La Liga certainly produced some excitement in Matchweek 1 and now it’s time for Matchweek 2 to follow suit, with some of Spain’s biggest soccer clubs back in action.

As usual, there will be games throughout the week, with some teams already playing twice in quick succession.

There will also be the return of Barcelona and Real Madrid, adding a little more drama and excitement to league proceedings.

Quick Picks

Our pick: Barcelona to beat Elche

Value bet: Celta to beat Valencia

Long shot: Draw between Malaga and Deportivo

Betting Preview

The Matchweek 2 schedule is as follows (KO AEST):

• Rayo Vallecano vs Alavés - Friday, August 21 (05:00)
• Betis vs Real Sociedad - Saturday, August 22 (05:00)
• Athletic vs Sevilla - Sunday, August 23 (01:00)
• Valencia vs Celta - Sunday, August 23 (03:30)
• Espanyol vs Real Madrid - Sunday, August 23 (05:30)
• Atlético Madrid vs Villarreal - Monday, August 24 (01:00)
• Getafe vs Racing Santander - Monday, August 24 (03:30)
• Elche vs Barcelona - Monday, August 24 (05:30)
• Osasuna vs Levante - Tuesday, August 25 (03:30)
• Malaga vs Deportivo - Tuesday, August 25 (05:30)

The following games will also be played this week:

• Valencia vs Betis - Wednesday, August 26 (05:00)
• Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad - Thursday, August 27 (05:00)
• Celta vs Osasuna - Friday, August 28 (04:30)
• Barcelona vs Athletic - Friday, August 28 (05:00)

Betting Markets to Watch

With 14 matches to be played over the coming week, there will be plenty of value worth exploring in the La Liga betting.

Last week, we highlighted the BTTS and Over 2.5 Goals markets as the general markets to keep an eye on in our article on who will win La Liga this year and we’re going with this view once again, especially as many of the league’s “bigger” clubs return to action.

Barcelona will want to hit the ground running quickly as they aim to retain their title under Hansi Flick, while Real Madrid will also want to make their own statement as they begin their second era under Jose Mourinho, with several new big signings.

Both will have two games in short succession, and both of their matches could see plenty of goals.

Games involving Valencia often have value for goals . The club scored 46 last season, but also conceded 55 in 38 games. Playing Celta and Betis this week, the BTTS could hit in both as those two clubs secured European soccer last season.

Our Prediction

Our top pick for MW2 in La Liga is for Barcelona to beat Elche . The odds are short, but this is the outcome we think will most likely happen across the entire week.

A value pick is Celta to beat Valencia , but with the BTTS hitting . Celta had a better campaign last year and are considered underdogs. Celta won both La Liga meetings between the two last season.

A long shot is in the Malaga vs Deportivo game , with the draw offering long shot value . The two newly promoted sides drew their last match in the Segunda Division last year and will know each other well.

Neither will want to drop points either as they hope to hold onto their La Liga status.