Leaders Barcelona aim for a sixth consecutive league victory when they travel to fifth-placed Real Betis on Saturday. Hansi Flick's side recently came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 3-1, maintaining a one-point lead over Real Madrid. Betis, unbeaten since October, boast the second-best defensive record in La Liga with just 14 goals conceded.
Barcelona head into the Benito Villamarin looking to build on their midweek success against Atletico Madrid, where Alex Baena's opener was canceled out by goals from Raphinha, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres. The win extended Barca's unbeaten run, but Flick cautioned against complacency. "Betis have a fantastic team with players of great quality," Flick said in a press conference. "We have to do the same as we did against Atletico. It was a great win and it gives us more confidence, but we have to show it again tomorrow."
Real Betis sit seventh points outside the top four and have not lost since their October defeat to Atletico. Manager Manuel Pellegrini, who signed a new contract until 2027 this week, is targeting Betis' first win over Barcelona since 2021. "It will be a very difficult match; Barcelona are in good form. But so are we, we're playing at home, and the three points would be important," Pellegrini stated. He emphasized the need for a complete performance, warning of Barcelona's constant attacks and technical quality.
Team news sees Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong returning from illness, with Fermin Lopez back in training. However, Dani Olmo is out with a shoulder injury, Gavi remains sidelined long-term with a knee issue, and Ronald Araujo is taking a mental health break. For Betis, Antony returns from suspension, but Hector Bellerin and Isco are injured, while Sofyan Amrabat and Giovani Lo Celso are doubts.
Predicted lineups are: Betis - Valles; Ruibal, Natan, Bartra, Gomez; Altimira, Roca; Antony, Fornals, Ezzalzouli; Hernandez. Barcelona - J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; De Jong, E Garcia; Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Stats highlight Barcelona's vulnerability on the road, with just two wins in their last six away games. Betis have not beaten Barcelona at home in the league since a 3-2 victory in 2008. Pellegrini has won only five of 38 matches against Barcelona as a manager.