Barcelona will face their biggest test of the La Liga season when they travel to Real Betis on Saturday in a crucial match that could prove decisive in the Catalan giants' bid for the top spot. The leaders are four points clear at the summit, but their recent form has been inconsistent, and Hansi Flick's side may need all their skills to overcome the energetic and skilled Seville-based club.
Betis, meanwhile, have been riding high on a 17-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, including six wins on the spin. The gap to the Champions League qualification spots is still significant, but this match against Barcelona could prove pivotal in helping them bridge that gap.
The two teams last met at Camp Nou in April with the La Liga fixture ending in a 1-1 draw. In that game, Gavi gave the home side the lead before Natan equalized for Betis just 17 minutes later.
Barcelona has never lost to Real Betis in La Liga more than once in consecutive matches, but will look to reverse their away-day blues at this venue, where they have struggled so far. They have scored only four goals in seven away games, and all of those came against teams that are currently outside the Champions League qualification spots.
For Flick's side, the match is a chance to extend their lead over second-placed Real Madrid, who will not be playing until Sunday when they take on Celta Vigo. The victory would put Barcelona on the cusp of a historic treble but also prove a stern test for Flickโs team.
On the other hand, Betis will look to use this match as an opportunity to propel themselves into contention for European qualification, something that has been within their reach since last season's Europa Conference final.
Betis, meanwhile, have been riding high on a 17-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, including six wins on the spin. The gap to the Champions League qualification spots is still significant, but this match against Barcelona could prove pivotal in helping them bridge that gap.
The two teams last met at Camp Nou in April with the La Liga fixture ending in a 1-1 draw. In that game, Gavi gave the home side the lead before Natan equalized for Betis just 17 minutes later.
Barcelona has never lost to Real Betis in La Liga more than once in consecutive matches, but will look to reverse their away-day blues at this venue, where they have struggled so far. They have scored only four goals in seven away games, and all of those came against teams that are currently outside the Champions League qualification spots.
For Flick's side, the match is a chance to extend their lead over second-placed Real Madrid, who will not be playing until Sunday when they take on Celta Vigo. The victory would put Barcelona on the cusp of a historic treble but also prove a stern test for Flickโs team.
On the other hand, Betis will look to use this match as an opportunity to propel themselves into contention for European qualification, something that has been within their reach since last season's Europa Conference final.