It’s the first half of La Liga as sixth-placed Real Betis host ninth-placed Rayo Vallecano at the Benito Villamarí Stadium on Monday at 7:00 p.m.
In the last five matches of La Liga, “Betis” continues to play for European places. They currently sit two points behind improved Villarreal and nine behind fourth-placed Real Sociedad.
Rayo Vallecano are looking to finish off the best half of the season as they navigate the final five matches of the season. They are currently ninth on 46 points, two ahead of 10th-placed Osasuna.
Key highlights
Real Betis match at European venues
Real Betis’ inconsistency has been their Achilles’ heel as their challenge for a top-four finish has faded in recent months. As Real Sociedad have gone four matches unbeaten, Betis have won just once in their last four.
Manuel Pellegrini will be looking to improve his run of form as they look to remain in contention for Europa League qualification in either the Europa League or the Conference League next season.
“Betis” won only twice in their last five matches. they lost two games and drew once. This run of form has seen them slump to sixth in the table. Pellegrini wants to change his form for business, starting with the clash against Rayo Vallecano.
Playing at home, “Betis” will be aggressive in its approach. They will start quickly, dominate possession and force Vallecano to defend for most of the match. This will be aimed at creating opportunities and increasing their chances of winning.
Rayo Vallecano’s bid for the best semi-final
Vallecano has been cold and hot in recent matches. They have won three times, with back-to-back losses between each of these wins. This form means Valecano have made little progress in terms of climbing up the table.
Be there
They have amassed 46 points, two behind either side of them, 8th-placed Athletic Club and 7th-placed Girona on 47 points. They are six points ahead of their 52-point rivals on Monday.
“Vallecano” will try to reduce the advantage of “Real Betis” to 3 points with an away victory. Andoni Iraola Sagarna and his men are looking to strengthen their consistency in the race as they look to finish in the top four.
Vallecano will look strong in defense against Betis at home. They will defend in numbers and look to attack in transition.
Injury report
“Real Betis”.
Attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir has been left out of the squad ahead of Monday’s game against Vallecano. The forward is sidelined with a torn cruciate ligament.
Fekir has been out of action since February 27, 2023. He has missed 17 matches for “Betis” so far. He is unlikely to be available for the home match against Vallecano.
Rayo Vallecano
Vallecano will be without centre-forward Radamel Falcao, with the 37-year-old sidelined with a dead leg. Falcao has been sidelined since April 15, 2023 and has already missed four matches for Vallecano.
The forward is unlikely to be available for Monday’s away match at Betis.
Possible lineups
“Real Betis”.
C. Bravo; J. Miranda, P. Akouokou, G. Pezzella, Y. Sabaly; A. Guardado, G. Rodriguez; A. Perez, W. Carvalho, S. Canales; Willian Jose
Rayo Vallecano
S. Dimitrievsky; I. Balliu, A. Mumin, A. Catena, F. Garcia; O. V, S. Comesana; I. Palazon, O. Trejo, A. Garcia; R. de Tomas
Prediction
“Betis” will play with the support of the home team. They will press and aggressively look to win the ball back when they lose it.
Vallecano will be compact and firm in his approach. they will defend in numbers and use the counter to attack Betis.
Real Betis will win the game and strengthen their chances to climb the table.
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Be there