LaLiga Week 2 Predictions: Barcelona Leads, Real Madrid Starts Slow

Sep, 26 2025

Opening Weekend Recap

The LaLiga campaign got off to a dramatic start on matchday one. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona rolled over Mallorca 3-0, making the most of a seven‑man opponent that saw two reds. The win not only put the defending champions atop the table but also sent a clear message: they’re not planning to hand the title away.

Across the Bernabéu, Xabi Alonso’s debut in a Real Madrid shirt was a lesson in patience. A solitary Kylian Mbappé penalty was enough to edge past Osasuna, but the victory felt more like a sigh of relief than a statement of intent. The new coach will have a lot to sort out if he hopes to keep pace with Barcelona’s early surge.

Among the newcomers, Elche was the lone promoted club to escape a loss. A gritty 1-1 draw against a seasoned side showed that the Andalusian side can hold its own, setting up an intriguing second‑week clash against an already rattled Villarreal.

Week 2 Preview and Picks

Ten games will unfold from Friday night to Monday, and the odds are already moving. Here’s the breakdown.

• Real Betis vs Alavés (Friday, 20:30) – Betis stumbled in their opener, surrendering a lead against Elche and exposing defensive frailties. Alavés, meanwhile, have three points and a flawless head‑to‑head record against the Seville side over the past five meetings. A 1‑1 draw feels realistic, with both teams likely to settle for a point.
• Mallorca vs Celta Vigo (Saturday, 16:00) – Mallorca’s joy was short‑lived after two reds against Barcelona, meaning several starters sit out this fixture. Celta, though they fell 2‑1 to Getafe, showed resilience and reversed the season’s previous double‑win over Mallorca. Expect Celta to exploit the weakened lineup and grab all three points.

Other matchups deserve a glance. Atletico Madrid travel to face Granada, and their disciplined midfield could be the difference after a goalless draw on Sunday. Sevilla host Valencia; both teams are looking to bounce back from lackluster starts, making it one of the weekend’s most unpredictable affairs.

In the north, Athletic Bilbao meet Osasuna at the Calderón. Despite Osasuna’s narrow loss to Real Madrid, they have a compact defence that could frustrate Bilbao’s wing play. A tight, low‑scoring game is likely.

Meanwhile, the north‑east sees Villarreal taking on Almería. Villarreal’s early points and a solid home record suggest they’ll push for a win, but Almería’s counter‑attacking style could keep things close.

At the bottom of the table, Girona faces a tough test against Barcelona on Monday. The Catalan giants, buoyed by their opening win, will aim to extend their lead, while Girona will desperately need points to avoid an early relegation battle.

Overall, the week promises to tighten the race at the top and throw a few surprises at the mid‑table. With Barcelona already three points clear, the real story will be whether Real Madrid can close the gap or if the new manager’s philosophy needs more time to click.

Fans and bettors alike should keep an eye on squad rotations, especially for teams dealing with suspensions from the first‑round red cards. Those depth issues could shape the fabric of the early season standings more than any tactical masterstroke.