La Liga Best Bets – May 23

Real Madrid will finish in second place in La Liga regardless of the result on the final day. Their haul of 83 points comes from 26 wins, five draws and six defeats would be enough to see them challenge in most leagues if not win the title, but such has been Barcelona’s dominance this season, it means Real sit 11 points off the pace. 

Despite this, Real will feel they owe their fans a win in their last home match. The hosts have won 15 of their 18 on their own patch, while they have won their last two in the league. With Jose Mourinho set to be in the dugout for next season, this is a chance for Real’s players to end the season on a high ahead of what will likely be a summer that involves a lot of changes to their squad. 

Athletic Bilbao saw their place in La Liga preserved as they picked up a point against Celta Vigo last week. This draw, coupled with Girona losing 1-0 to Atletico Madrid, means Bilbao are five points clear of Girona with one game to play. It is likely a good thing Bilbao do not need anything from this game as they have lost 11 of their 18 on the road, winning four times and drawing three matches. 

With Bilbao losing their last two to nil against Real, I am backing the home side to win and secure a clean sheet. 

Valencia have been able to profit from a three-game unbeaten run in the league that has saved their place in La Liga for next season. Wins over Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad sandwiched a draw with Rayo Vallecano, with the seven points they picked up enough to see them move six clear of Girona in 18th. While Valencia have been disappointing across the season, they have at least come good when it matters most. 

Now, the focus will be on trying to improve on a poor home record that has seen the side secure just seven wins in 18 attempts. They are also looking to end a woeful run of form against Barcelona that has seen them lose their last five meetings. In this time, they have lost 4-2, 2-1, 7-1 5-0 and 6-0 in a torrid streak against Spain’s top team. 

Barcelona arrive for this one with 94 points in the bank and the league title heading to their trophy cabinet. While they have won all 19 of their matches on their own patch, they have dropped points in six of their 18 away games (L5, D1). While they have been excellent this season they have not been unbeatable on the road. Despite this, I still back them to easily beat Valencia. With the pair seeing over 4.5 goals scored in their last three meetings, I am backing goals in this one as Barcelona end their season with a big win.