Betis Eyes Champions League Spot: Athletic Bilbao Clash & Europa League Pursuit
Real Betis faces a crucial match against Athletic Club today in San Mamés, with both teams balancing league ambitions and European commitments. Betis, currently fifth in LaLiga, is vying for a Champions League qualification spot, a possibility bolstered by the potential for Spain to secure an additional Champions League berth next season based on the performance of its clubs in European competitions.
The Seville-based club arrives in form after a dominant 4-0 victory over Panathinaikos on Thursday, securing their place in the Europa League quarter-finals. Manager Manuel Pellegrini opted for system modifications in that match, resulting in an intensified, direct and clinical performance. The win provides a boost as Betis attempts to reignite their league form, having gone four LaLiga matches without a win, their last victory coming on February 15th against Mallorca (1-2). Prior to that, they secured a 0-1 win away at Atlético de Madrid.
Betis’ recent league results include a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano and a 2-2 draw in the Seville derby against Sevilla, both at home. A 2-0 defeat to Getafe and a 1-1 draw with Celta completed their recent run of results. Today’s match is the first of ten remaining league fixtures for Betis, who currently have 44 points. Celta, in sixth place with 41 points, too plays today, hosting Alavés, meaning Betis will know their opponent’s result before kickoff.
The Europa League quarter-final tie against Sporting Braga awaits Betis, with the first leg scheduled for April 8th in Portugal and the return leg at the Estadio de la Cartuja eight days later. For now, however, the focus is on San Mamés and a test of the team’s momentum following their European success.
Athletic Club enters the match with a different set of circumstances. On Friday, coach Ernesto Valverde announced he will not be managing the club next season, bringing an end to his third spell in charge. Athletic currently sits with 35 points after 28 matches, having won ten, drawn five, and lost thirteen. They have been particularly strong at home, earning 23 of those points at San Mamés, winning seven of their fourteen home matches, drawing two, and losing five.
The reverse fixture between the two sides took place on August 31st, with Athletic winning 1-2. Bartra scored an own goal to offer Athletic the lead, with Paredes adding a second before Bakambu pulled one back for Betis in stoppage time.
Team Lineups:
Athletic Club: Unai Simón; Gorosabel, Vivian, Laporte, Yuri; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar, Sancet; Iñaki Williams, Berenguer and Guruzeta
Real Betis: Valles; Aitor, Bartra, Llorente, Ricardo; Amrabat, Fornals, Fidalgo; Antony, Abde and Cucho