Liga BBVA: Predictions for Round 3 Fixtures of La Liga (Technically Round 2)

Last week I went six out of ten in terms of correct results.

Not too bad for the first round of the season.

Two of my results were spot on in terms of scoreline and result, but the others were some ways off.

It seems as if I may have over estimated, or under estimated, some teams coming into the season. But as more games progress I intend to get better with these predictions.

Barcelona and Real Madrid again provided the fireworks, and Barcelona's victory was even more impressive considering the opposition.

Valencia and Racing Santander provided the most entertaining game with a 4-3 thriller.

With the transfer window now closed, all these teams are set in stone until January.

Click through to find out the predictions for the second round of games in La Liga!

Real Sociedad vs Barcelona

Last week I predicted a loss for Real Sociedad away to Sporting Gijon. The scoreline was right, but the result wasn't.

It may have been a fluke or dogged defending as Sporting Gijon had more shots, corners and crosses but their inefficiency got the better of them. At home against Barcelona, Sociedad will look to continue to shut the gates.

Barcelona was rampant at home against a Villarreal side that gave them a little trouble last season. New boys Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas scored and showed how much stronger they have made the Blaugrana.

The squad will look to send another statement to Madrid this weekend.

Prediction: Barcelona Win

Scoreline:  4-0

Villarreal vs Sevilla

Villarreal endured a disastrous start to the campaign and were by far the underlings against Barcelona.

Sevilla welcomed the newly revamped Malaga side to their home and gritted out a tight, significant win.

As always, I will try to pin a game or two as games of the week. Right now, this one fits the bill.

Both teams have been among the four challenging for spots three through six, and any game between the two will be entertaining.

Prediction: Draw

Scoreline: 2-2

Real Madrid vs Getafe

Apologies to Madrid. I do not know why I thought they would let in a goal, much less score only three against Zaragoza.

Getafe were held at home by Levante and look like they are ready to under perform again this season.

Real Madrid will look to open their campaign at home with as much aplomb as they did away. Getafe may look to set up shop but it may not be enough.

Prediction: Real Madrid Win

Scoreline: 4-0

Valencia vs Atletico Madrid

This game looks to be another exciting clash.

This Valencia squad looks like they will cope with the departure of Juan Mata just fine, especially if Soldado continues to knock in goals.

Atletico Madrid got off to a tame start away from home, but with Falcao set to lead the line this weekend they will look to set themselves straight.

This game may well be another high scoring one.

Prediction: Atletico Madrid win

Scoreline: 2-3

Real Betis vs Mallorca

Real Betis did what was expected last week and beat fellow newcomers Granada CF. In order to remain in La Liga, they need to beat those who have been there for some time.

Mallorca also got off to a solid start with a home win against Espanyol, but they since lost one of their best players.

Both teams will have confidence going into the game and it is likely to be a tight one. The departure of a key player for Mallorca, may be significant.

Prediction: Real Betis win

Scoreline:  1-0

Racing Santander vs Levante

Racing Santander was on the wrong end of a thrilling encounter against Valencia last weekend.

Levante was part of a stalemate with Getafe away from home.

Levante will likely be the side with more confidence, but they will not be playing at home. Racing Santander will look to get on top using their home advantage.

Prediction: Racing Santander win

Scoreline:  2-1

Osasuna vs Sporting Gijon

This fixture is an intriguing one.

Osasuna stopped, and almost toppled, one of the top boys Atletico Madrid last week.

Sporting Gijon was dominated in its home opener and will be looking to rectify that this weekend.

Osasuna can be favored because of their home advantage but they are in for a tough 90 minutes

Prediction: Draw

Scoreline: 1-1

Rayo Vallecano vs Real Zaragoza

Vallecano entered the league and held one of the strongest teams, Athletic Bilbao, to a draw.

Zaragoza had a night to forget, getting hammered by Real Madrid for six goals.

Vallecano is likely to have the confidence with them, and rightly so, but this Zaragoza side will be looking to bounce back big time.

Prediction: Draw

Scoreline: 1-1

Espanyol vs Athletic Bilbao

Both teams will be disappointed with their first round fixtures.

Espanyol lost out to Mallorca, a team they finished ahead of in the league last year, whilst Bilbao were held by newcomers Rayo Vallecano.

Marco Bielsa will continue to imprint his style on the Basque side, and it may have an impact on their results in the first few games.

Prediction: Draw

Scoreline: 2-2

Malaga vs Granada CF

Malaga will has high expectations for the season, and rightly so, while Granada will look just to stay up for another season if possible.

For Malaga, this game looks like the perfect opportunity to bounce back after a loss in the season opener.

At home, they should be able to push through a victory with the support of the fans.

No opponent must be overlooked however and, though Granada lost to a familiar competitor in Real Betis, there is no telling how they will perform against a new squad.

Prediction: Malaga win

Scoreline: 2-0