Real Betis has set its sights on a Champions League spot as it prepares to face Espanyol on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The match, part of the 34th round of La Liga, will kick off at 12:30 p.m. ET at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, and can be watched live on ESPN Deportes.
Los Verdiblancos are riding high on a wave of momentum, having lost only one of their last 14 matches across all competitions. Their recent form includes a resounding 5-1 victory over Real Valladolid, where four of the goals came in the final half hour of the game. This impressive performance has not only boosted their confidence but also placed them in a strong position as they aim for European qualification.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for Betis this season, with a series of strategic signings bolstering the squad. Following a 2-1 win against Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League semi-final first leg, Betis is on the verge of reaching its first European final, a feat that would mark a significant achievement in the club's history.
Espanyol, on the other hand, enters this match as the underdog, sitting in fourteenth place in the La Liga standings. Despite their lower ranking, the home side has proven formidable at the RCDE Stadium, losing just three times at home this season and going unbeaten in their last 11 home games. Their last clash against Betis at home ended in a 1-0 victory for Espanyol back in January 2023, providing them with a psychological edge heading into this encounter.
In their last six matches, Espanyol has experienced a mixed bag of results, with three wins, two draws, and one loss. The team is keen to regain form after a narrow defeat to Villarreal, which halted a five-match unbeaten streak. Key player Roberto Fernández has been instrumental for Espanyol, and his performance will be crucial as they look to upset Betis.
Despite their recent struggles, Espanyol remains within striking distance of the European spots, sitting just four points behind eighth place, which would secure a spot in next season's Europa Conference League playoff round. This ambition adds an extra layer of intensity to the match, as both teams vie for crucial points in the final stretch of the season.
Betis will be without Marc Roca and Diego Rios due to injuries, but their squad depth, highlighted by players like Antony, Jesús Rodríguez, and Cucho Hernández, provides them with plenty of attacking options. Pellegrini is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to capitalize on their recent offensive prowess.
As the match approaches, betting odds favor Betis, with many analysts predicting a victory for the away side. Betting tips suggest that Espanyol may have more than 4.5 shots in the first half, indicating a strong start in front of their home crowd. Additionally, Isco is seen as a potential scorer, given his current form and positioning on the field.
The stage is set for an exciting clash between these two La Liga rivals. With both teams having much to play for, fans can expect a fiercely contested match that could have significant implications for their respective seasons.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the anticipation builds. Will Real Betis continue its march towards a Champions League spot, or can Espanyol pull off an upset to maintain its hopes for European qualification? The answer awaits as these two teams take to the pitch.
