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Real Betis Balompie vs. FC Barcelona
This weekend, the newly crowned Spanish Cup winners face the record cup winners. Real Betis Sevilla welcome FC Barcelona for the fight for the Champions League places in La Liga. Kick-off at the Estadio Benito Villamarín is at 21:00.
Betis Sevilla won the Spanish Cup for the third time in their history with a 6:5 penalty shootout victory over Valencia FC. The last time the Andalusians achieved this was in the 2004/2005 season, and Betis could qualify for the Champions League this season as well. For the Verdiblancos (“Green-Whites”) it would be their second participation in the top flight. In fifth place with 58 points, they are currently only three points behind Atlético Madrid.
But even the great FC Barcelona has not yet solved its CL ticket four matchdays before the end of the season. With 66 points, however, the Catalans currently have the best chance of securing one of the three remaining CL places. Should Betis win the direct duel, the cards will be reshuffled. Find out what our predictions are for this match in our Betis vs. Barcelona betting tips.
Real Betis vs Barcelona info
– Date & Time: 07.05.2022, 21:00 hrs.
– Venue: Estadio Benito Villamarín, Sevilla
– Competition: La Liga, Matchday 35
– TV broadcast: DAZN
Real Betis Form & Balance Check
For three league games, Real Betis Sevilla have been waiting for a win. However, as their direct competitors for Europe have not covered themselves in glory either (Atlético Madrid picked up four points & Real Sociedad San Sebastian two points), Betis are still within striking distance with a three-point gap to fourth place.
With a remaining schedule that includes games against Barca, Valencia and Real, Sevilla are mourning the lost points from the last two league games, despite the cup win. Betis only picked up one point against Elche (0:1) and Getafe (0:0). Both teams are in the bottom half of the table and are playing for relegation.
Three league games without a goal
The poor offensive performance in recent games has been particularly appalling. Three times in a row, the fourth best attack in the Spanish league remained without a goal of their own. However, this was not due to bad luck or inability to finish, but because the Verdiblancos hardly created any big chances. They only scored nine times in the last three league games. Against the Catalans, who have conceded only six goals in their last ten league games, it may not be any easier on Saturday.
Real Betis facts & analysis
– Spanish Cup Winner
– 3 league games in a row not won
– 3 league games in a row not scored
Barcelona form & balance check
With a 2-1 win FC Barcelona won their home match against RCD Mallorca on the last matchday, finally overcoming their Frankfurt trauma. After the home defeat in the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Eintracht (2:3), Barca also lost their next two home games in the league. The Catalans lost 0:1 each to FC Cadiz and Rayo Vallecano. With the win against Mallorca, they have now consolidated their second place behind the already established champions Real Madrid.
The glory days are over
FC Barcelona is a title hoarder by the book. The Catalans have won the Spanish league 26 times. In the Cup, they are the record winners with 31 titles, as well as in the Supercopa (duel between champion and cup winner) with 13 titles. The Catalans, who are used to success, rarely experience a season without winning a trophy. But this scenario has now come to pass for the second time in three years. And FC Barcelona is no longer making a splash in Europe either.
After four Champions League triumphs between 2006 and 2015, Barca reached the semi-finals of the top flight only once in the last seven years. Mismanagement and bad purchases brought Barcelona to this point. With Xavi in the coaching post, however, a different wind seems to be blowing again. The 42-year-old is returning to the roots of Catalan success and relying on his own young talent.
Barcelona facts & analysis
– Lost 3 of last 5 competitive matches (2 draws).
– Won 5 away games in a row in the league
– Won 9 of last 11 league matches (2 defeats)
Predicted line-up – last update on 5 May 2022
After winning the cup final against Valencia, Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini changed his starting eleven in four positions on Monday against Getafe (0-0). Against Barca, we expect him to return to his cup-winning eleven. In the Verdiblancos’ squad, only substitute right-back Martín Montoya, who came through FC Barcelona’s youth system, is missing due to injury.
Barca will also have to do without some of their own youngsters on Saturday. With Pedri, Nico Gonzalez, Sergi Roberto and Oscar Mingueza, a total of four players from the club’s own youth team will be absent. However, only Pedri (thigh problems) would have been a candidate for the starting eleven. With Memphis Depay having given the Catalans the lead in the last match against Mallorca, we expect the Dutchman to start again in place of Ousmane Dembele.
Real Betis – FC Barcelona direct comparison & stats
The overall record between FC Barcelona and Betis Sevilla is clearly in favour of the Catalans. Of 111 encounters, they won 68. Betis was “only” successful 22 times. 21 other duels did not find a winner. In the first half of the season, however, Betis improved their record. After the Verdiblancos had previously lost five times in a row to Barca, they won 1:0 at the Camp Nou at the beginning of December.
– Betis Sevilla won their last meeting with FC Barcelona 1-0.
– Barca won their last 4 away games at Betis
– Barca have scored a total of 15 goals in their last 4 away matches at Betis
– In 7 of the last 8 direct duels, at least 5 goals have been scored in the match
