26-04-2007 La Liga Betting Analysis from PinnacleSports.com

With just seven weeks remaining, Spain’s Primera Division is set for one of the tightest finishes for some time. After last weekend’s results just two points covers the top three sides, so each of that trio have a live chance of landing the La Liga title. Those sides in fourth and fifth, just six points off top spot, are not out of it either, so fans of Spanish soccer should be treated to some fiercely contested games as the season approaches its climax. PinnacleSports.com provide the perfect compliment to the action with up to 60% better La Liga odds than traditional bookmakers.

Can Barcelona Take the Pressure?
Barca continued their abysmal away form by losing 2-0 to Villarreal, their fourth defeat in five road trips. If their pursuit of a hat-trick of La Liga titles isn’t to flounder the Catalan’s poor away form mustn’t transfer to the Nou Camp, where they remain unbeaten. Frank Rijkaard was disappointed with the number of wasted chances against the Yellow Submarine, particularly as his side had banged five past Getafe in a midweek Copa Del Rey semi-final on home turf. It looks like the pressure might be beginning to tell, but with both Sevilla and Real Madrid breathing down their necks, there can be no room for error on Sunday as they host struggling Levante.

The Granotes haven’t won in nine league fixtures, but Abel Resino’s side are capable of an upset. Levante may have only won twice away from home, but one of those victories was at the Bernabeu in February. Another reason to give Levante some respect is their determination to avoid relegation. Three points could take them out of the drop zone, and they will be encouraged by the performance Mallorca put up in Barca’s most recent home league game, when the reigning champions succeeded only by virtue of a 89th minute own goal. Nevertheless, PinnacleSports.com have handicapped Barcelona by two goals pricing them 2.080 (-2.0) with Levante 1.855 (+2.0).

Real Madrid Making Late Charge for Title
Having been followed by a cloud of uncertainty for much of the season, Real Madrid coach, Fabio Capello, should be feeling much more relaxed. His position has been endorsed by chairman, Ramon Calderon, after Madrid’s win in the table-top clash with Valencia. David Beckham provided the cross for the crucial goal, one of Capello’s late tactical substitutions, proving the Englishman still has an important part to play for Real. The win against Valencia was the third straight victory at the Bernabeu, but things are not so rosy on the road, where the Galacticos have won just one of their last four.

They next travel to Athletico Bilbao who are in the midst of a relegation battle. The Lions have been boosted by two recent home wins against Espanyol and Valencia, but their defensive vulnerability – evident from 13 goals conceded in five games – should be a concern against the attacking potential that Real Madrid possess. The sides have met five times since last season (including the Copa del Rey) and Madrid have succeeded on every occasion. PinnacleSports.com make Real Madrid favourites 2.220 (-0.5 & -1.0) with Athletico Bilbao 1.758 (+0.5 & +1.0).

UEFA Cup Semi-Finalists Meet
UEFA Cup hopefuls, Sevilla and Espanyol have a La Liga encounter sandwiched between their respective European semi-finals. Sitting on opposite sides of the draw, the sides could also meet in the final of that competition, but this fixture is unlikely to give an accurate form guide for that prospective encounter. Floating smack-bang in the middle of the Primera Division, Espanyol have no incentive to play a full strength side in this fixture. Manager, Ernesto Valverde, is likely to rest his key players, such as top-goal-scorers Raul Tamudo and Luis Garcia.

In contrast, Sevilla are now just one point behind leaders Barcelona, so have every reason to go for the jugular, as they battle on three fronts – La Liga, UEFA and Copa del Rey. The Sevillistas bounced back from a league defeat against Valencia, by winning 3-0 at Deportivo in the Copa del Rey first leg semi-final, then following up with a 4-1 home league victory over Athletico Bilbao. Those seven goals will have cheered coach, Juande Ramos, as his side had endured something of a barren spell, particularly on the road. PinnacleSports.com expect the scoring to continue, pricing Sevilla 2.08 (-1.0 & -1.5) and Espanyol 1.855 (+1 & +1.5).

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