Betis Vs Valladolid

Real Betis are set to host Real Valladolid at the Estadio Benito Villamarín on Thursday, with both teams facing vastly different challenges. Betis are striving to secure a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League, while Valladolid are battling to avoid relegation from La Liga.​

Under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini, Betis have enjoyed a commendable season. Their recent 3-1 victory over Girona, featuring goals from Johnny Cardoso, Antony, and Isco, has kept them in contention for a top-five finish. Currently sitting sixth in the league with 51 points from 32 matches, they are just one point behind fifth-placed Villarreal. This position has become even more significant as Spain has secured an additional Champions League spot, allowing the top five La Liga teams to qualify for the competition next season .​

Betis have also made history by reaching their first-ever European semi-final in the UEFA Conference League, where they will face Fiorentina. This achievement has added momentum to their domestic campaign. At home, Betis have been formidable, winning four of their last five league matches at the Benito Villamarín, although they did suffer a recent defeat to Villarreal. They will aim to avoid consecutive home losses for the first time since 2023.​

In terms of team news, Pellegrini is expected to field a lineup similar to the one that triumphed over Girona. Adrián is set to continue as the starting goalkeeper, with Sabaly and Perraud occupying the full-back positions. Bartra and Natan are likely to form the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Johnny Cardoso and Altimira may replace Pablo Fornals, while the attacking trio of Isco, Antony, and Jesús Rodríguez will support striker Cucho Hernández .​

Real Valladolid, on the other hand, find themselves at the bottom of the league table, having lost 12 of their last 13 matches, including the previous six. Their most recent outing was a 3-2 home defeat to Osasuna, despite goals from Raúl Moro and Mamadou Sylla. With only 16 points separating them from safety and just 18 points left to play for, their relegation could be confirmed with a loss on Thursday.​

Manager Álvaro Rubio faces a daunting task in attempting to reverse the team's fortunes. The return of Luis Pérez from suspension provides a boost, and Anuar has been included in the squad. However, Henrique Silva and Amath remain sidelined, and injuries continue to plague the team . In attack, Iván Sánchez and Sylla are expected to play key roles, with the possibility of a formation change to include three central defenders.​

Despite their struggles, Valladolid can draw some confidence from their earlier 1-0 victory over Betis in January, courtesy of a second-half goal from Kike Pérez. However, to replicate that success, they will need to overcome a seven-game winless streak in away matches against Andalusian clubs.​

As the season approaches its climax, this match holds significant implications for both teams. Betis aim to capitalize on their strong form and secure a Champions League berth, while Valladolid fight to keep their survival hopes alive. The outcome will not only impact the standings but could also shape the future trajectories of both clubs.