La Liga

Sunday's La Liga predictions including Athletic vs. Madrid, Villarreal vs. Barcelona

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 05 July 2020

Sports Mole provides score predictions for all of Sunday's La Liga matches, including Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Madrid and Villarreal vs. Barcelona.

Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Madrid (Sunday, 1.00pm)

Menacing Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos celebrates on July 2, 2020 © Reuters

Real Madrid will be looking to open up a seven-point lead at the top of La Liga when they travel to an in-form Athletic Bilbao on Sunday afternoon.

Los Blancos are currently four points clear of second-placed Barcelona at the summit, while Athletic occupy eighth position, just four points off sixth-placed Getafe in the race for a Europa League spot.

We say: Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Real Madrid

As mentioned, four of the last five La Liga meetings between these two sides have finished level, while Madrid have not won at San Mames in the league since March 2017. Los Blancos are on a roll at the moment, but Athletic are also in impressive form, and we fancy a low-scoring draw on Sunday night.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> How Real Madrid could line up against Athletic Bilbao

> Real Madrid injury, suspension list vs. Athletic

Espanyol vs. Leganes (Sunday, 4.00pm)

Espanyol midfielder Marc Roca pictured in January 2020 © Reuters

Two teams in desperate need of the points will lock horns in a La Liga relegation six-pointer this weekend as 20th-placed Espanyol welcome 19th-placed Leganes.

Espanyol are currently 10 points behind 17th position, while Leganes are nine points from safety, with both clubs facing the real possibility of dropping into the Segunda Division.

We say: Espanyol 2-1 Leganes

There is simply no downplaying the importance of this match for both sides; a draw suits neither and therefore it would not be a surprise to see an open game. Espanyol have the worst home record in the league this season, but we fancy the Catalan side to pick up all three points courtesy of a narrow win.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

Osasuna vs. Getafe (Sunday, 6.30pm)

Osasuna manager Jagoba Arrasate in August 2019. © Reuters

Osasuna will be looking to make it four La Liga victories in a row when they welcome top-four challengers Getafe to Estadio El Sadar on Sunday night.

The home side have won their last three in Spain's top flight during a strong run of form, but Getafe have seen their Champions League hopes falter due to a run of just one win in seven matches.

We say: Osasuna 1-1 Getafe

Getafe will be determined to pick up all three points as they battle for a top-four spot, but Osasuna's recent form has been excellent and cannot be ignored; we are expecting a tight match in Pamplona and are ultimately struggling to separate the two sides, tipping a low-scoring draw.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

Villarreal vs. Barcelona (Sunday, 9.00pm)

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his 700th goal in their match against Atletico Madrid on June 30, 2020 © Reuters

Barcelona will be looking to keep their La Liga title hopes alive when they travel to an in-form Villarreal on Sunday night for what should be a fascinating affair.

The Spanish champions could be seven points off leaders Real Madrid by the time that they take to the field for this match, and Villarreal's recent form is likely to be of concern to the Catalan giants.

We say: Villarreal 1-2 Barcelona

It is a game that Barca simply have to win, and we fancy the champions to emerge victorious. Villarreal have been excellent since the lockdown period, but the Spanish champions must stay in touch with Real Madrid, who have a tough game themselves away to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday afternoon.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

> How Barcelona could line up against Villarreal

> Barcelona injury, suspension list vs. Villarreal