La Liga Best Bets - Matchday 2

Espanyol are looking to build on an impressive 3-0 win over Levante in their opening game of the season as they stormed up to second on the ladder. This win in their first competitive fixture was a welcome return to form after failing to win any of their previous four in pre-season. This run contained three draws and a 3-1 loss to English side Coventry as Espanyol failed to keep a single clean sheet. Their second fixture of the season sees them face a Real Madrid side that knows they have to start quickly. While Espanyol looked good in their opener, they were beaten twice to nil by Real last time out, and I predict more of the same in this one. 

Elche's opening match of the season ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw with Deportivo La Coruna. While away games in the competition are rarely simple, Elche will feel this was a chance to secure three points away form home pass them by. Across pre-season, Elche have proved tough to beat, drawing three times and winning twice. However, the quality of opponent across pre-season was nowhere near as high as it will get this week. Having lost their last 13 matches to Barca, I back Elche to slump to another defeat.