Betis look to bounce back from Bernabéu defeat with Oviedo clash on the horizon
Pellegrini's men put defensive errors behind them as they target European qualification for sixth straight season, with Copa del Rey draw looming large.
After a disappointing showing at the Bernabéu, Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis squad are wiping the slate clean as they prepare for their weekend trip to Oviedo, while eagerly awaiting their Copa del Rey round of 16 opponents.
Defensive woes under the microscope
The technical staff have been poring over Sunday’s defensive mishaps, particularly from set-pieces, which have become something of an Achilles’ heel for the Verdiblancos this season. A third of all goals conceded have come from dead-ball situations – enough to give any manager the right hump.
The focus now shifts to Saturday’s clash at Carlos Tartiere, where Betis will look to get their La Liga campaign back on track. A win would take them to 31 points at the halfway stage – bang on target for Pellegrini’s aim of European qualification for a sixth consecutive season.
Triple threat campaign
Betis are fighting on three fronts, with their immediate priorities being:
- Securing a win against Oviedo to hit that crucial 31-point mark
- Navigating their final two Europa League group stage fixtures (away to PAOK and home to Feyenoord)
- Progressing in the Copa del Rey, with the round of 16 draw imminent
In Europe, just one more victory could be enough to secure a top-8 finish in the league phase, which would mean:
- Automatic qualification to the round of 16
- Avoiding the playoff round entirely
- No European fixtures until March
Copa del Rey possibilities
Tuesday’s draw at Las Rozas will determine Betis’ next cup opponents. The possible matchups include:
Second Division opponents (would mean playing away):
- Burgos
- Albacete
- Cultural Leonesa
- Racing de Santander
- Deportivo de la Coruña
- The winner of Granada vs Rayo Vallecano
Primera División opponents (home or away depending on the draw):
- Alavés
- Osasuna
- Elche
- Valencia
- Real Sociedad
Crucially, Betis cannot face any of the Supercopa de España participants (Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Athletic Club) at this stage – giving them a decent chance of reaching the quarter-finals. With Pellegrini at the helm, Betis have already reached two finals – winning the Copa against Valencia and losing to Chelsea in the Conference League.
A deep cup run would put them just three matches away from another final appearance – and that would be the dog’s bollocks for the Betis faithful.