November 10, 2024. 3:00 p.m. Seville. Benito Villamarin.
La Liga 2024-25. 13th day
Real Betis (Sevilla) – Celta Vigo
Where to watch: RAINBOWVolia TV
Players suspended: None
Injured: Aitor Ruibal, William Carvalho, Marc Roca, Isco – Jailson
Unsure: Nathan, Hector Bellerin, Giovani Lo Celso – Sergio Carreira, Luca de la Torre
At the edge of the suspension: Romain Perraud (Real Betis)
Real Betis
Despite generally mediocre and unconvincing performances, the “Verdiblancos” discreetly extended their unbeaten streak to six matches in all competitions. Since the international break they have not lost, although before that they suffered two defeats in a row, falling 0-1 away to Legia Warsaw and, more painfully for Beticos, to Sevilla in the Great Derby. After a two-week break, Manuel Pellegrini’s men surprised their fans with a victory against Osasuna in Pamplona (2-1), achieving what had eluded others this season.
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A few days later, Betis conceded points at home in a 1–1 draw against Copenhagen in the Europa League, but then delivered their best game of the season by beating Atletico Madrid 1–0 at the Benito Villamarín. The 1-0 scoreline may be misleading, as the home team dominated the match, although they struggled to convert their chances. During their last match in October, the Sevillians easily eliminated the amateur team of Hevora (6-1) in the Copa del Rey. Last weekend, they somehow salvaged a point in Bilbao, drawing 1-1 despite significant pressure. This week, Betis finally secured their first victory in the Europa League group stage, winning 2-1 at home to lowly Slovenian side Celje, with a decisive goal scored by substitute striker Juanmi in the dying seconds additional time.
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Celta Vigo
The Galicians have proven that in terms of performance they are no less formidable than the Verdiblancos, but they find themselves three points behind before this meeting. Just before the last international break, Celta managed to end their poor run of three consecutive defeats with a heroic 1-0 victory at the Canaries, where they played most of the second half with nine men. However, since the league resumed, the Celestes have suffered another disappointing defeat at home, losing 0-1 to Atletico in late September and then falling 1-2 to Real Madrid. In both cases, Claudio Giralde’s team was not inferior to the favorites in terms of play but faltered in finishing.
A week later, Celta’s woes continued with an even heavier 0-3 defeat to relatively lowly Leganés. These latest failures have seen the Galicians slip into the bottom half of the table. However, last week the Celts sparked a turnaround with a positive win in the Copa del Rey, crushing amateur side San Pedro 5-1. Last weekend they returned to winning ways in La Liga with a 1-0 win over Getafe at home; Tasos Douvikas scored the winning goal in the 7th minute, and then the team maintained control of the match, finishing it with relative calm despite numerical superiority.
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Real Betis – Celta Vigo: Probable teams
Real Betis will be without Aitor Ruibal, William Carvalho, Marc Roca and Isco due to injuries. Hector Bellerin’s participation seems unlikely, while Nathan’s physical condition remains in question. The Brazilian suffered a head injury while scoring his first goal against Celje. Doubts also remain regarding the availability of Giovani Lo Celso. Celta, meanwhile, have Sergio Carreira and Jailson unavailable due to injuries.
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Real Betis – Celta Vigo: Author’s prediction
For the match against the Slovenes, Manuel Pellegrini lined up many players likely to start against Celta. Nevertheless, his team is rightly considered the favorite for this meeting. Betis have won four of their six home matches in the current league, conceding points against Girona and losing unexpectedly against Mallorca. Celta, meanwhile, have performed better at home, but apart from a successful visit to Gran Canaria, they have struggled away. I have affection for Claudio Giralde’s team, but I doubt their chances of victory at the Benito Villamarín. With any luck, the Celts could get a draw in Seville, but no more. The most likely outcome, in my opinion, is a narrow victory for the Verdiblancos.
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