Atletico Madrid will aim to bounce back from a disappointing period when they take on Real Betis, who are chasing a European place.
The past few weeks have been a testing period for Atletico Madrid, which has somewhat come to define their season ahead of the visit of Real Betis. Firstly, they are trailing Inter Milan in their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie by a single goal. Then, they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Athletic Club with a 4-0 aggregate scoreline.
Then, in the league, Atletico have managed only a single win in their last four games, which more or less rules them out of the running for the title. Entering into the weekend’s action, Diego Simeone’s side trail leaders and arch-rivals Real Madrid by 13 points, which should paint a picture.
As things stand, Atletico Madrid will aim to cement their place in the top four, which should be their objective for the remainder of the season. However, Simeone needs to mastermind a comeback, having been held to a 2-2 draw last weekend against bottom-placed Almeria. Atletico can bank on their unbeaten league campaign at home, which might make them favourites heading into this clash against Real Betis.
Real Betis have experienced an upturn in form since the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini, with the former Manchester City boss now aiming to see through a European finish. The Verdiblancos have faced their share of disappointments this season, including their elimination from the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Pellegrini’s men are unbeaten in their last five league games, which places them as one of the form clubs in the division. Real Betis will aim for a good result away in Madrid, as a win here would let them close the gap on Simeone’s side, although they will remain some seven points off fourth place.
Real Betis are currently on course to replicate their sixth-placed finish from last season but face a considerable threat from Real Sociedad, who are only two points behind. Pellegrini’s side have lost only four times in 26 games this term, as too many draws in those results have seen them being restricted to a higher place in the table.
Team News & Tactics
Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone also has a relatively long injury list ahead of the Real Betis game. Atletico Madrid continue to be without the presence of influential forward Antoine Griezmann, who is dealing with an ankle problem. How long he will stay out of the game remains unclear as of now, although the manager will hope for his swift return.
Thomas Lemar, Marcos Paulo, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jose Maria Gimenez, and Vitolo are all out of contention and will miss the weekend’s action. Simeone could bring Lucas Barrios into his midfield, while Rodrigo Riquelme could also stand a chance to shine should the manager feel the need to introduce him to the starting lineup.
As things stand, the latter may still come off the bench at some stage, with Samuel Lino set to occupy the left wing-back berth. Nahuel Molina will play the right wing-back role, while Koke and Rodrigo De Paul are the preferred options to complete the midfield setup.
In Griezmann’s absence, Memphis Depay could continue playing up front alongside Alvaro Morata, with Simeone hoping to see the best of the Dutchman in the remainder of the season.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Oblak; Hermoso, Witsel, Reinildo; Molina, De Paul, Koke, Barrios, Lino; Depay, Morata
Real Betis
Manuel Pellegrini has had good results in the last few games but had to do so without some of his critical stars. Heading to Madrid, Real Betis have a lengthy injury list to contend with, although the manager will still likely be able to field a relatively strong lineup without the required depth from the bench.
Nabil Fekir, Sergi Altimira, Marc Roca, Aitor Ruibal, Juan Miranda, Cedric Bakambu, Abner Vinicius, Isco, Guido Rodriguez, and Marc Bartra are all absent. Ayoze Perez is the only one to provide a positive update, and the Argentine could return to the squad having made good progress with his ankle problem.
Pellegrini could bring William Carvalho, Rodri, and Hector Bellerin into his setup, while defender Sokratis is also available again following a suspension. Rodri is likely to take the advanced midfield role, with Carvalho and Johnny Cardoso will occupy the central roles.
With Bakambu likely to stay out with an injury, Willian Jose is best placed to lead the line for Betis. He will have support from the January arrival of Pablo Fornals and Chimy Avila in the wide areas.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Silva; Bellerin, Pezzella, Riad, Miranda; Carvalho, Cardoso; Fornals, Rodri, Avila; Jose
Key Stats
- Atletico Madrid have kept a clean sheet in their last seven home matches against Real Betis in all competitions.
- Atletico Madrid have one victory in their last four La Liga games.
- Atletico Madrid have won 11 of their last 12 home matches against Real Betis in all competitions.
- Real Betis are undefeated in 19 of their last 21 matches, including the previous 5 in La Liga.
- Real Betis have not recorded a win over Atletico Madrid since February 2019.
Player to Watch
Alvaro Morata
Since his incredible hat-trick in the loss to Girona, Morata has not found the form in front of goal, which has coincided with the team’s results. The Spaniard needs to step up, particularly in the absence of strike partner Antoine Griezmann, and end his four-game drought in the league.
Morata will have to pick up form and certainly get some goals while also finding the rhythm with Memphis Depay on the pitch to get some results for Atletico Madrid. He does have 13 league goals this season, which represents good value for his talents. But Diego Simeone will want to see more from the Spaniard in games like the ones against Real Betis.
Prediction
Atletico Madrid 2-1 Real Betis
Real Betis might not have lost as many games as many would have expected them to do this season. However, they will come into this clash against Atletico Madrid as the underdogs, and Manuel Pellegrini will undoubtedly hope for an upset of sorts.
However, Betis are here to face a team unbeaten at home in the league and only one draw to show for in their 13 games at this venue. Atletico Madrid are somewhat struggling for relevant results, but this game could see them bounce back from recent disappoints and get three points on board.
