Seville, Spain, December 6, 2025 – Defending La Liga champions Barcelona travel to Estadio Benito Villamarín to face Real Betis on Saturday in what promises to be a pivotal clash for both sides. Barcelona aim to extend their lead at the top of the table, while Betis look to strengthen their push toward European qualification. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 pm local time (17:30 GMT), with build-up coverage beginning on Al Jazeera Sport at 14:30 GMT.

![Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal in La Liga action. Photo: Hannah Mckay/Reuters]

Barcelona’s Form and La Liga Record

Barcelona have enjoyed a strong run in La Liga 2025-26, recently defeating Atletico Madrid 3-1, marking their fifth consecutive league win. The Catalan club briefly extended their lead to four points at the summit, though Real Madrid has closed the gap with a win over Athletic Bilbao.

Under Hansi Flick, Barca’s season has had its ups and downs. A three-loss stretch over five matches, including the Clasico defeat to Real Madrid, was followed by a dominant five-game winning streak. During this run, Barcelona scored 17 goals and conceded only five.

Barcelona’s away form has been more mixed, with 16 goals scored and 12 conceded in seven road matches. They have lost three of their last five away games across all competitions, drawing one, highlighting a challenge in maintaining consistency outside Camp Nou.

Teen sensation Lamine Yamal has been a standout performer, netting seven goals in all competitions this season and continuing to impress with his pace, vision, and finishing ability.

Real Betis’ La Liga Form

Real Betis have been impressive this season, remaining unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions, winning six. Their only league defeat in recent months came against Atletico Madrid, and they currently sit fifth in La Liga, just 11 points off the Champions League qualification spots.

Betis’ home form has been solid, with four victories at Estadio Benito Villamarín. On the road, they are unbeaten in their last seven league matches, winning two, and will be eager to capitalize on their game in hand to climb the table.

In the Copa del Rey, Betis advanced with a commanding 4-1 win against third-division side Torrent, demonstrating depth and squad rotation success.

Historical Head-to-Head

• This will be the 71st meeting between the clubs, with Barcelona winning 38 and Betis winning 10.
• Barcelona are unbeaten in the last nine meetings across all competitions, winning six.
• Last season, Betis held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw in Seville, while Barca recorded a 5-1 Copa del Rey victory in the reverse fixture.
• The teams last met in La Liga in April 2025, ending in a 1-1 draw, with early goals from Gavi for Barca and Natan for Betis.

Real Betis Team News

• Antony returns from suspension.
• Injury doubts surround Sofyan Amrabat and Giovani Lo Celso.
• Confirmed absentees include Hector Bellerin and Isco.
• Abde Ezzalzouli is expected to return to the starting lineup following squad rotation in the Copa del Rey win.

Predicted Real Betis Lineup:
Valles; Ruibal, Natan, Bartra, Gomez; Altimira, Roca; Antony, Fornals, Ezzalzouli; Hernandez

Barcelona Team News

• Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Gavi remain sidelined.
• Injured players also include Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo.
• Ronald Araujo continues his break from football.
• Frenkie de Jong returns to midfield after missing the Atletico match due to illness.

Predicted Barcelona Lineup:
J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; De Jong, E Garcia; Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Key Battle

The clash will likely hinge on Barcelona’s attacking firepower led by Lewandowski and Yamal, versus Betis’ solid defensive organization and counter-attacking threat. Set-pieces and midfield battles, particularly involving Fornals, Roca, and De Jong, will be critical in determining which side controls the pace of the game.

This matchup is crucial for Barcelona’s title defense and for Real Betis’ European ambitions, making it one of the most anticipated fixtures of the La Liga weekend.