La Liga: Betis Can Deliver Final Title Blow to Real

Real Betis vs Real Madrid

Now here is a meeting between two La Liga sides who may well be thinking of what might have been.

For Real Betis, managed by the astute Chilean Manuel Pellegrini, some context is required. Sure, they will view their surprise exit to Braga of Portugal in last week’s Europa League quarter-finals as a missed opportunity (they led 3-1 on aggregate at one stage before going down 5-3).

Yet, overall, their current position of fifth place in the Spanish top-flight is a highly decent return, and their 3-2 victory at Girona on Tuesday shows they are determined and talented enough to return to Europe next season.

But while disappointment is quantified in the Basque Country, it’s a very different reality in the Spanish capital, as Real Madrid could finish the season empty-handed.

 

Talking Points

Of course, “Smart Alecs” like me could be forgiven for saying “I told you so” in January when they brought in an inexperienced manager at the top level.

I take no pleasure in doing so, but do I think they would have been embarrassed by second-tier Albacete in the Copa del Rey (in Alvaro Arbeloa’s first game in charge) or fallen so far behind in La Liga under a more experienced figurehead? Of course not.

Their Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Bayern Munich last week effectively ended their campaign and, while goals from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. fired them to a 2-1 home win over lowly Alaves on Tuesday night, I fully expect Barcelona to retain the Spanish crown.

Arbeloa’s side are nine points behind the leaders with six matches remaining and, while they could close that gap with an El Clasico to come, I don’t think they will deliver enough La Liga 2026 highlights to make it up sufficiently.

Arbeloa called an impromptu meeting with his players earlier in the week to try and rev them up for the run-in.

For the visit to Betis on Friday evening, Rodrygo remains a long-term absentee due to a serious knee injury. The match will also come too soon for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is still out with a thigh issue. Raul Asencio could return to the squad following illness, but Eder Militao (hamstring) is set to miss out after being forced off against Alaves. That will likely mean Antonio Rudiger playing in the middle of the defence alongside Dean Huijsen.

Rudiger is one of several players whose future will be up for discussion in the weeks ahead, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, as is captain Dani Carvajal’s deal, while David Alaba is set to leave the Spanish capital.

Chances are, it may not be Arbeloa in charge next season anyway, as Real look to correct their foolhardy mid-season managerial change.

For now, though, Betis – whose manager would bring much-needed stability to the Real hot-seat – are the main focus. They will welcome back Antony into their squad following a one-match suspension, while Diego Llorente (ankle) and Angel Ortiz (muscle) will be assessed. Junior Firpo (muscle) is out.

 

History

78 Real wins, 32 Betis victories, and 32 draws – that is the overall record in meetings between these sides in league and cup. Madrid won their inaugural clash 4-1 in December 1932, helped by a hat-trick from Olivares.

Betis last won at the Bernabeu in 2019 when second-half goals from Loren Moron and Jesé sealed a 2-0 victory; however, Madrid have not won on Betis turf since 2021.

This match last season went the way of the home side when Isco scored the winner against his former club. Brahim Diaz opened the scoring for the visitors before Johnny Cardoso headed an equaliser.

Isco then netted a 54th-minute penalty, which proved to be the winner as he captained Betis against the club where he spent nine years, scoring 53 goals in 353 games, winning the Champions League five times, and La Liga on three occasions.

Real were big winners in the league game earlier this season when a Gonzalo Garcia hat-trick helped them to a 5-1 victory.

 

Betting Tip

Our SBOTOP La Liga 2026 betting odds back Real to keep their faint title hopes alive and backs them 1X2 @ 1.90 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.14. The home team are on offer 1X2 @ 3.37 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.33. A repeat of last season’s meeting will pay out @ 12.50 with Correct Score 2-1. While Madrid may be boosted by the news that Barcelona could be missing teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for the title run-in, I think Betis will further damage their hopes by claiming a point.

   

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, X and Instagram.