Whatever your penchant is, sports betting fans, even you would agree there are occasions when particular football games must take star billing.
This weekend in La Liga is one such example.
For all the contests, the one inside the Wanda Metropolitano mist take centre stage.
WEEK 8 SATURDAY:
RCD Espanyol vs Levante
Both teams can be quietly pleased with their starts.
Espanyol gave Real Madrid a battle in their last outing and threatened a surprise in the second half.
Levante were disappointing at home to Alaves and can ill afford many scorelines like that 2-0 reverse.
Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla
Bilbao will want a quick return to winning ways after they were edged out in a five-goal contest at Valencia.
Sevilla will want to maintain second spot with many clubs hot on their heels, most notably the Madrid outfits.
A trip to the Basque club is never easy and should be a genuine test of Sevilla’s credentials.
Getafe vs Real Madrid
Los Azulones meet Zinedine Zidane’s charges with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
They sit 12th in the early standings, although that can be deceptive as they are only two points clear of the relegation places.
It’s been a difficult start to the campaign for Getafe with matches against many of the leading clubs, whereas Real need to put their stuttering start behind them – they already trail leaders Barcelona by seven points.
WEEK 8 SUNDAY:
Alaves vs Real Sociedad
After victory last time out lifted them off the bottom, Alaves now bid for a victory to lift them out of the bottom three. This could well be worth watching if you’re after entertainment.
Alaves are not exactly water-tight at the back while Sociedad showed in their 4-4 draw with Real Betis that they too can attack better than they defend!
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona
If ever this was more than a game of football, it is now.
For there’s no doubt the political fervour will simply stoke up what should be an already intensified atmosphere.
The first match since a disputed referendum on independence in Catalonia which has merely confirmed the reception for Barca will be even more intimidating than normal.
Despite their seven straight wins, this is the first real test for new coach Ernesto Valverde who still has a number of injuries to contend with.
What Diego Simeone what do with that on-pitch consistency from his own troops.
Eibar vs Deportivo La Coruna
Only one point separates these two sides.
Eibar may be the smallest club in the Spanish top-flight but they pack a big punch. They have a talented coach in Jose Luis Mendilibar and their home form over the next eight months will prove crucial – as will matches like this.
Girona vs Villarreal
Villarreal tore apart Eibar before the international break and will hope to put the new boys to the sword too.
Girona are enjoying their first taste of life in La Liga.
Their 3-3 draw with Celta Vigo, Europa League semi-finalsts last term, proves they have largely held their own so far.
WEEK 8 MONDAY:
Malaga vs Leganes
Leganes’ goalless draw with Atletico Madrid showed a real battling quality.
They occupy seventh spot on merit and could be in the top six by the time the weekend is out.
How bottom club Malaga need a positive result.
Real Betis vs Valencia
Sixth versus third – in most other weeks, this game would take top billing. It’s not often that’s been said about this particular fixture.
With much talk about the future of Valencia’s stadium, the Yellow Submarine need to stay focused about what goes on when the whistle blows as they bid to recapture former glories.
WEEK 8 TUESDAY:
Las Palmas vs Celta Vigo
Las Palmas showed they can play politics as well as football last time out, embroidering the Spanish flag onto their shirts for their behind closed-doors match with Barcelona.
With a backlog of teams building up in the bottom half of the table, a win here for either would potentially give them some breathing space.
Both teams need a boost.
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