2022 La Liga Spanish Soccer Betting Picks for May 5-8

Spanish soccer expert, Michael Krumholtz, breaks down an intriguing weekend of soccer in Spain.

For full betting previews of every La Liga match this weekend, visit Dimers' La Liga Betting News section.

La Liga Betting Picks for Friday

Levante vs. Real Sociedad, 3:00 PM ET  

⚽️ Pick: Real Sociedad +140 

Despite not coming up with a win in its last three matches, Real Sociedad is hanging on to a spot in Europa League qualifiers for now. 

For its part, last-place Levante needs to get to work in the final few weeks of the season to stave off relegation. And although Real Sociedad’s offense has been utterly anemic at times, it gets a favorable matchup against a porous Levante side that has allowed a league-worst 66 goals. 

With both teams needing a win for different reasons, we’ll favor the away team to win and keep its place in La Liga’s top six. 

Levante vs. Real Sociedad Preview

Full betting preview for Levante vs. Real Sociedad

La Liga Betting Picks for Saturday

Mallorca vs. Granada, 8:00 AM ET 

⚽️ PICK: Granada +300 

Granada’s extra-time goal earned a much-deserved point against Celta Vigo last Sunday. Now it finds itself going up against an up-and-down Mallorca side that has been hard to predict lately. 

It has been nearly two months since Granada has won in La Liga, and that was against lowly Alaves. But Mallorca is not much better. Look for Granada’s young Colombian forward Luís Suárez to get back into the scoring column as the away team provides a good value pick at +300 here. 

Mallorca vs. Granada prediction

Full betting preview for Mallorca vs. Granada

Athletic Bilbao vs. Valencia, 10:15 AM ET  

⚽️ PICK: Athletic Bilbao (-165) 

Athletic Bilbao should remain highly motivated late into the season, as it looks to sneak into the top six for Europa League consideration. Athletic has won back-to-back matches, including Saturday’s convincing 2-0 win over a banged-up Atlético Madrid.  

Both Goncalo Guedes and Carlos Soler have been revelations for Valencia this season and are widely expected to be leaving the Bats in the next transfer window. But for now, the young duo are Valencia’s only hope in the attack. 

Unfortunately, it won’t be enough for a strong Athletic side that should take advantage of Valencia’s questionable defense. 

Athletic Bilbao vs. Valencia prediction

Full betting preview for Athletic Bilbao vs. Valencia

Celta Vigo vs. Alaves, 12:30 PM ET 

⚽️ PICK: Celta Vigo (-115) 

Alaves’s stunning win over Valencia last week keeps the slim hopes alive that it can avoid relegation. 

The always steady Iago Aspas got back on the score sheet for Celta Vigo last week and should be pulling the strings for Vigo’s attack against an Alaves side that has allowed 56 league goals this year. 

Despite last week’s win, look for Alaves to fall back on the road to a superior Celta Vigo attack

Celta Vigo vs. Alaves prediction

Full betting preview for Celta Vigo vs. Alaves

Cádiz vs. Elche, 12:30 PM ET 

⚽️ PICK: Draw (+265)

Cádiz remains just one spot ahead of the relegation line as Granada and Alaves keep biting at their feet. 

Elche has played better as of late, virtually keeping itself secure from relegation. Cádiz, however, still has some work to do if it wants to stay in La Liga next season. Even getting just a point at home could go a long way in fending off the other teams at the bottom. 

Cádiz vs. Elche prediction

Full betting preview for Cádiz vs. Elche

Real Betis vs. Barcelona, 3:00 PM ET 

⚽️ PICK: Barcelona (+115)

Barcelona got back on track Sunday with a 2-1 win over Mallorca at Camp Nou, as it was spurred on by the return of teenage sensation Ansu Fati. Even as fellow teenager Pedri likely remains out for the rest of the season, Barca should have enough firepower to maintain its hold over second place. 

Real Betis present stiff competition, however. Despite a recent winless spell, the Green and Whites already beat Barcelona on the road earlier this year. Now the Copa del Rey winners get the Blaugrana at home. 

But a chance to clinch Champions League qualifying should be enough to get Barcelona’s attacking duo of Depay and Aubameyang motivated to score against a tough Betis side. 

Real Betis vs. Barcelona prediction

Full betting preview for Real Betis vs. Barcelona

La Liga Betting Picks for Sunday

Getafe vs. Rayo Vallecano, 8:00 AM ET 

⚽️ PICK: Rayo Vallecano (+330)

Rayo snuck out a tie against Real Sociedad with a late goal from La Liga legend Radamel Falcao. However, they’re slated to have a tougher time against a Getafe side that hasn’t allowed a goal in its last two matches. 

Rayo presents great value as they don’t have to travel far to face off with fellow Madrid rival Getafe. 

Getafe vs. Rayo Vallecano prediction

Villareal vs. Sevilla, 10:15 AM ET 

⚽️ PICK: Draw (+230)

For as successful as they’ve been in Champions League this season, Villareal’s head-scratching La Liga campaign continued last week with a loss to then-last place Alaves. Many of its best players were resting to start the match, but it goes to show just how inconsistent Villareal has been. 

After a hard-fought second leg against Liverpool in the UCL semifinals, an emotionally drained Villareal is again a candidate for a letdown game. 

Sevilla, which is desperate to keep hold of its spot in third, should do well enough to get a point on the road. 

Villareal vs. Sevilla prediction

Full betting preview for Villareal vs. Sevilla

Espanyol vs. Osasuna, 12:30 PM ET  

⚽️ PICK: Espanyol (+145)

Espanyol has lost its last three matches as it looks to get on the right side of the scoreboard back home in Barcelona. Leading scorer Raúl de Tomás is second in La Liga with 16 goals scored.  

After a scuffle between him and manager Vincente Moreno during the blowout loss to Real Madrid, de Tomás should be ready to help Espanyol spring a win over middle-of-the-pack Osasuna.  

Osasuna is searching for its highest league finish since finishing in seventh place in 2012. But look for Espanyol to get an early lead over an Osasuna defense that has had looked overmatched at times this season. 

Espanyol vs. Osasuna prediction

Full betting preview for Espanyol vs. Osasuna

Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid, 3:00 PM ET

⚽️ PICK: Draw (+250)

With the league title already clinched, there is nothing at stake here for Real except for bragging rights and the chance to keep its in-city rival out of the Champions League next season. 

Atlético Madrid needs a positive result at home after getting just one win in its last four matches coming into this one. 

Although they’re without a few key players like João Félix and José María Giménez, look for Atlético Madrid to get at least a point at home. 

Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid prediction

Full betting preview for Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid