21-02-2008 La Liga Betting - Matchday 25 Preview

New life was breathed into La Liga last weekend as Real Madrid lost while Barcelona capitalised with a critical win at Real Zaragoza. The gap between the top two sides is back to just five points, so while Los Blancos remain strong favourites for the title, it is by no means a foregone conclusion. Bet on the final third of the Spanish season at PinnacleSports.com, offering up to 60% better La Liga betting odds.

Bernd Schuster will be expecting a positive reaction from his Galacticos after last weekend’s 2-1 La Liga defeat at Real Betis, was followed by a Champions League loss in Rome by the same score line. The Spanish league leaders aren’t helped by an injury crisis with three defenders missing – Pepe, Christoph Metzelder and left-back Marcelo - while the in-the form Robinho and Wesley Sneijder are side-lined alongside Javier Saviola. At least top-scorer, Ruud Van Nistelrooy is back in action, looking to add to his eleven league goals.

Real Madrid are a much different proposition at home than away, boasting a 100% league record at the Bernabeu, taking maximum points from eleven games. The recent blip would truly become a slump should they fail to beat Getafe in front of their own fans on Sunday. Getafe are one of seven mid-table La Liga sides separated by just one point, but their recent form suggests they could move up to challenge European positions. Michael Laudrup’s side have taken seven points from their last four away matches, and earned a draw in this fixture last season. PinnacleSports.com price Real Madrid favourites 2.070 (-1 & -1.5)* with Getafe 1.862 (+1 & +1.5)* – market priced to less than 102%.

Barca Look to Keep Pressure on Real Madrid

Having closed the gap with La Liga leaders, Real Madrid, to just five points last weekend, Barcelona have the perfect opportunity to maintain the pressure on their deadly rivals, welcoming bottom side Levante. If Barca can keep the gap to no more than five points they can keep the title race alive, particularly with the return game against Real Madrid to come. There is a danger of complacency in games such as this but coach, Frank Rijkaard, should have the luxury of selecting any of Samuel Eto’o, Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry, who all played a part in Wednesday night’s 3-2 Champions League win at Celtic Park.

Getafe have only taken four points from eleven away league fixtures this term, but they have shown significant improvement after the winter break refusing to give in to what seemed like certain relegation. Gianni De Biasi took over as coach in October, and his side have doubled their points tally in their last five fixtures, including their first away win. However, it is asking a lot for the league’s worst defence to hold out at the Nou Camp where Barca have won eleven of their twelve league fixtures. PinnacleSports.com price Barcelona favourites 1.758 (-2)*, with Levante 2.220 (+2)*.

*All odds subject to change

Best La Liga Odds at PinnacleSports.com!

1.96/1.96 style Asian Handicap pricing (c.102%) on the major European Football Leagues gives gamblers up to 60% better La Liga betting odds. PinnacleSports.com offers commission-free fixed odds betting with exchange style pricing, as well as the web’s highest guaranteed liquidity and fastest payouts.

Get a 10% sign-up bonus, 7% cash back on horse bets and the best odds on all major sports.

Find the Smarter Way To Bet at PinnacleSports.com.