Al Jazeera’s preview as Barcelona try to maneuver six factors clear in LaLiga after they face Actual Betis on Saturday.
Who: Barcelona vs Actual Betis
What: Spanish LaLiga
The place: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain
When: Saturday at 8pm (18:00 GMT)
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LaLiga leaders Barcelona’s 21-game unbeaten run will face a take a look at on Saturday after they host Actual Betis – a aspect who’ve already surprised the Catalans’ Madrid title rivals Actual and Atletico.
Al Jazeera takes a have a look at a match that would upset Barca’s kind guide.
How are Barcelona and Actual Madrid faring?
Barca are prime on 66 factors, three forward of Actual Madrid and 9 away from Atletico. Actual and Barca are each chasing three trophies however the pacesetters are favourites to win LaLiga as the one crew in Europe’s top-five leagues but to lose in 2025.
Why do folks assume Betis can upset Barca?
Barca’s subsequent opponents Betis are on a six-game LaLiga profitable streak and have been the shock package deal this time period.
They denied Actual Madrid an opportunity to go prime with a 2-1 win in March after ending Atletico’s 10-game unbeaten run in October.
Barcelona have been held 2-2 at Betis within the reverse fixture in December however thrashed Manuel Pellegrini’s aspect 5-1 to knock them out of the Copa del Rey in January.
Sixth-placed Betis are stage on 47 factors with Villarreal in fifth and path fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao by six as they push for a European spot whereas additionally bidding to win the Convention League.
Hansi Flick when requested concerning the treble ☘ pic.twitter.com/qHPNS6s7Ou
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 3, 2025
What do Barcelona say earlier than Betis take a look at?
“We aren’t unbeatable as a result of we’ve misplaced some matches (earlier than),” Barcelona midfielder Pedri mentioned. “There are issues to enhance, and we have to be self-critical. However we’re in nice kind and stuffed with confidence.
“I believe excessive urgent is one thing that defines us. That ahead line, the depth we play with, staying calm on the ball … The attackers make the distinction, and it reveals.”
What are Barca’s treble possibilities?
Barcelona’s attacking prowess stands out as they prime LaLiga’s scoring chart with 82 objectives – 20 greater than Actual Madrid.
If Barca are to assert a treble – in boss Hansi Flick’s debut season – they are going to seemingly have to beat Madrid at the very least twice, within the Copa del Rey last on April 26 and in LaLiga in Could. There’s additionally the potential of a “Clasico” within the Champions League last.
Actual have did not beat their rivals in LaLiga thus far this season, drawing each of their fixtures with Atleti and struggling a 4-0 humiliation at residence to Barca. They needed to undergo the playoffs to succeed in the Champions League knockout rounds.
🔥 @lewy_official is the primary #LALIGAEASPORTS participant to attain 25 objectives within the first 28 video games of a season since Lionel messi for @fcbarcelona in 2018/19 marketing campaign (29 objectives). pic.twitter.com/dYXwP3uIiy
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) April 4, 2025
Flick performs down Barca’s treble possibilities
“I do know everybody desires us to speak concerning the last, it’s a ‘Clasico’, I get that, however I don’t dwell prior to now or sooner or later and our focus needs to be Betis, who’re our subsequent opponents in LaLiga,” Flick instructed a information convention.
“Sure, we’re in a fantastic second however I’ve been on this enterprise sufficient time to know the way all the pieces can change in a heartbeat, so we have to maintain targeted.
“Dreaming is allowed however first we have to work actually onerous and keep targeted so we are able to maintain that dream alive.”
Who’re Actual Madrid and Atletico taking part in?
With 9 league video games remaining, second-placed Actual will look to maintain tempo on Saturday after they host Fifteenth-placed Valencia, who sit 4 factors above the drop zone.
Third-placed Atletico will attempt to rediscover their early-season kind after they go to mid-table Sevilla on Sunday. Atletico’s Champions League exit to Actual Madrid was adopted this week by defeat within the Copa del Rey by Barcelona as Diego Simeone’s aspect’s winless run stretched to a few matches, with followers fearing a fourth straight season with no trophy.
Barcelona crew information
Lamine Yamal faces a late health take a look at on account of a lower suffered to his foot within the win towards Girona.
Dani Olmo, Marc Casado, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen all stay absent on account of accidents.
Actual Betis crew information
Isco is suspended on account of his accumulation of yellow playing cards this season.
Marc Roca is about to overlook out as soon as extra on account of a foot damage.
