Atleti and Betis set for quick-fire rematch after Copa thrashing
Simeone's men look to continue momentum from 5-0 Copa del Rey demolition as they host Betis again, with both sides having European aspirations on the line.
Just 72 hours after Atlético Madrid handed Betis an absolute pasting in the Copa del Rey, the two sides go again at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in what promises to be a proper tasty La Liga encounter.
Recent form
The mood in both camps couldn’t be more different heading into Sunday’s 18:30 clash. Simeone’s boys are absolutely buzzing after that five-goal demolition job in the Copa quarter-finals at La Cartuja, booking themselves a semi-final date with Barcelona. Talk about being on cloud nine!
Poor old Betis, on the other hand, are still licking their wounds after getting absolutely battered on their own patch. Manuel Pellegrini has some serious work to do to lift spirits and avoid another hammering.
League positions at stake
There’s plenty on the line in the league table too:
- Atlético (45 points) sit third and need the win to keep any title hopes alive, trailing both Barcelona and Real Madrid
- Betis (35 points) have just climbed to fifth spot and are desperate to consolidate their Europa League position
- The Colchoneros are looking to create some breathing room in the Champions League qualification race
What needs to change for Betis?
Pellegrini simply must shake things up after Wednesday’s embarrassment. They’ll need:
- A completely different tactical approach
- Some fresh faces in the starting XI
- To cut out the defensive howlers that cost them so dearly
- A miracle, perhaps - they’ve never won at Atlético’s current home ground
Home comforts for Atleti
Simeone will be demanding his side bring the same intensity they showed midweek, but this time in front of their own supporters. If they can replicate that performance level, Betis could be in for another long afternoon in the Spanish capital.
The visitors did manage a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Valencia in La Liga last time out, but that feels like ancient history after their Copa capitulation. Meanwhile, Atleti were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw at Levante in their last league outing - something they’ll be keen to put right.
With European places and potential title challenges at stake, this rematch has all the ingredients for a proper Sunday afternoon treat. The only question is whether Betis can make it more of a contest this time around.