Barcelona vs Betis prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-04-28 19:00.
Barcelona coach Xavi was left âannoyedâ by a surprise 2-1 defeat against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, but the Blaugrana remain in pole position to secure a first title since 2019 thanks to their 11-point lead ahead of this round. Their huge lead at the summit is perhaps sparking worries about motivation levels amongst the squad, with Barça victorious in just one of their last five matches (W1, D2, L2).
Despite conceding two against Rayo, the hosts (11 conceded) are in line to better the all-time joint-best defensive record for a 38-game La Liga (LL) campaign (18). Returning to Spotify Camp Nou could boost their plans as Barcelona have conceded only two league goals there this campaign – one from a penalty and the other an own goal!
Xavi doesnât have happy memories of facing Real Betis, though, with the 1-0 loss here last campaign being his first defeat as Barça coach. After a goalless draw against Real Sociedad last matchday, Los Verdiblancos failed to reduce the gap in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification with coach Manuel Pellegrini admitting they are âfighting for the Europa League and everything else is a dream.â
Thatâs largely down to a poor run of results in the league which has seen them win just one of their last five matches (D1, L3). Pellegrini doesnât exactly have a strong history against Barcelona to call upon to put that right either, with the Chilean losing 23 of his 32 meetings in his illustrious career. Improving that will require an improvement on the road where Betis are winless in over two months in all competitions (D1, L3), losing both of their last two away matches in LL.
Players to watch: Robert Lewandowski scored the consolation goal for Barça against Rayo and also netted the decisive goal in a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture. Sergio Canalesâ contributions may also prove significant, as two of his four H2H goal involvements (G2, A2) have come in wins.
Hot stat: There hasnât been a league H2H draw at this venue since May 2007 (Barcelona: W10, L2 since).