Last updated Aug 14, 4:27am ET

Another exciting campaign of action in the Spanish top-flight gets underway this weekend. Barcelona and Real Madrid will rank among the leading chances for the title, and both will be in action on matchday one. You can find all our La Liga picks for the opening round of matchups here.

For more soccer picks, you can check out our Premier League Matchday 1 Picks.

La Liga Matchday 1 Schedule

StatInformation
WhenFriday, August 15, 2025 – Tuesday, August 19, 2025
WhereVarious Stadiums, Spain
How to WatchESPN

La Liga Matchday 1 Picks

Girona vs. Rayo Vallecano

The new La Liga season kicks off at Montilivi on Friday, as Girona host Rayo Vallecano. Girona have lost just one of their eight La Liga encounters against Vallecano, and they have suffered just a single loss in their last six matches in the competition played on a Friday. A home victory looks to be among the solid La Liga picks in the opening round.

Pick
Girona (+135)
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Villarreal vs. Real Oviedo

Real Oviedo begin life back in the top-flight with a trip to Villarreal on Friday. Villarreal are unbeaten in their last four La Liga encounters with their rivals, and they have gone four without a loss in home matches. The hosts also have an excellent record in home matches played on a Friday, losing just once in their last ten. Home victory looks the smart play.

Pick
Villarreal (-260)
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Alaves vs. Levante

Alaves have a poor record on the opening day of the season, losing in each of the last four campaigns. Meanwhile, Levante have only won away from home on matchday one in one of their last ten. Alaves have avoided defeat in six of their last seven against Levante, while the visitors have failed to win in nine of their last ten trips to Alaves.

Pick
Alaves (+120)
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Mallorca vs. Barcelona

The reigning Spanish champions kick off their 2025-26 season on the road against Mallorca. Barcelona have won 14 times away from home against Mallorca this century, and they have suffered a loss on MD1 in just one of the last 16 seasons. Mallorca’s poor historical record makes them challenging to side with when making La Liga picks, meaning the champions should get off to a perfect start.

Pick
Barcelona (-182)
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Valencia vs. Real Sociedad

Valencia recorded a 1-0 win against Real Sociedad in January, but they haven’t recorded successive wins against their rivals since 2018. Real Sociedad don’t have the best record on the road at the Mestalla, failing to win in seven of their last eight trips. A low-scoring clash could be set for MD1, and a draw could be an interesting betting angle.

Pick
The Draw (+178)
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Celta Vigo vs. Getafe

Celta Vigo have traditionally been slow starters in La Liga, having failed to win in eight of the last nine seasons. Getafe also have a tendency to slow start, winning in the opening round in just one of the last 14 seasons. Interestingly, 42% of the matches between these sides at Balaidos have ended in draws. That could be a trend worth considering.

Pick
The Draw (+245)
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Athletic Bilbao vs. Sevilla

Athletic Bilbao should be poised for another Champions League finish this season, and they should be capable of kicking off the campaign with a win. Bilbao have avoided defeat in their last four against Sevilla, winning three times across that period. Sevilla have also failed to win on MD1 in each of the last three seasons.

Pick
Atletico Bilbao (-172)
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Espanyol vs. Atletico Madrid

Espanyol have a poor historical record against Atletico Madrid, having failed to win in the last eight. However, interestingly, five matches over that period have ended in draws. Atletico Madrid also excel on the opening day of the season, having avoided defeat on MD1 in each of the last 15 campaigns. That trend looks set to continue on Sunday.

Pick
Atletico Madrid (-180)
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Elche vs. Betis

Monday’s action will see Betis travel to Elche. Betis have recorded wins in each of the last two La Liga meetings between the sides, but they endured a poor end to the previous campaign after failing to win in their last four. Elche have strengthened ahead of their return to the top-flight, and they could be set to cause an upset on MD1.

Pick
Elche (+225)
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Real Madrid vs. Osasuna

The Xabi Alonso era at Real Madrid gets underway on Monday, with new signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to feature against Osasuna. Los Blancos will be expected to make a quick start to the campaign, while Osasuna may be in the relegation mix come May. Therefore, it is incredibly challenging to overlook the hosts when making La Liga picks.

Pick
Real Madrid (-405)
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Alex Dudley
Alex Dudley

Sports Analyst and Betting Expert

Alex has over 15 years of experience in sports betting, specializing in soccer and horse racing. He uses his deep knowledge of markets and strategies to guide readers through disciplined and informed betting.

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