Sunday's La Liga predictions and previews including Elche vs. Barcelona

Today's La Liga predictions include Barcelona's clash with Elche, and a contest between Atletico Madrid and Villarreal.

Atletico Madrid vs. Villarreal (Sunday, 4pm)

Atletico Madrid will be aiming to make it successive wins at the start of the 2026-27 La Liga campaign when they welcome Villarreal to the Spanish capital on Sunday afternoon.

Diego Simeone's side opened their new season with a 2-0 success over Malaga last time out, while Villarreal drew 2-2 with Racing Santander in their first game of the campaign.

We say: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Villarreal

Atletico are currently short at centre-forward due to Alvarez's situation, and Villarreal are capable of picking up a positive result here, but we just fancy Simeone's side to shade a close contest.

> Click here to read our full preview for Atletico Madrid vs. Villarreal, including team news and predicted lineups

Getafe vs. Racing Santander (Sunday, 6.30pm)

Getafe and Racing de Santander will continue their respective La Liga campaigns with a contest at Estadio Coliseum on Sunday evening.

The home side opened their new La Liga season with a 3-0 defeat to Alaves, while Racing Santander started life back at this level with a 2-2 draw against Villarreal.

We say: Getafe 1-1 Racing Santander

Racing Santander were impressive against Villarreal last time out, and we are expecting the visitors to be good enough for a share of the spoils this weekend.

> Click here to read our full preview for Getafe vs. Racing Santander, including team news and predicted lineups

Elche vs. Barcelona (Sunday, 8.30pm)

Barcelona will begin their 2026-27 La Liga campaign with a clash against Elche on Sunday night.

The Catalan giants are bidding to retain the La Liga title this season, with their main competition set to again come from Real Madrid, while Elche have already started their league campaign, drawing 1-1 with Deportivo La Coruna last time out.

We say: Elche 1-3 Barcelona

It is difficult to imagine Elche coming up with a positive result on Sunday; Barcelona are still getting key players back to full fitness, but the Catalan outfit should have too much quality for the hosts.

> Click here to read our full preview for Elche vs. Barcelona, including team news and predicted lineups