Real Betis travels to Mendizorroza to face Deportivo Alavés on January 24, aiming to solidify their position in European competition after suffering a recent defeat against PAOK in Thessaloniki. The Betis team, led by Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini, is looking to bounce back from their 2-0 loss in the Europa League, which not only affected their morale but also resulted in injuries to key players Aitor Ruibal and Giovani Lo Celso. The uncertain status of Swiss player Ricardo Rodríguez adds to their challenges, although he may still be included in the matchday squad along with Antony Dos Santos, who has also been dealing with fitness issues.
Alavés is currently in a precarious position, having secured only one point from their last five matches, which places them firmly in the relegation zone. However, they will take comfort in playing at home, where they have accumulated a significant proportion of their points this season. Coach Eduardo ‘Chacho’ Coudet’s side has proven resilient despite their struggles, managing to record only two losses in their last nine outings, which they hope to build upon as they aim for a critical victory that could help them escape the drop zone.
The absence of striker Lucas Boyé has been notable, as his contributions are essential for the team’s attacking prowess. Boyé’s return could be pivotal in this high-stakes match, providing the spark that Alavés needs to secure a much-needed victory.
For Betis, their previous win over Villarreal has kept them in contention for a European spot, sitting in sixth place with 32 points, just two behind Espanyol. With a strong focus on maintaining their attacking strategy, Pellegrini’s lineup is expected to showcase their signature style of play, emphasizing ball possession and creating opportunities for scoring. The midfield trio of Marc Roca, Nelson Deossa, and attacking playmaker Pablo Fornals will be crucial in launching attempts at goal while addressing the vulnerabilities presented in previous matches, particularly during set pieces.
As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the stakes could not be higher, with Alavés looking to propel themselves out of the relegation fight and Betis seeking to secure their European ambitions. The atmosphere at Mendizorroza promises to be electrifying as fans rally behind their respective sides.