Real Betis Vs Barcelona
Sunday 9th February 2020 – 20:00 Kick-Off
Spanish La Liga
Pick: Real Betis or Draw (Double Chance)
Odds: Evens
Bookmaker: Unibet
(All betting odds displayed in this article were correct at time of writing: 5th February 2020 at 23:00)
Preview: The La Liga action draws to a close this weekend with a fixture that usually delivers ample drama but especially goals. What will the latest instalment of Real Betis versus Barcelona throw up at Estadio Benito Villamarin?
Spain’s La Liga Betting at 22Bet
Table of Contents
Real Betis Preview – Los Verdiblancos formidable hosts?
Most of the critical moments during last Sunday’s clash in Eibar were compressed inside the opening fifteen minutes. Nabil Fekir opening the scoring with his fifth league goal since signing for the Andalusians in the summer, only for parity to be quickly restored following the concession of a penalty. Betis (12th – W7 D7 L8) created opportunities to win it towards the end, however, as has too often been the case recently, the crucial finishing touch was lacking with the match ultimately ending in a 1-1 stalemate.
Los Verdiblancos are now in the midst of a sticky patch, having won only once in six La Liga matches (W1 D3 L2). There was also defeat in the Copa Del Rey to a mid-table Rayo Vallecano from Segunda. So these are far from prosperous times, particularly with the club marooned in mid-table mediocrity themselves following an inconsistent campaign from them to date. The one shining light, however, is results at their Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Seven teams would register more points in home matches than Real Betis since the season commenced, though their record in said games (W6 D2 L3) remains strong having only been beaten on three of eleven occasions. A host of top sides – Getafe (1-1), Sociedad (3-0) and Valencia (2-1) – came unstuck there, meanwhile. In addition, The Andalusians would claim nine of the last twelve available points on their own turf (W3 L1) and are averaging nearly two goals a game there (1.82) across the season thus far.
Barcelona Preview – Messi drama an unwanted distraction?
Plenty of neutral observers will be drawn towards this fixture, intrigued at how the mess in Spain unfolds. From the very public falling out between Lionel Messi and the club’s sporting director, Eric Abidal, to the shock elimination from the Copa Del Rey following Thursday’s 1-0 loss at Athletic Bilbao. This has been a tumultuous week to say the least, which is hardly ideal ahead of another tricky encounter whereby Barcelona (2nd – W14 D4 L4) simply must get their La Liga campaign back on track with three points.
The Blaugrana trail leaders Real Madrid by three points so can ill-afford another slip-up here. Only slip-ups are becoming a familiar occurrence these days, particularly away from home where in the league it is two points from the last nine available. A couple of 2-2 draws at Real Sociedad and Espanyol could be filed under the category of ‘hard-fought so let’s move on’. Losing 2-0 at Valencia was a shocker, however, and yet another turgid performance on the road.
Even at the Camp Nou, where their record is imperious thus far, modest opposition have found themselves still in games right up until the closing stages recently, with Granada (1-0) and Levante (2-1) only narrowly beaten. It’s a slog at the moment. Barca have now failed to score in back-to-back away matches. In fact, they last scored more than twice on the road in October, a period spanning eleven games. Meanwhile, their win rate as the away side in La Liga this season is down at 36% (W4 D3 L4).
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Betting Summary
Few fixtures in Spain possess the volatile, unpredictable nature as meetings between Real Betis and Barcelona. No fewer than 16 of the last 20 league and cup encounters produced a minimum of four goals, as these two frequently like to trade blows. This could well follow a similar pattern, what with Barca’s need for three points only too apparent as well as Betis’ fine home record, so Over 3.5 Goals naturally appeals at 29/20 (Unibet).
Real Betis Vs Barcelona – Key Facts:
- When at home in La Liga this season, Real Betis are posting a superior points-per-game average (1.82) than Barcelona are on their travels (1.36).
- Real Betis claimed nine points from the last twelve on offer in home fixtures (W3 L1), whereas Barcelona registered just five points from their most recent four away encounters (W1 D2 L1).
- Four of the most recent five La Liga meetings were won by Barcelona (W4 L1), which includes a 5-2 victory at Camp Nou earlier in the season.
Alternatively, opposing the visitors could be viable. Not only are Real Betis very strong on their own patch, losing three of eleven said matches in La Liga thus far, but Barcelona are toiling on their travels – and have done all season, let’s be honest. Just four away wins in eleven league outings is appalling by their high standards. Therefore a turbulent Barca are uneasy odds-on favourites. Real Betis Draw No Bet is 2/1 (Sportingbet).
Best Betting Odds for Real Betis Vs Barcelona
Real Betis – 17/5 Sportingbet
Draw – 3/1 Unibet
Barcelona – 4/5 Coral
