Atletico Madrid will travel to face Real Betis at the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Sunday night, aiming to maintain their unbeaten record in La Liga this season. Both teams secured wins in their most recent league fixtures and are looking to build on that momentum.
Real Betis
Real Betis have been inconsistent this season, collecting 15 points from 10 La Liga matches with four wins, three draws, and three losses. Despite their inconsistentness, they have won two of their last three matches and will aim to capitalize on their home advantage. However, their recent performance in a 1-1 draw against FC Copenhagen was underwhelming, as they failed to convert chances despite dominating the game.
Injury News & Team Selection: Real Betis will be without key players such as Giovani Lo Celso, Marc Roca, William Carvalho, and Isco due to injuries, while Natan is suspended. Manager Manuel Pellegrini will likely deploy a 4-4-2 formation with Rui Silva in goal, Hector Bellerin and Romain Perraud as the full-backs, and Marc Bartra and Diego Llorente in central defense. In midfield, Abde Ezzalzouli will provide width from the right, while Pablo Fornals will work the left flank. Johnny Cardoso and Sergi Altimira will aim to control the game from the center of the park. In attack, Vitor Roque will partner with Cedric Bakambu.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Silva; Bellerin, Bartra, Llorente, Perraud; Ezzalzouli, Cardoso, Altimira, Fornals; Roque, Bakambu
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have been solid but not spectacular, sitting third in La Liga with five wins and five draws in their ten matches. However, their form across competitions has been shaky, with only one win in their last five games. Their 3-1 defeat to LOSC Lille in the Champions League was particularly disappointing, despite controlling possession. Diego Simeone’s side will be determined to bounce back in La Liga with a win over Real Betis.
Injury News & Team Selection: Atletico will be without Clement Lenglet, Pablo Barrios, Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, and Cesar Azpilicueta due to injuries. Simeone is expected to field a 4-3-1-2 formation with Jan Oblak in goal, supported by Nahuel Molina and Samuel Lino as full-backs, and Axel Witsel partnering Jose Maria Gimenez in central defense. Rodrigo De Paul will hold the midfield, while Koke and Conor Gallagher will provide support. Antoine Griezmann will play as the attacking midfielder behind the striking duo of Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth.
Probable Lineup (4-3-1-2): Oblak; Molina, Witsel, Gimenez, Lino; Koke, De Paul, Gallagher; Griezmann; Alvarez, Sorloth
Key Stats
- Atletico Madrid are unbeaten in La Liga this season with five wins and five draws.
- Diego Simeone’s side has only one win in their last five matches across all competitions.
- Real Betis have lost five of their last six matches against Atletico Madrid.
- Atletico have drawn three of their five away games this season.
- Real Betis last defeated Atletico Madrid in La Liga in February 2019.
Player to Watch: Julian Alvarez
Despite a slow start at Atletico Madrid with only four goals and one assist in 13 appearances, Julian Alvarez is beginning to find his rhythm. The Argentine World Cup winner has the potential to be a key player in this match, and his ability to link up with Griezmann and Sorloth will be crucial for Atletico’s attack.
Real Betis vs Atletico Madrid Prediction
With Atletico’s strong defense and Real Betis’ inconsistency, Simeone’s side could extend their unbeaten run in La Liga. Real Betis might pose a threat, but Atletico’s experience and quality should see them edge a tight encounter.
Prediction: Real Betis 1-2 Atletico Madrid
How to Watch Real Betis vs Atletico Madrid
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV
