Atletico Madrid is set to host Real Betis at Metropolitano Stadium this Sunday, aiming to reclaim their winning form in La Liga. Currently, Atletico Madrid occupies the third position in the league, trailing leaders Barcelona by ten points. Real Betis sits fifth, also ten points behind their opponents.
Match Preview
Atletico Madrid finds itself in a pivotal phase of the season. With a record of 13 wins, six draws, and three defeats, they aim for a top-four finish. They recently celebrated a significant 5-0 victory over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey and have advanced to the semi-finals to face Barcelona. However, their last La Liga match ended in a goalless draw against Levante, prompting a desire to secure a win at home.
- Current La Liga Position: Atletico Madrid – 3rd, Real Betis – 5th
- Points Gap: Atletico Madrid – 10 points behind Barcelona, Real Betis – 10 points behind Atletico
- Atletico’s Home Record: 31 points from 11 home matches
Real Betis Overview
After the shocking defeat in the Copa del Rey, Real Betis aims for revenge in this encounter. They are enjoying a solid season, amassing 35 points from 22 matches. Last week, they secured a 2-1 victory against Valencia in La Liga.
- La Liga Standing: 5th place, 7 points behind Villarreal
- Away Record: 2 wins in 11 away matches, with 7 draws
Previous Encounters
This season has seen Atletico dominate the previous fixtures. They defeated Real Betis 2-0 in the earlier league match and won 4-1 in last season’s corresponding fixture in Madrid.
Team News
Atletico Madrid will miss Pablo Barrios due to injury. Johnny Cardoso and Alexander Sorloth are uncertain for the match. Ademola Lookman, fresh from his impactful performance in the cup, is expected to make his La Liga debut. Julian Alvarez, who has struggled to score since early November, will also be watched closely.
Real Betis faces several injury challenges, with Sofyan Amrabat, Giovani Lo Celso, and Isco unavailable. Hector Bellerin and Cucho Hernandez are doubts for the matchup, potentially leaving the team shorthanded.
Possible Lineups
| Atletico Madrid | Real Betis |
|---|---|
| Oblak | Valles |
| Pubill, Hancko, Gimenez, Ruggeri | Ortiz, Bartra, Natan, Rodriguez |
| Koke, Llorente | Altimira, Roca |
| Simeone, Baena, Lookman | Antony, Fornals, Ezzalzouli |
| Alvarez | Avila |
Prediction
This upcoming match promises to be exciting, with both teams eager for points. Atletico’s home advantage could give them the edge, leading us to predict a narrow 2-1 victory over Real Betis.
