FC Barcelona v Real Betis betting tips and odds

As FC Barcelona prepares to host Real Betis in the Copa del Rey Round of 16, both teams are strategizing to secure a spot in the quarter-finals. Here’s an in-depth look at the upcoming match:

Match Details

• Date: January 15, 2025
• Time: 9:00 PM CET (1:30 AM IST on January 16)
• Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona

Team News and Tactical Analysis

FC Barcelona

Under the guidance of manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona is riding high after a commanding 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España. However, the team faces some challenges with key players sidelined due to injuries.

Injuries:

• Marc-André ter Stegen (goalkeeper)
• Iñigo Martínez (defender)

The absence of ter Stegen means that backup goalkeeper Fran Vieites is expected to start between the posts. In defense, Ronald Araújo, who has been praised by Flick as “one of the best in the world,” is anticipated to play a crucial role, especially in Martínez’s absence.

Offensively, Barcelona boasts a formidable lineup with players like Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski leading the charge. Raphinha’s versatility and dribbling skills, combined with Lewandowski’s clinical finishing, make Barcelona’s attack particularly potent.

Real Betis

Managed by Manuel Pellegrini, Real Betis faces a daunting task against Barcelona, especially with several key players unavailable.

Injuries:

• Giovani Lo Celso (midfielder)
• Marc Roca (midfielder)
• William Carvalho (midfielder)
• Chimy Ávila (forward)

Pellegrini has emphasized the need for his team to display “the personality to want to advance to the next round,” acknowledging the challenge of facing Barcelona at home.

In the absence of key midfielders, the responsibility will likely fall on Isco to orchestrate play and create opportunities. Defensively, the team will need to be cohesive to withstand Barcelona’s attacking threats.

Tactical Considerations

Barcelona is expected to dominate possession, utilizing their traditional quick passing and movement to break down Betis’s defense. The full-backs, particularly Alejandro Balde, may play a significant role in providing width and delivering crosses into the box.

Real Betis, given their injury concerns, might adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity and looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. The pace of forwards like Abde Ezzalzouli could be pivotal in catching Barcelona’s defense off-guard.

Betting Insights

Bookmakers heavily favor Barcelona to win this encounter. According to BetMGM, the odds are:

Barcelona win (90 mins): -375

Draw (90 mins): +500

Real Betis win (90 mins): +875

Both teams to score:

• Yes: -155
• No: +105

Over/Under 3.5 goals:

• Over: -125
• Under: -115

These odds reflect the expectation of a high-scoring game, with Barcelona likely to come out on top.

Prediction

Considering Barcelona’s recent form and the injury woes plaguing Real Betis, it’s anticipated that Barcelona will secure a comfortable victory. However, Betis has the potential to score, especially if they can capitalize on counter-attacks.

Predicted Score: Barcelona 3-1 Real Betis

Where to Watch

The match will be broadcast live on Movistar Plus+, M+ LaLiga TV2, and LaLiga TV Bar.