Atlético Madrid and Real Betis are set to clash on Monday night in a pivotal match for both teams, as they aim to end round 10 of LaLiga within the top four positions. With both sides currently on 16 points, this encounter holds significant implications for their aspirations in the league.
Atlético Madrid, facing mounting pressure, will seek to turn around their fortunes after enduring a disappointing 4-0 loss to Arsenal last Tuesday. This defeat marked their sixth consecutive away match without a victory this season. If Diego Simeone’s squad wants to capitalize on results from El Clásico and close the gap on FC Barcelona in second place, they must secure their first win at Real Betis in over three years.
On the other hand, Real Betis is striving to bounce back from their loss in the UEFA Europa Conference League final against Chelsea last May. Despite the absence of key player Isco due to injury, manager Manuel Pellegrini has effectively kept the team competitive. The summer transfer window saw the club successfully retain Antony from Manchester United, who has already found the net twice this season, scoring in a recent 2-2 draw against Villarreal. Additionally, Betis reinforced their squad by re-signing full-back Júnior Firpo and acquiring Rodrigo Riquelme from Atlético as part of the Johnny Cardoso deal. Riquelme has started five LaLiga matches, contributing an assist in 383 minutes of play. To fill the void left by Cardoso, Betis also secured Sofyan Amrabat on a year-long loan from Fenerbahçe.
In terms of team news, Simeone has opted not to start Alexander Sørloth, likely placing him on the bench. This strategic decision means Álex Baena will partner Julián Alvarez up front for the first time since a friendly against Newcastle United in August. While there was speculation regarding the midfield following the heavy defeat in London, Simeone appears to be sticking with his original selection. Johnny, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury since his €24 million transfer from Betis to Atlético in July, may be poised to return against his former club. If he does not feature in this match, he is expected to be available for Saturday’s home game against Sevilla.
Defensively, Clément Lenglet is facing a tough challenge to reclaim his position in the center-back lineup, as Simeone seems to have solidified his first-choice defense, including Marcos Llorente and Dávid Hancko at the full-back and wide center-back positions, alongside Josema Giménez and Robin Le Normand as central defenders. Unfortunately for young full-backs Marc Pubill and Matteo Ruggeri, they have struggled to earn Simeone’s trust, totalling just 307 minutes of LaLiga action since their arrivals from Atalanta and Almería, respectively.
As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the stakes are high. The result could be pivotal in shaping the season for Atlético Madrid and Real Betis as they look to solidify their positions in the continuing quest for European football.