aylabadia05]

<snip>

He took over a club that was divided and lacked motivation. So the two losses are excusable. The loss against Benfica was a big blow because they had to play matches in the Playoffs. But Real Madrid has taken over the leadership of La Liga, which is commendable. If Real continue with this performance, they might win the La Liga and could do well in the UCL if they survive in the playoffs.  

You want to say that Arbeloa is better than Alonso based on what Arbeloa and Xabi have done during their time at Real Madrid. For me, Real Madrid's decision regarding Alonso was too hasty, and I don't mean to say that Arbeloa isn't a good coach because his performance so far has been able to deliver results that have improved Real Madrid's performance, especially in La Liga.
In this instance, I also believe Arbeloa failed to keep Real Madrid going when they were eliminated from the Copa del Rey.
However, when Xabi was the coach, he failed to beat Atletico Madrid and lost twice at Santiago Bernabeu, once to Celta Vigo in La Liga and again to Manchester City in the Champions League.

[Shineup]

Arbeloa's stats so far in the 9 matches he managed in all tournaments...

7 wins and 2 losses in those by the way. One were in the Champions League and the other one was that shocking loss against Albacete in the Copa del Rey.

5 wins in 5 matches in the La Liga since he arrived. He goes on better than I expected. But will this be sustainable though? It is hard to make a guess about it for now. But they are doing good by taking the lead in the league.

In as much as i'm a big fan of Xabi Alonso i must admit Arbeloa's stats for the club is quite amazing like i didn't expect such incredible performance from him for that i recommend him, and i just hope he keep to this form because I'd real be well pleased if Real Madrid should win the Spanish la liga title this season at least to cover for last seasons mistakes and again to make the league look more competitive and interesting because it will look more boring seeing Barcelona win the league again this season.

[cande86]

Real Madrid is not reliable, i dont know what are you all talking about i know they at least gain again some regularity but they win and nothing more, i know before they lose some no sense games or drop points and now that is not happening under Arbeloa management, but i dont see them as solid they are just one big lose away to be again in hell.

Real Madrid is clearly in trouble but let's not get it wrong, they are still Real Madrid, a team that can change its form at any moment to become more and more fearsome, i understand that there are doubts and that they are currently performing less than usual, but we cannot say that they are finished.