Real Betis Begins Final Push for Champions League Qualification
Real Betis heads into a decisive phase of the season determined to stop a five-match LaLiga winless run. The club aims to protect its fifth-place standing and keep Champions League qualification realistic.
Context and priorities
The team returns to La Cartuja for a crucial home clash. Betis must rebuild momentum before two away league matches at Osasuna and Girona.
A Europa League quarterfinal tie in Braga follows midweek. Still, coach Manuel Pellegrini has made beating Espanyol the immediate priority.
Betis squad news
Pellegrini named a 22-man squad for the game. Isco, Ángel Ortiz, Giovani Lo Celso, Bakambu and Junior were left out of the list.
Bakambu missed the call-up because he did not return from celebrations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Brazilian defender Natan is included but is unlikely to start.
Pablo García makes the trip and could feature. Junior joined the squad in Seville on Tuesday but was not selected.
Likely eleven
Pellegrini is expected to field his strongest available side. Fornals and Amrabat should anchor midfield.
The attacking trio of Antony, Abde and Cucho Hernández is set to lead the frontline. Some defensive changes and a possible goalkeeper switch are under consideration.
Espanyol situation
Manolo González faces multiple absences. Charles Pickel has not returned in time from DR Congo celebrations after the national team’s World Cup qualification.
Pere Milla is suspended due to cards, and captain Raúl de Tomás (Puado) remains out with a long-term injury. That leaves the squad depleted.
Form and stakes for Espanyol
Espanyol have not won in 12 matches this year, recording four draws and eight losses. Once fifth at the end of 2025, they have fallen to eleventh.
The club now looks nervously at relegation worries, though it sits just one point behind seventh and eighth. Recent head-to-heads favor Betis, with Espanyol losing the last four meetings.
Match details
- Stadium: La Cartuja
- Kickoff: 18:30
- Referee: Cuadra Fernández (VAR: Pizarro Gómez)
- TV: Movistar LaLiga
Projected lineups
Real Betis (expected): Álvaro Valles; Bellerín, Llorente, Bartra, Valentín Gómez; Amrabat, Marc Roca; Antony, Fornals, Abde; Cucho Hernández.
RCD Espanyol (expected): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Urko, Pol Lozano; Dolan, Edu Expósito, Terrats; Roberto.
The next weeks will shape Real Betis’ final push for Champions League qualification. A win at La Cartuja would strengthen their position ahead of a packed schedule.
