In a crucial La Liga clash, Real Betis will face Girona FC at Estadi Montilivi on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET. The match is pivotal for both teams as they navigate contrasting fortunes in the league.
Real Betis, currently sitting sixth in the standings, is on a mission to secure Champions League qualification. They are fresh off a successful campaign in the UEFA Conference League, where they advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Jagiellonia Białystok. However, their focus now shifts back to La Liga, where they aim to solidify their position among the top four.
On the other hand, Girona FC finds itself in a precarious position, ranked 16th and just four points above the relegation zone. The hosts have struggled in recent weeks, suffering three consecutive league defeats and remaining winless in their last nine matches. This dire form has left their survival hopes hanging by a thread.
In their previous encounter earlier this season, Girona managed to hold Betis to a 1-1 draw, while last season saw them clinch a thrilling 3-2 victory against the same opponents. This history adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming match, as both teams seek to assert dominance.
Real Betis will be without key defender Ricardo Rodríguez, who picked up a hamstring injury during their recent match against Jagiellonia Białystok. Coach Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that Rodríguez will not feature against Girona, leaving Romain Perraud to step in as his replacement. Additionally, Betis will miss Diego Llorente and Marc Roca for the rest of the season due to their respective injuries. Forward Chimy Avila is also sidelined after suffering a thigh injury in training.
Despite these setbacks, Real Betis boasts a potent attack, with Giovani Lo Celso leading the way as the team's top scorer with seven goals. Isco, another key player, has contributed six goals and is also the leading chance creator for the club with 35 chances created this season.
Meanwhile, Girona will be without Bryan Gil and Ricard Artero due to injuries. Gil, who is on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, is expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury last month. Left-back Miguel Gutierrez is also a major doubt after missing the recent defeat to Osasuna with an adductor issue. If Gutierrez remains unavailable, Daley Blind is likely to fill in on the left side of defense.
Cristhian Stuani leads Girona's scoring chart with six goals, while Abel Ruiz has netted four times for the club this season. Miguel Gutierrez, despite his injury concerns, has been instrumental in creating chances, having set up 33 opportunities for his teammates.
Girona's recent form has been troubling, with their last nine league matches yielding three draws and six losses. This poor run could see them equal their longest winless streak in La Liga, which occurred between December 2018 and February 2019 under former coach Eusebio Sacristán.
Historically, Girona has struggled against Real Betis, winning only once in their nine encounters, with three draws and five losses. They have also failed to keep a clean sheet against Betis, conceding 15 goals in those matches. This trend adds pressure on the home side as they prepare to face a determined Betis team.
Betis has been consistent in front of goal, scoring in each of their last 12 La Liga matches, totaling 21 goals during this stretch. Their attacking prowess, combined with Girona's defensive vulnerabilities, sets the stage for an exciting match.
As the teams prepare to clash, the stakes couldn't be higher. For Real Betis, a win is essential to maintain their Champions League ambitions, while Girona desperately needs points to stave off relegation fears. With the match kicking off at 3:00 PM ET, fans can expect an intense battle at Montilivi, where every moment counts.
Both teams will be looking to make a statement, and the outcome of this match could significantly impact their respective seasons. Will Real Betis continue their push for European football, or can Girona find the spark they need to turn their fortunes around? The answers will unfold on the pitch this Monday.
