LaLiga Week 6 predictions: Real Madrid eye five from five as Valencia host Athletic

Four rounds in, Real Madrid are the only side with a 100% league record, Barcelona and Espanyol sit on 10 points, and four teams still haven’t tasted victory. Week 6 throws up 10 fixtures across Spain, the headline act being Valencia’s clash with Athletic Bilbao at the Mestalla. There’s also a Champions League bounce to track: Madrid beat Marseille 2-1 on Tuesday despite a 72nd-minute red card, and Xabi Alonso’s side now want to make it five league wins on the spin. Below, you’ll find our full card of LaLiga predictions for the weekend.

The state of play

Real Madrid have started fast, and they’re not bluffing. The late drama in Europe didn’t rattle them, and the spine looks settled. Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, are pressing higher and moving the ball quicker, but a tricky test with Getafe will examine their control in transition. Espanyol, back near the sharp end, have carried a punch in open play and arrive in the capital with belief.

Down the table, several clubs still seek a first win, including Girona, Levante and Real Oviedo. Patterns are forming: Celta Vigo have rattled off four straight 1-1 draws, a sign they’re hard to beat but struggling to kill games. Clean sheets have been rare for Real Betis and Real Sociedad, and that leans toward a shared result in Friday’s opener.

Match-by-match preview and picks

Real Betis vs Real Sociedad (Friday, 8pm)
Betis have already crammed in five league matches, dropping only one, but defensive slips keep inviting late pressure. La Real have only two points from four, yet their chance creation is trending up. With both defenses leaky, this feels level. Prediction: Real Betis 1-1 Real Sociedad.
Girona vs Levante (Saturday, 1pm)
Two sides still waiting for a first win. Girona carry more territory and crosses; Levante counter better and are dangerous when they break early. Neither has found a late-game edge. Split the difference. Prediction: Girona 1-1 Levante.
Real Madrid vs Espanyol (Saturday)
Madrid’s composure showed in Europe: a 2-1 win over Marseille even after a 72nd-minute red card. Xabi Alonso’s rotation has been light, and the core looks sharp. Espanyol have started well and will press the back line, but the hosts’ midfield control should tilt it. Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Espanyol.
Elche vs Real Oviedo (Saturday)
Elche have already banked results against Sevilla, Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, and their set-piece routines are landing. Oviedo have scored just once all season and struggle to string phases together. Home edge and sharper finishing make the case. Prediction: Elche 2-0 Real Oviedo.
Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao (Mestalla)
The weekend’s spotlight game. Valencia are quicker in wide areas, with their full-backs pushing high. Athletic will fight for every second ball and hit hard from corners. Expect intensity, cards, and swings. At the Mestalla, a late moment could decide it. Prediction: Valencia 2-1 Athletic Bilbao.
Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano (Sunday)
Celta’s four straight 1-1 draws tell the story: organized, compact, but short of bite in the final third. Rayo love the chaos of broken play and can strike from range. If it becomes an arm-wrestle, the pattern repeats. Prediction: Celta Vigo 1-1 Rayo Vallecano.
Barcelona vs Getafe (Sunday, 8pm)
Hansi Flick’s team are unbeaten in nine against Getafe and should dominate the ball, but Getafe have scored six in four and will test the back line on turnovers. If Barca keep their press clean, quality wins out. Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Getafe.
Sevilla vs Mallorca (Sunday)
Sevilla need a spark at home and usually find it through tempo: quick switches, early crosses, and pressure on second phases. Mallorca are compact and will sit in a 4-4-2 block; they concede few big chances, but struggle to respond if they go behind. Prediction: Sevilla 2-0 Mallorca.
Atletico Madrid vs Alaves (Sunday)
Atletico’s home rhythm is built on first-half intensity. Alaves have structure, not yet a cutting edge. If the hosts score first, they rarely let go. Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Alaves.
Villarreal vs Osasuna (Sunday)
Villarreal are still knitting together a new-look attack; they create volume but not always clean looks. Osasuna are stubborn away and strong on near-post deliveries. Feels like a game of moments rather than flow. Prediction: Villarreal 1-1 Osasuna.

Keep an eye on how managers manage minutes after midweek: Madrid may freshen wide areas; Barcelona’s rotation at full-back could be key against Getafe’s counters. In tight fixtures like Valencia-Athletic and Celta-Rayo, set pieces and bench impact often tip the scale. Week 6 has enough toss-ups to shake the table—even if the leaders keep marching.