Those led by the Dutch coach Ronald Koeman enjoy a good competitive moment with five victories in their last appearances, two in the so-called Santander League and three in the Copa del Rey, a contest that will meet Sevilla in the semifinals.
After the day on Saturday, the Barça team is fourth with 40 points, ten less than the leader Atlético de Madrid, but only two behind Sevilla and three from the ‘Merengue’ team.
However, if the Catalans wish to continue aspiring to the title they must beat Betis for the second time in the contest, after doing it 5-2 in the first round, then with a double from their captain Lionel Messi.
During his visit to the Benito Villamarín stadium, Koeman will not have Sergi Roberto due to injury, which is why Gerard Piqué, Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati also miss the match.
For the good of the ‘Barça’ fans, the coach plans to line up with Ter Stegen in the goal; Dest, Araújo, Lenglet and Jordi Alba; Busquets, De Jong and Pedri in the midfield as well as Dembélé, Messi and Griezmann up front.
Meanwhile, Betis has doubts about the participation of Marc Bartra and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo due to physical complaints.
Chilean Manuel Pellegrini’s pupils will look for their third straight victory as hosts and improve the seventh place they currently occupy.
The rest of the program is completed with the Real Sociedad-Cádiz, Athletic Bilbao-Valencia and Osasuna-Eibar matches.
The most striking thing yesterday was Real Madrid’s 2-1 victories over bottom Huesca, with a pair of goals from Frenchman Raphael Varane and Sevilla 3-0 over Getafe that momentarily took them to third place in the competition.
Results:
-Friday:
-Alavés-Valladolid 1-0.
-Saturday:
-Levante-Granada 2-2.
-Huesca-Real Madrid 1-2.
-Elche-Villarreal 2-2.
-Sevilla-Getafe 3-0.
-Sunday:
-Real Sociedad-Cádiz.
-Athletic Bilbao-Valencia.
-Health-Eibar.
-Betis-Barcelona.
-Monday:
-Atlético de Madrid-Celta de Vigo.
ga / rws