Liga BBVA: Predictions for Round 9 Fixtures of La Liga

La Liga returns midweek with some very important games. Over the weekend Lionel Messi proved his humanity—although you really have to give most of the credit to the goalkeeper—while Levante continued its impressive stay at the top of the table.

Real Madrid was able to leapfrog Barcelona and hand Malaga a second straight loss in the process. Without further ado, here are the predictions for La Liga's Round 9 fixtures:

Granada CF vs. Barcelona

Granada has not won a game since the early fixtures of the season and the road does not get easier with Barcelona coming to town.

So far this season, when Barcelona has failed to get the expected result the next opponent feels the team's wrath. Messi, especially, will be looking to make a statement.

Prediction: Barcelona win 3-0

Sevilla vs. Racing Santander

Sevilla was able to withstand a Barcelona barrage over the weekend, thanks mainly to goalkeeper Javi Varas.

Racing Santander is the only team in the league without a win so far, that is unlikely to change at Sevilla.

Prediction: Sevilla win 2-0

Rayo Vallecano vs. Malaga

Rayo Vallecano beat fellow La Liga newcomers Real Betis away from home and continues to keep itself out of the relegation zone.

Malaga has lost two straight to La Liga table toppers Levante and Real Madrid. A bounce-back game is necessary for this outfit, but it won't come easy.

Prediction: Tie-1-1

Zaragoza vs. Valencia

Real Zaragoza has been up and down so far this season, and currently sit in 14th place with nine points.

After a strong start to the season Valencia has slowed down a little with back-to-back ties but they are still within five points of league leaders Levante

Prediction: Valencia win 1-0

Getafe vs. Osasuna

Getafe pulled itself out of the relegation zone with a point to spare after earning one point in each of the last two games.

Osasuna is coming off an emphatic 3-0 win at home but the team's away record has not been good so far, with no wins in four games.

Prediction: Tie 0-0

Levante vs. Real Sociedad

What more is there to say about Levante? Until they lose, it will be hard to go against them.

Real Sociedad  has one away win so far, but it is more than likely that there will be a fourth away loss after this game

Prediction: Levante win 3-0

Mallorca vs. Sporting Gijon

Mallorca has tied its last two games, and the first two with a new coach. A first win should be around the corner.

Sporting Gijon picked up its first win over the weekend, leaving Racing Santander as the only team without a win. This game will be a close one.

Prediction: Tie 2-2

Real Madrid vs. Villarreal

This Real Madrid is really in form at the moment and continues to bang in the goals while keeping opponents at bay.

Villarreal's loss to Levante is not too surprising, but a team of this caliber should be doing better than 16th place in the league. Unfortunately, that probably will not change after this game.

Prediction: Real Madrid win 4-0

Espanyol vs. Real Betis

Espanyol is on a two game win streak, with both of those games being away. They will be tough to beat when carrying that confidence into a home game.

Real Betis has spiraled downward rapidly ever since a fantastic start to the season. The weekend defeat makes it four losses in a row.

Prediction: Espanyol win 2-0

Athletic Bilbao vs. Atletico Madrid

Neither Athletic Bilbao nor Atletico Madrid have found much form so far this season. Both teams tied their weekend games, and this game will surely be a tight contest as well.

Home advantage may be key here as Atletico Madrid has only managed one away point in three games.

Prediction: Athletic Bilbao win 1-0