Newly-crowned Spanish Super Cup champions Barcelona are all set to host Real Betis in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.
After securing their first title of the season, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona will now be aiming to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey when they square up against Real Betis, who have a touch inconsistent this season.
Barcelona fans were on cloud nine following a sensational start to life under Hansi Flick. But, things went downhill towards the last two months of 2024. They were comfortably sitting at the top of the table but are currently 3rd in the standings, six points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.
While the Blaugrana did not end 2024 in the best possible way, they have enjoyed an incredible start to the new year, having smashed arch-rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final. Now, Barcelona will look to take another step towards the Copa del Rey title.
Meanwhile, Real Betis are 10th on the points table in La Liga, and they have only won one out of their last five league games. While Los Verdiblancos have been quite good in cup competitions, their overall form has been a bit of a concern.
After securing a 1-0 win over Huesca in their last Copa del Rey outing, they ended up suffering a defeat at the hands of Real Valladolid in the league. The Andalusian outfit are not in the best of forms, and going up against Barcelona won’t be easy. The Hard Tackle takes a close look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could put to use.
Team News & Tactics
Barcelona
While the result did go their way, Barcelona suffered a blow in their last outing as Inigo Martinez was forced off with an injury. Meanwhile, Wojciech Szczesny, who was sent off in the final, is all set to serve a suspension. The home team remain without the services of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal. Flick might not make any major changes to the XI that started in the final.
Barcelona will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation where Inaki Pena will return in goal. Jules Koundes and Alejandro Balde will be the full-backs. While Ronald Araujo has been linked with a move away, he is still expected to start in the heart of the defence following Martinez’s injury. Araujo will pair up with teenage sensation Pau Cubari.
In the centre of the park, Pedri and Marc Casado will look to control the tempo of the game. Dani Olmo, who made a substitute appearance in the last outing, will most likely start in this fixture. Olmo will be the no. 10, while Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will feature on he flanks providing width to their attacks. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski will continue to lead the line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Real Betis
Giovani Lo Celos picked up an injury in their last outing, and he joined Hector Bellerin, Chimy Avila and William Carvalho on the sidelines. While Marc Roca and Pablo Fornals are both back in training, they are unlikely to start here, and their involvement depends on their fitness levels.
The visitors will also go ahead with the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Fran Vieites will be in goal. Youssouf Sabaly and Romain Perraud will be the full-backs, while Marc Bartra and Diego Llorente will start in the heart of the defence.
In the centre of the park, Sergi Altimira and Johnny Cardoso will form the double pivot. They will look to shield the Real Betis backline and try to ensure Barcelona do not have the majority of the ball.
Former Real Madrid star Isco will be the attacking midfielder, while Aitor Ruibal and Abde Ezzalzouli will feature on the flanks providing width to their attacks. Vitor Roque, who is on loan from Barcelona, should lead the line for Real Betis.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Vieites; Sabaly, Llorente, Bartra, Perraud; Altimira, Cardoso; Ruibal, Isco, Ezzalzouli; Roque
Key Stats
- Barcelona are on a three-match winning streak heading into this fixture.
- The Catalan giants lifted a record 15th Spanish Super Cup title with a win over Real Madrid in their last outing.
- A win against Hansi Flick’s team will guide Real Betis to the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2021/22 season when they went on to win the competition.
- Barcelona have not lost to Real Betis since December 2021.
- Flick’s team have lost each of their last three games at their temporary home, Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal
The entire Barcelona frontline was on fire against Real Madrid, but Yamal as the one who seemed to be the biggest threat to the opposition. The 17-year-old already has eight goals and 12 assists in the ongoing campaign, and it won’t be a surprise if he ends up being the difference between the two teams.
Prediction
Barcelona 3-0 Real Betis
The away side have not really been in the best of forms. Real Betis are heading into this fixture on the back of a defeat and will find it difficult against a Barcelona unit that will be high on confidence after destroying Real Madrid for the second time in the season. The Hard Tackle predicts an easy 3-0 win for the home team.
