After a brief hiatus, the 2024-25 La Liga is set to resume with matchday 19, promising a slew of intense showdowns. This week’s fixtures carry immense weight for Espanyol, Valencia, and Valladolid, all grappling with the threat of relegation. Equally, the spotlight is on Atletico Madrid, currently hot on the heels of Real Madrid, with just a two-point gap. Their upcoming match could be the turning point in the battle for the top spot in La Liga 2024-25.
Here is a quick recap of the 2024-25 La Liga matchday 18. The top matches witnessed a high-scoring battle in round 18, where Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 4-1, thanks to Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo, and Brahim Diaz. Meanwhile, Villarreal defeated Leganes 5-2. On the game day, Thiemo Barry performed phenomenally, scoring three points and leading the team to secure the triumph. While some matches showcased the team’s solid defense, where Girona defeated Valladolid 3-0, Mallorca manged to defeat Getafe with a score of 1-0, Real Sociedad suffered a defeat with Celta Vigo without scoring a single point, and their unbalanced defense allowed Celta Vigo two points. In addition to this, Las Palmas defeated Espanyol with 1-0.
Other notable matches were when the Athletic Club defeated Osasuna by a margin of one point, and Barcelona suffered another defeat with Atletico Madrid 1-2. Two battles ended in a draw, Valencia and Alaves 2-2, and Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano 1-1. For more updates on sport and the upcoming La Liga showdown, visit our website and stay updated!
Rayo Vallecano vs. Celta Vigo
The mid-table standing Rayo Vallecano and Celta Vigo are all set to face round 19 of the 2024-25 La Liga encounter on January 10, 2025, at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas (Madrid).
Average Possession
- Rayo Vallecano: Standing 12th with 48.2%
- Celta Vigo: Standing 5th with 53.4%
Rayo Vallecano heads into this match with a 3-1 victory over Racing Club Ferrol in the Copa del Rey of Round of 32. In the first half of the game, Pacha and Jorge de Frutos contributed one goal for Rayo Vallecano, and their defense in the first half was utterly mesmerized. They blocked the opponent’s opportunity to score points. Moving forward to the second half of the game, Jorge de Frutos scored another goal, which gave them a clear advantage to win the game, and their defense was entirely well-balanced, which made the opponent score only in the 90+1 minute of the game.
In their La Liga performance, their last three matches ended in a draw with Real Madrid, Villarreal, and Betis. On the other hand, Celta Vigo won their prior game, Racing Santander, in the Copa del Rey of Round 32 by a margin of one point. Despite the early lead from the opponent, Alfonso Gonzalez scored the first goal for Celta Vigo in the 20th minute of the game. Later in the second of the match, Celta Vigo’s defense was dominant. Still, unfortunately, in the 70th minute of the game, Javier Rodriguez’s goal added another point for the opponent, and they led the game. In the 86th minute of the game, Javier Castro’s goal tied up, and Alfonso Gonzalez came as a lifesaver for Celta Vigo on the day by shooting the winning goal in the last minute. Considering their recent form, Celta Vigo has an edge to win this game.
Deportivo Alavés vs. Girona
At Estadio Mendizorrotza (Vitoria-Gasteiz), Deportivo Alaves will compete against Girona on January 11, 2025, in the highly anticipated matchday 19 of the 2024-25 La Liga encounter.
Average Possession
- Deportivo Alaves: Standing 17th with 43.4%
- Girona: Standing third with 59.0%
Deportivo Alaves seeks to enhance its standing as it begins the new year with its first game of 2025. They are only two points clear of the relegation zone, suffering from just one win in their last 12 La Liga fixtures. On a positive note, they have remained unbeaten in their four league matches, ending in draws. Conversely, Girona likely welcomed the winter break after balancing their La Liga schedule with UEFA Champions League activities. They return to play positioned 11 points behind the top four and 20 points lower than their rank last season.
Their quest for consecutive top-four finishes has been hindered by only one win in their last four league games, which includes one draw and two losses. Their away performance has also been shaky, with just two victories away from home. However, since their defeat to Mallorca in the last away match, Girona has managed to avoid back-to-back away losses this season, hinting at a potential resurgence in this game. Given their current form, Girona is advantageous in this encounter.
Valladolid vs. Betis
Betis will travel to Estadio José Zorrilla (Valladolid) on January 11, 2025, to play Valladolid in the forthcoming La Liga match.
Average Possession
- Valladolid: Standing 19th with 41.4%
- Betis: Standing 9th with 51.0%
Valladolid is currently at the bottom of the table with 20th position and only 12 points from 18 matches played. It is a tough challenge for them against 9th-placed Betis, who have taken 25 points so far in the season. The campaign of Valladolid seems dismal, withthree3 wins, three draws, and 12 defeats, whereas the form of Betis has been more promising, with six wins, seven draws, and five losses.
The visitors are better in form and league position, but Valladolid will be eager to get a much-needed victory to climb out of the relegation zone. Key players include Giovani Lo Celso of Betis, who has been in great form with seven goals this season, and Raul Moro of Valladolid, who has added three goals and one assist. It should be an exciting game because, at the bottom, Valladolid fights for survival while Betis strives to be within the top half of the table.
Espanyol vs. Leganes
On matchday 19 of 2024-25, La Liga Espanyol will play Leganes at RCDE Stadium (Cornella de Llobregat) on January 11, 2025.
Average Possession
- Espanyol: Standing 20th with 40.1%
- Leganes: Standing 18th with 41.8%
Espanyol, who currently finds themselves in 18th place with 15 points from 18 matches, will be looking for points to try and climb away from the relegation zone. Leganes, in 15th place with 18 points, will look for a win to enhance their position. Espanyol has been poor recently, winning only three games and drawing two of them, losing ten in their last 15 games, whereas Leganes have been more stable with six wins, four draws, and five losses in the same period. It will be a good match as both teams try to get as many points as possible. Espanyol needs to correct their defensive frailties, as they have allowed 32 goals this season, which is the worst in the league after Girona. They need to improve their defensive organization and reduce individual errors.
They need to be more clinical on the attacking front before the goal, as they cannot convert their chances. Leganes will take advantage of Espanyol’s weaknesses by playing high up the pitch and forcing mistakes. Their main arsenal may be quick counter-attacking, quick transitions, and pacey forwards. If they can solidify their defense, they should be able to capitalize on chances that come their way. For Espanyol, winning will boost their chance of getting out of the relegation zone, thus giving a much-needed boost to the morale of the team and its supporters. For Leganes, a win will be essential to distance them from the relegation zone and make some breathing space. Espanyol will capitalize on this opportunity and win this match to advance their position.
Sevilla vs. Valencia
On January 11, 2025, Sevilla will face Valencia at Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán (Sevilla) in round 19 of the exciting 2024-25 La Liga showdown.
Average Possession
- Sevilla: Standing 6th with 53.2%
- Valencia: Standing 11th with 48.4%
Sevilla’s recent performances showed they are rising by winning two, drawing one, and losing two of their last five matches. Their performance at home has been the best of this season, where they have also claimed five wins, drawn one, and lost three matches at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. In their last game, Sevilla lost 4-2 to Real Madrid away from home. Though it was a disappointing match, they have had the potential to score against top teams, as evidenced by the current season’s tally, securing 20 goals throughout the season. However, in defense, they have conceded 27 goals.
Valencia, on the other hand, has been in a transitional phase after sacking club legend Baraja, and they seem to be in disarray. They have faced high stakes in recent matches, including a postponed match against Real Madrid due to the DANA storm, which saw Vinícius Jr sent off after a heated exchange with goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski. Valencia recently did not get the desired form because it went through only two wins in 18 matches played. Sevilla is more likely to win this game based on their recent form and standing.
Las Palmas vs. Getafe
For matchday 19, Las Palmas will lock horns with Getafe on January 12, 2025, at Estadio de Gran Canaria (Las Palmas).
Average Possession
- Las Palmas: Standing 7th with 52. 3%
- Getafe: Standing 16th with 44.1%
Las Palmas, who are currently 13th in the table, will look to continue winning after a recent victory over Espanyol and six wins in their last ten matches. Their good home form adds to their confidence as they face a Getafe side struggling to get points and avoid relegation. With no victories this season, Getafe’s poor away record has been a significant hurdle. Despite some bright performances at home, their away games have been challenging. Las Palmas would look to consolidate their 22 points to mid-table safety, while Getafe, on just 12 points, will be desperate to climb out of the relegation zone. Both teams need points—Las Palmas to climb higher up the table and Getafe to escape the relegation zone.
This match looks competitive, promising to be strict, with Las Palmas at home having the upper hand. Football lovers should expect the battle to be fiercely competitive, with both teams aiming to win. The team boasts a mix of youth and veteran players, counting on their solidity at the back and creativity through the midfield as the key sources for breaking open Getafe’s defense. On the other hand, Getafe will have to increase its performance in organizing its defense and developing its scoring ability to match its opponent, Las Palmas. Las Palmas has the upper hand with the recent performance to win this match.
Atlético de Madrid vs. Osasuna
To grab first place in the La Liga table, Atletico de Madrid is ready to face off against Osasuna on matchday 19 at Metropolitano Stadium (Madrid) on January 12, 2025.
Average Possession
- Atletico de Madrid: Standing 8th with 51.9%
- Osasuna: Standing 15th with 45.1%
Atlético, sitting in second position with 41 points, would want to extend its unbeaten record at home as they host a mid-table Osasuna side, who have failed to perform away from home this season. Atlético’s home record is impressive, with seven wins and two draws, while Osasuna has won only once away this season. So, we expect a home win for Atlético. The probability of this event is 1.36 at 1Win. Furthermore, as they have done so far, we expect Atlético to keep a clean sheet at home. The odds for this are 1.64 at 1Win. Atlético Madrid has, under the coaching of Diego Pablo Simeone, had one of the seasons in its glorious history; their record, winning 12, drawing 5, and losing only 1, stands out at Riyadh Air Metropolitano, earning them the number two position on the league’s table.
However, Osasuna had no good thing going with them as their season was mixed and unconvincing, standing with six wins, seven draws, and five losses. Atlético’s league’s top scorer is Norwegian international Sörloth, with eight league goals this season. Meanwhile, Osasuna’s Croatian international Ante Budimir has been the offensive highlight with 10 league goals. Osasuna will miss winger Bryan Zaragoza as he recovers from a metatarsal fracture. In short, Atlético Madrid is a clear favorite to win this one at home, while Osasuna is not so good on the road. Atlético is expected to dominate the game with a clean sheet and a comfortable win.
Real Sociedad vs. Villarreal
Matchday 19 will conclude with the Real Sociedad—Villarreal battle on January 12, 2025, at Reale Arena (San Sebastian).
Average Possession
- Real Sociedad: Standing 4th with 55.6%
- Villarreal: Standing 10th with 49.1%
Both teams have proven defensive solidity; Real Sociedad did not allow any goal in their last three home games, while Villarreal allowed goals in all their away games this season. This implies a possible low-scoring match with under 2.5 goals will likely happen. The probability for under 2.5 goals is 2.07. Real Sociedad’s last few games included wins against Leganes, draws against Las Palmas, and losses against Athletic Bilbao.
On the other hand, Villarreal had mixed results: a win against Celta Vigo, a draw against Rayo Vallecano, and a loss against Girona2; this may give Real Sociedad a slight advantage heading into the game. As for the goals, Real Sociedad scored 16 at home, and Villarreal scored 22 away. However, Real Sociedad’s home defense is insufficient for Villarreal to score more than one goal. Considering Real Sociedad’s good home form and Villarreal’s poor away record, Real Sociedad will likely emerge victorious by a narrow margin.
