La Liga round 8 predictions: Match preview, team news, current form & h2h

The international break comes to a close as La Liga returns this weekend with a fascinating round 8 schedule featuring several matches from Friday night.

Defending champions Barcelona enter the weekend as the only perfect side in the division, having collected 21 points from their opening seven matches.

Atlético Madrid sit second with 16 points, while Real Betis are also on 16 and Real Madrid are fourth on 15.

The biggest game of the weekend comes at the Bernabéu, where fourth-placed Real Madrid welcome an impressive Villarreal side. Barcelona, meanwhile, will attempt to maintain their perfect start when they host Getafe.

Atlético Madrid also face a potentially tricky away assignment against Alavés, while Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Club meet in an intriguing battle between two teams currently separated only by goal difference.

We have a look at the top games scheduled for the weekend and offer our predicted outcome.

Both teams have eight points after seven rounds, although Bilbao have played only six matches. Rayo have scored 11 goals but conceded 16, while their opponents have scored seven and conceded only six.

Rayo’s defensive record is the biggest concern, with their 16 goals conceded one of the poorest records in the division.

Bilbao, by contrast, have been considerably tighter defensively. Their six goals conceded from six matches suggests that Ernesto Valverde’s side could make this a frustrating afternoon for the hosts.

Bilbao have won four of the last five games played against Rayo, with the only exception being a 1-1 draw the last time these sides met in February.

Prediction – Over 1.5 goals – PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME HERE!

Atlético travel to Alavés knowing that a victory would strengthen their position near the top of the table.

Diego Simeone’s team have taken 16 points from seven matches, winning five, drawing one and losing once.

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They have scored 16 goals and conceded only seven. Alavés have also enjoyed a strong start, sitting sixth with 11 points and a +5 goal difference.

Both teams come into the game on completely different runs of form with Alaves without a win in their last three games, while Atleti bring a three-game winning streak into the contest.

Atleti were 1-0 winners the last time they faced Alaves as the fixture continued its’ trend of not producing many goals.

Only one of the last five matches between these two teams has seen over 2.5 goals scored, and this is not expected to be any different.

Prediction – Under 3.5 goals – PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME HERE!

The defending champions have won all seven league matches, scoring 31 goals and conceding just seven.

They lead the standings with 21 points, five more than their closest challengers, setting a commanding pace early in the season.

Getafe, meanwhile, sit 11th with eight points after seven games. They have scored only four goals and conceded seven.

Barca beat Sevilla 3-1 before the international break, while Getafe squeezed past Malaga in a 1-0 victory – their first win in six matches.

With the type of form that the league leaders are on and their recent superior dominance over their opponents, this makes it straightforward fixture.

Prediction – Barcelona to win – PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME HERE!

This is arguably the biggest matchup this weekend as Madrid look to bounce back from a 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico.

The loss saw them drop into fourth place with 15 points, having already lost two of their seven games in the new season.

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They take on a Villarreal side who come into the game in ninth place with eight points. The yellow submarine are seeking a third consecutive La Liga win for the first time since December 2025.

Hosts Madrid are without the services of some key players such as top scorer Kylian Mbappe, who suffered a knee injury while playing for France.

Despite the setback, they boast a more superior squad and are favorites to win here. They have won all of the last four matches played against Villarreal.

Prediction – Real Madrid to win – PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME HERE!

Betis have shown signs of being the surprise package this season with an impressive start that sees them occupy third place with 16 points.

The hosts have already beaten Real Madrid and Villarreal, sending notice that they are in it to challenge for the La Liga title.

They face a 13th place Osasuna who have eight points from their opening seven games. The visitors are without a win in their last four matches.

Osasuna snapped a three-match losing streak to earn a point in a 1-1 draw against Vallecano in their last fixture before the international break.

Prediction – Betis to win – PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME HERE!