Energized Real Betis Heads to Bilbao for European Clash

Real Betis travel to San Mamés full of confidence after a dominant Europa League win. Ernesto Valverde’s announcement of his season-end exit has put Athletic Bilbao on a clear countdown. The match kicks off at 18:30 under referee Alejandro Muñiz.

Betis buoyed by European performance

Betis beat Panathinaikos 4-0 to reach the Europa League quarter-finals. They had lost 1-0 in Athens a week earlier.

The victory ended a five-match winless run. That run included four matches without a league win.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side sit fifth with 44 points. They hold a three-point cushion over Celta Vigo. Celta also reached the Europa League quarter-finals.

Form and selection issues

Betis drew three home league games recently. Those results were 1-1 with Rayo, 2-2 with Sevilla, and 1-1 with Celta. They also lost 2-0 at Getafe.

Isco Alarcón and Giovani Lo Celso are injured and unavailable. Pellegrini expects Lo Celso to be fit after the next international break.

Diego Llorente returns from suspension and illness. He is likely to replace Marc Bartra. Valentín Gómez may start at left-back instead of Ricardo Rodríguez.

Softer returns would include Sofyan Amrabat and Marc Roca. Álvaro Fidalgo could come in for Pablo Fornals.

Athletic Bilbao’s context and squad news

Valverde will oversee his final months in charge. Athletic arrive after a heavy reality check at Montilivi.

The squad is focused on reaching the 42 points that typically secure survival. Injuries and suspensions have shaped Valverde’s options.

Available and unavailable players

Injured players include Leandro Paredes and Nico Williams. Nico started a new treatment for pubalgia one and a half months ago.

Yeray Álvarez will miss the match due to a ten-month UEFA suspension. Maroan, Egiluz and Prados also remain absent.

Unai Gómez has recovered from a recent knee knock. Rego returns after serving a suspension for card accumulation.

Probable lineups and match details

• Athletic Bilbao (probable): Unai Simón; Gorosabel, Vivian, Laporte, Yuri; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; Iñaki Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Guruzeta.
• Real Betis (probable): Álvaro Valles; Aitor Ruibal, Diego Llorente, Natan, Valentín Gómez; Sofyan Amrabat, Marc Roca; Antony, Álvaro Fidalgo (or Fornals), Abde; Cucho Hernández.

Match officials and venue are confirmed. Alejandro Muñiz will referee at San Mamés. Kickoff is scheduled for 18:30.

Energized Real Betis Heads to Bilbao for European Clash with momentum and clear goals. Filmogaz.com will monitor team news and tactical updates.