Even though Lionel Messi, the best player in soccer history, bounced from Barcelona in LaLiga to Paris Saint-Germain in French Ligue 1, the Spanish Primera Division remains one of the most competitive leagues in soccer. The 2021-2022 La Liga Season kicks off on Friday, Aug. 13. Keep reading for LaLiga odds, analysis, and free picks for Primera Division matches from Friday to Monday.
Top LaLiga Games to Watch & Bet on the Matchday 1
UEFA LaLiga Games – Matchday 1
- When: Friday, Aug. 13 – Monday, Aug. 16
Getafe +215 vs Valencia +134
- When: Friday, Aug. 13
Valencia has played 3 club friendlies. On Aug. 4, the home team in this drew 0-0 versus AC Milan in their final club friendly. This is the first time Getafe is stepping onto the pitch since late May. Valencia should win.
Soccer Pick: Valencia
Espanyol +225 vs Osasuna +123
- When: Saturday, Aug. 14
Osasuna is on a 3-match losing streak. In their lone club friendly, Liverpool beat Osasuna 3-1. Espanyol drew 1-1 with Granada on July 27. Espanyol played in Spanish Segundo Division last season. The road team is out to prove they belong.
Soccer Pick: Espanyol
Levante +165 vs Cadiz +165
- When: Saturday, Aug. 14
On May 21, Levante and Cadiz played to a 2-2 draw. Based on the odds, some expect another draw. There’s nothing to lead us to a different conclusion. Another draw is more than possible.
Soccer Pick: Draw
Real Betis +119 vs Mallorca +225
- When: Saturday, Aug. 14
Mallorca is a second-division La Liga squad that made the jump to the Primera Division. Real Betis beat AS Roma 5-2 in their final club friendly. Betis takes this.
Soccer Pick: Real Betis
Real Madrid -1 ½ (+115) vs Alaves +1 ½ (-153)
- When: Saturday, Aug. 14
For the first time in 16 seasons, Real Madrid must play without Sergio Ramos. Like Messi, Ramos will play for Paris Saint-Germain this season. Will that affect how Real performs against Alaves? Probably not. Even without Ramos, Real towers over a squad like Alaves. Benzema, Isco, Modric, and Kroos ensure RM covers the handicap.
Soccer Pick: Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid -115 vs Celta de Vigo +315
- When: Sunday, Aug. 15
2020-2021 La Liga Champion Atletico Madrid begins the defense of their title against Celta de Vigo. Atletico has pieces in place to win back-to-back Spanish Primera Division titles. Suarez and his mates won’t allow the title defense to start with a losing effort.
Soccer Pick: Atletico Madrid
Real Sociedad +320 vs Barcelona -140
- When: Sunday, Aug. 15
We don’t know how Messi’s absence will affect Barcelona. Barca did improve, but some of the players they signed, like Sergio Aguero, aren’t ready to step onto the pitch. Memphis Depay is fantastic, but Barcelona must prove it before we lay -140.
Soccer Pick: Real Sociedad
Rayo Vallecano +1 ½ (-166) vs Sevilla -1 ½ (+124)
- When: Sunday, Aug. 15
Sevilla believes they can contend for the La Liga crown. Doing so requires them to dominate overmatched teams like Rayo Vallecano. If the home team were offering underlay odds, we wouldn’t bite. But at +124, we’re willing to lay the goal and a half.
Soccer Pick: Sevilla
Granada +1 ½ (-192) vs Villareal -1 ½ (+142)
- When: Monday, Aug. 16
One of the most surprising under-the-radar club teams last season was Villareal. The favorite in this won the 2021 Europa League Final via penalties over Man United. On August 11, Villareal lost the UEFA Super Cup to Chelsea via penalties. The home team has a real shot of covering this handicap.
Soccer Pick: Villareal
Athletic Bilbao +102 vs Elche +260
- When: Monday, Aug. 16
Bilbao looked good in a couple of club friendlies, but the odds don’t justify a bet. On May 22, Elche beat Bilbao 2-0. Elche can make it two in a row versus their rivals.
Soccer Pick: Elche
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