Real Betis welcome Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in the standout fixture of La Liga this weekend
Real Betis will welcome La Liga giants Atletico Madrid to the Benito Villamarin Stadium in the standout fixture of Matchday 2 this weekend.
Atletico Madrid endured a difficult 2022/23 campaign but go into the second weekend as the leaders in La Liga. Despite having a strong record against Betis under Diego Simeone, the Rojiblancos will be wary of their opponents given their impressive run of form this year.
Beating Villarreal at Estadio de La Ceramica is not a mean feat, and Betis surely silenced their detractors by conquering the arena on opening night. Manuel Pellegrini is a shrewd operator and is a potent threat to Simeone and Co.
A European spot should be the aim for the Verdilblancos this season, and they have a good squad in order to achieve just that. While a couple of players could still leave this summer, Pellegrini can call upon both experience and promise that is reminiscent of his old Malaga side.
The clash is the standout fixture of the second weekend and should give us a clear idea of what both teams can achieve this season. Atletico go into the clash as slight favourites but should they take the result for granted, Simeone’s men could be in for a rude awakening. The Hard Tackle looks at how both sides could line up on the night and what tactics they might implement.
Team News & Tactics
Real Betis
¡Toma nota! 🖊🗒
Mañana, a las 11:45, te llevamos en directo la rueda de prensa de Pellegrini previa al #RealBetisAtleti 🚨📽
— Real Betis Balompié 🌴💚 (@RealBetis) August 18, 2023
Manuel Pellegrini’s side began their 2023/24 campaign a stunning 2-1 win over Villarreal at Estadio de La Ceramica. Willian Jose’s 95th-minute winner gave Los Verdiblancos the start they sought and offers them a bae to build momentum.
They now return to the Benito Villamarin Stadium and will welcome Diego Simeone’s men on Sunday night. Betis will be upbeat for the clash despite their poor recent record against the Rojiblancos. However, Manuel Pellegrini will have to do without the injured trio of Claudio Bravo, Nabil Fekir and William Carvalho.
Last weekend’s hero, Jose could be drafted into the starting XI, with summer signing Isco also in contention to feature. Star midfielder Guido Rodriguez’s participation for the game is far from certain amidst his links to French giants Olympique Lyonnais.
Pellegrini is likely to deploy his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation that will aim to win the battle in the middle of the park and then attack the Atletico back three on the counter. Portuguese star Rui Silva should get the nod in goal behind the back four of Youssouf Sabaly, German Pezzella, Luiz Felipe and Abner.
Marc Roca and Paul Akouokou should hold the fort in the middle of the park with Isco drafted in to play the number ten’s role. Ayoze Perez and Luiz Henrique should provide the width with Jose leading the line upfront.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Silva; Sabaly, Pezzella, Felipe, Abner; Roca, Akouokou; Perez, Isco, Henrique; Willian Jose
Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone’s men got off to a winning start last weekend when they won 3-1 against Granada at home. Coming off a poor 202/23 campaign, the pressure will be on the Argentine and his players to turn their fortunes around.
The Capital side will take to the field sans Jose Gimenez, Nahuel Molina and Reinildo, all three of whom are out injured. Star midfielder Koke picked up a knock against Granada and could also miss out on the night.
The Rojiblancos are expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Jan Oblak holding the fort in between the sticks. He will be protected by the battle tested back three of Cesar Azpilicueta, Stefan Savic and Mario Hermoso.
⏳⚽ ¡Cuenta atrás para el #RealBetisAtleti! pic.twitter.com/IOKzDPxxsh
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) August 19, 2023
Yannick Carrasco and Marcos Llorente should provide width as the wing-backs, with the trio of Rodrigo De Paul, Thomas Lemar and Lucas Barrios providing the muscle in the centre. Joao Felix is currently at loggerheads with the club and has not been included in the matchday squad.
Star attacker Antoine Griezmann should start up front alongside Alvaro Morata. Memphis Depay scored last weekend but is expected to start the game on the bench.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Oblak; Azpilicueta, Savic, Hermoso; Llorente, Barrios, De Paul, Lemar, Carrasco; Griezmann, Morata
Key Stats
- Since Diego Simeone’s arrival, Atletico Madrid have faced Real Betis 21 times in La Liga, losing just once. They have won 16 matches while drawing the remaining four.
- Atletico Marid have won 1 of their 18 trips to Real Betis in the league this century. This is the best away win record the club has against any side during this period, on par with their record against Getafe.
- Failing to win on the night will see Atletico Madrid go three straight away games without a win against Andalusian teams since 2019.
- Atletico Madrid are currently on a three-game winless streak in away fixtures in La Liga. The last time they want four such games without a win was in February 2022.
Player to Watch
Antoine Griezmann
The veteran star is Atletico Madrid’s most creative player and will largely be entrusted to open opposition defences on the day. Alvaro Morata and Memphis Depay will certainly get opportunities to score when the Frenchman is on the field.
A mobile player, Griezmann can be expected to drop deeper to collect the ball and push forward. This should open up space for Llorente and Carrasco to push forward. In many ways, as long as the 32-year-old is in good form, Atletico can pose a major threat to opposition defences. With Saudi Arabian teams watching, he could put on an audition of sorts.
Prediction
Real Betis 1-2 Atletico Madrid
Real Betis are a formidable opponent who will make life difficult for Atletico Madrid on the night. However, Diego Simeone’s side has strength in depth and can call upon a game-changer or two off the bench to swing the pendulum in their favour. The Hard Tackle predicts a close-fought game with the visitors just about edging it.
