A high-stakes clash at the top of the La Liga table takes place this Sunday, February 8, 2026, as Atlético Madrid welcomes Real Betis to the Metropolitano. This Matchday 23 encounter is a swift rematch of their intense Copa del Rey quarter-final battle just three days ago, adding a layer of revenge and tactical familiarity to the contest.
Match Details
Fixture: Atlético Madrid vs. Real Betis
Competition: La Liga (Matchday 23)
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Time: 18:30 CET / 17:30 GMT
Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid
Referee: Mateo Busquets Ferrer (Expected)
Pre-Match Analysis
Atlético Madrid: Fortress Metropolitano
Diego Simeone’s men are currently in a defensive battle—both on the pitch and in the medical room. Occupying 3rd place (45 points), Atleti’s domestic form at home has been nearly perfect, with ten wins and one draw in eleven matches at the Metropolitano. However, they arrive at this fixture looking to steady the ship after a somewhat inconsistent run that included a 0-0 draw against Levante and a surprising Champions League loss to Bodo/Glimt.
The "Rojiblancos" have been boosted by the high-profile winter signing of Ademola Lookman from Atalanta. While the Nigerian attacker is still integrating, Simeone's reliance on a compact defensive structure—conceding only 17 goals in 22 matches—remains their greatest asset against technical sides like Betis.
Real Betis: The Giant-Killers in Form
Manuel Pellegrini has his side dreaming of the Champions League. Sitting in 5th place (35 points), the "Verdiblancos" are among the most in-form teams in Spain. They arrive in Madrid following a confidence-boosting 2-1 win over Valencia and a successful run in the Europa League.
While their away form (only two victories in eleven road trips) has been their Achilles' heel this season, the momentum from their recent Copa del Rey exploits against Atleti has given them a psychological edge. With Pablo Fornals pulling the strings in midfield and Chimy Ávila in clinical form, Betis will look to frustrate the home crowd by dominating possession.
Team News & Injury Reports
Atlético Madrid Team News
Out: Alexander Sørloth (concussion) is sidelined following a heavy head knock against Levante. Johnny Cardoso is also out with a low-grade muscle injury sustained in training.
Doubtful: Antoine Griezmann (thigh) has returned to training but may be eased back. Pablo Barrios and Marcos Llorente are fighting minor muscle complaints.
New Signings: Along with Lookman, winter arrivals Rodrigo Mendoza and Obed Vargas are available for selection.
Player to Watch: Julián Álvarez. With Sørloth out, the Argentine remains the undisputed focal point of the attack.
Real Betis Team News
Out: Giovani Lo Celso (thigh), Isco, and Sofyan Amrabat (foot) remain long-term absentees. Héctor Bellerín is also out with physical discomfort.
In Form: Chimy Ávila has four goal contributions in his last six games, including a crucial brace in the previous round of the cup.
Player to Watch: Pablo Fornals. He has been instrumental lately, scoring twice in his last three starts and serving as the creative engine in midfield.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Atlético Madrid (4-4-2):
Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Llorente, Koke, Baena, Thiago Almada; Giuliano Simeone, Julián Álvarez.
Real Betis (4-3-3):
Vallés; Ruibal, Diego Llorente, Bartra, Rodriguez; Altimira, Marc Roca, Deossa; Antony, Chimy Ávila, Abde Ezzalzouli.
Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Recent Dominance: Atlético has won 7 of the last 10 H2H meetings, including a 2-0 win earlier this season.
The Metropolitano Factor: Atlético has won their last 4 home matches against Betis.
Goal Pattern: 5 of the last 5 Atleti matches have seen Under 3.5 goals.
Home vs. Away: Atleti has 10 wins from 11 at home; Betis has only 2 wins from 11 on the road.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 2–0 Real Betis
Despite their midweek cup battle, Atlético’s record at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano is too strong to ignore. While Betis is playing with freedom, Simeone’s tactical organization usually nullifies Pellegrini’s possession-based approach. Expect a professional, controlled performance from the hosts to maintain their 3rd-place standing.
Top Betting Tips:
Match Result: Atlético Madrid Win. Their home record is an almost impregnable fortress.
Total Goals: Under 2.5. Both teams have shown a trend of low-scoring affairs in recent weeks.
To Score First: Atlético Madrid. They have opened the scoring in 8 of their last 10 games against Betis.
