Experts from the site "Rating of Bookmakers" have been closely analyzing and predicting outcomes for the current season of La Liga, the premier division of Spanish football, which involves 20 teams competing over 38 games each season. This year, the narratives within La Liga show both fierce competition among the leading clubs and significant challenges for those at the bottom of the standings.
La Liga has been established since 1929, and throughout its history, 62 teams have participated. Real Madrid holds the record with 36 championships, making them the dominant force, followed by Barcelona with 27 titles, and Atletico Madrid trailing behind with 11. These three clubs are recognized not only for their domestic achievements but also for their prominence on the international stage. Clubs from La Liga have won 20 Champions League titles, 14 UEFA Europa League and UEFA Cup titles, 16 UEFA Super Cups, and eight FIFA Club World Cups.
The competition this season has already seen early favorites emerge. The bookmaker "Marafon" currently lists Barcelona as the frontrunner for the 2024/25 championship with odds of 1.58, equaling them with approximately 63.3% probability of success. Following closely behind, Real Madrid’s odds are 2.79, reflecting their 35.8% chance. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid stands as the third favorite with odds of 9.50, estimated at only 10.5% likelihood.
Experts within the betting community cite intriguing trends and player performances as pivotal elements shaping the betting narrative this season. Notable recommendations come from prominent football analysts such as Konstantin Genich and Alexander Vishnevsky, who provide insights not only on outcomes but also on individual players’ performances.
Vishnevsky has suggested placing bets on Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski for the top scorer title within La Liga. With three goals scored across the first three matches, Lewandowski’s strong connection under new coach Hans-Dieter Flick has put him at the forefront of the competition. "Lewandowski has not only shown impressive adaptability but also clear synergy with new tactical strategies, making him stand out this season," Vishnevsky noted. He added, "Whereas Kylian Mbappé is currently touted among the favorites, he does not take penalties, giving Lewandowski the edge due to his goal-scoring responsibilities from the spot. Historically, since 2010, the Pichichi Trophy has been contested mainly between players from Real Madrid and Barcelona - this year should be no different. Lewandowski is clearly the player to watch."
Moving to the bottom tier, both Las Palmas and Alaves find themselves embroiled in the struggle for survival. Their upcoming match on March 14, 2025, at Gran Canaria stadium carries significant weight as both teams fight to remain within the first division. Currently, Las Palmas languishes at 19th place, having amassed only 24 points and entering the clash having not won any matches in their last 10 attempts. They succumbed to defeats against both Villarreal and Barcelona at home, and their most recent away fixtures saw them drawing against Valladolid and losing to Betis.
Alaves finds itself just one spot above, positioned at 18th place with 26 points. Their recent form consists of one victory, two draws, and two losses over their last five games. Alaves suffered losses against Getafe and Espanyol at home but managed to secure victory over Villarreal 1-0 prior to drawing against Leganes and Mallorca.
According to Igor Semshov, a former Russian midfielder turned sports analyst, the dynamics of this fixture suggest it may not result in a high-scoring game. He predicted, "Given both teams' current struggles and lack of attacking vigour, I would recommend betting on under 2.5 goals for this matchup." Semshov, drawing from his extensive experience, implied tactical caution may yield low-scoring outcomes, as both teams prioritize survival over adventurous attacking play.
With the season still young but stakes immensely high, each game henceforth matters greatly, particularly for those near the bottom of the table. Bet trends show increasing analytics focused on specific match statistics, such as fouls and cards. Betting expert Sergei Zaburanny has compiled key trends for the season, which reveal how Real Madrid's superior discipline on the pitch reflects positively on their betting forecasts.
For bettors, these insights provide strategically valuable information. Zaburanny revealed how Real Madrid maintained winning margins through disciplined fouling, losing only 32 of 38 matches by fouls last season. His analysis has gained traction, as many believe tactical fouling can advantage teams significantly throughout the course of not just individual matches but entire seasons.
Betting trends also indicate Getafe's rising potential as they won 36 of 49 matches by fouls under their coach, achieving ROI figures of over +17%. Likewise, Real Sociedad under Imanol Alguacil has experienced similar success, indicating the tactical importance of discipline.
With the rich competitive history and thrilling narratives surrounding La Liga, the current season is gearing up to provide football fans and betting enthusiasts alike with gripping storylines. Whether it is the top scorer battle, the race for the title, or survival stakes, this season of La Liga promises no shortage of excitement and analysis as the league progresses.