Real Betis welcome Barcelona to Estadio La Cartuja on Saturday in a matchup that carries weight at both ends of the table. Barcelona arrive in Seville after a spirited 3-1 victory over Atlético Madrid, a result covered by SoftFootball as a performance where Raphinha shone once again.
The win kept Hansi Flick’s men top of La Liga, and it came just days after they battled back to beat Alaves 3-1, another result highlighted by SoftFootball. Betis, meanwhile, continue to settle well into their temporary home at La Cartuja and see this fixture as a chance to reinforce their European push.
Barcelona sit four points clear at the summit and have taken confidence from their recent run, but Flick has repeatedly warned against complacency. He praised Real Betis for their quality, stressing that Betis has a fantastic team with players of great ability and insisting that Barcelona must keep proving their good momentum.
Recent setbacks, including the defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League, have also reminded Barca of the standards they must uphold away from home.
Betis remain unbeaten in eight matches across competitions and recently advanced in the Copa del Rey, while also dispatching Sevilla in the derby. Their home form at La Cartuja has largely been strong, with three wins in their last four outings there.
Flick has been vocal about his squad’s progress. He highlighted in a post shared by the club’s official X account how they have taken a step forward and how the team functions best when well connected and playing as one.
Check the post below:
Team News
Betis remain without Isco, Héctor Bellerín, Giovani Lo Celso, Sofyan Amrabat, and Pau López. Antony is expected to return after recovering from a minor ankle issue.
Barcelona will miss Gavi and Dani Olmo, who recently suffered a dislocated shoulder. Ronald Araujo continues his mental health break, while Marc-André ter Stegen is still recovering from back surgery.
Frenkie de Jong returns, and Fermín López is available but will not start, as confirmed by the German coach in a post shared on Barcelona’s official X account.
Check the post below:
Possible Lineups
Real Betis (4-2-3-1): Valles; Ruibal, Natan, Bartra, Gomez; Altimira, Roca; Antony, Fornals, Ezzalzouli; Hernandez.
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Joan García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Martin, Balde; De Jong, Eric García; Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Barcelona’s strong record in Seville, combined with their attacking rhythm and recent confidence, suggests another tight but decisive performance. Betis’ resilience at La Cartuja may keep the contest competitive, but Barcelona are tipped to edge a high-scoring match.
Prediction: Real Betis 2-4 Barcelona.
