What a difference a year makes!

What a difference a year makes!

      As the winter break approaches La Liga, the formidable presence of Real Madrid hangs over all other clubs in the division. There may be 24 football games remaining for each club and far too much of the campaign left to make bold assertions, but the title race betting odds are already leaning towards the capital. Sports betting fans know there’s plenty of time for things to change but, at least domestically, it’s hard to see past the Zinedine Zidane revolution. Cast your mind back 12 months, when Rafa Benitez was in charge and they were beaten 4-0 at home in El Clasico, and the difference is evident.

WEEK 15 SATURDAY:

Malaga vs Granada

The big question is: are Granada now on a charge? They hadn’t won all season until a fortnight ago. The back-to-back wins against Osasuna and Sevilla have given them impetus and lifted them off the bottom.

Osasuna vs Barcelona

Rock bottom and without a win since October the 17^th, Osasuna seem perfect opponents. Yes, even for a Barcelona side haunted by conceding a last-gasp goal in El Clasico last weekend. Their fourth successive draw may have left the Catalans six points off the top spot but, they will surely relish this trip to El Sadar.

Real Sociedad vs Valencia

One win in two months is also the position Valencia find themselves in. It’s a surprise given their early season form and defeat to high-flying Sociedad could leave them in the drop zone by the end of the weekend. How much psychological damage a 5-1 thrashing to Deportivo has caused, however, remains to be seen.

WEEK 15 SUNDAY:

Las Palmas vs Leganes

And still Las Palmas impress. One defeat in five and a move up to 10^th in the table is a fine achievement. Leganes know survival is their main aim and, ahead of their trip to Gran Canaria, will be boosted by the knowledge they can keep clean sheets. They held Villarreal last time out.

Real Madrid vs Deportivo La Coruna

Madrid will be kicking themselves for letting a two-goal lead slip in the Champions League in midweek. However, the 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund also matched the club record of 34 games without defeat, including 25 wins. That equaled the record set by Leo Beenhakker’s Madrid in 1988/89, and you sense Madrid will not be happy until they have surpassed the Spanish record of 39 unbeaten games held by arch-rivals Barcelona.

Eibar vs Alaves

A meeting of two smaller sides in pretty good form. Indeed, both can be quietly pleased with their first third of the campaign. With a 12 point cushion from relegation, Los Armeros have outside Europa League hopes but must see off Alaves and then Leganes if their qualification dreams are to remain possible.

Celta Vigo vs Sevilla

With just four points separating fifth from 12^th, the importance of this fixture has not gone unnoticed. Although Iago Aspas is keeping them in currency in goals, a failure to keep clean sheets is proving harmful to the Galicians. After progressing to the Champions League last 16 in midweek, third-placed Sevilla now need to bounce back from their shock defeat to Granada last weekend.

WEEK 15 MONDAY:

Espanyol vs Sporting Gijon

Espanyol are on something of a roll right now. Their impressive goalless draw at Atletico Madrid last weekend means at this stage they can even be classed as part of an unlikely chasing pack for a Europea League spot. Inspired by Carlos Carmona, Gijon could do with securing back-to-back victories for the first time this season.

Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao

Betis are back in the big time and hovering just above the safety zone, knowing home wins are crucial. Bilbao are trying to play down hopes of a top-four finish, expectations which would be higher but for inconsistent away showings. However, it’s an exciting time in the Basque country with Artiz Aduriz still banging in the goals, helped by the exciting Inaki Williams.

WEEK 15 TUESDAY:

Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid

Fifth versus fourth to end the weekend, and no doubt the toughest test yet for new home coach Fran Escriba. The Yellow Submarine are notoriously difficult to beat at the Estadio Madrigal and will not fear meeting an Atletico side who are not proving as prolific in front of goal this season. Just a solitary point against the teams around them so far this campaign and Diego Simeone will be hoping this fixture can put that stat to bed.

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