Real Betis hosts Osasuna in a crucial La Liga clash on Sunday, aiming for a Champions League spot. Currently sixth, Betis trails Villarreal by one point after securing a place in the Conference League final against Chelsea. They’ve won their last three league matches, boosting their hopes for European football. Osasuna, sitting ninth, also aspires for qualification, needing to improve after a 4-2 defeat to Villarreal. Historically, Betis has bested Osasuna in recent encounters. Both squads will field strong lineups, with Betis predicted to win 2-1, capitalizing on their current form.
Sports Mole offers a preview of Sunday’s La Liga encounter between Real Betis and Osasuna, including predictions, team news, and potential lineups.
Conference League finalists Real Betis will aim to strengthen their bid for a Champions League position in La Liga as they host Osasuna on Sunday night.
Currently, Real Betis stands sixth in the La Liga table, just one point shy of fifth-placed Villarreal. Meanwhile, Osasuna occupies the ninth spot, remaining in contention for European qualification as the season draws to a close.
Match preview
© Imago
In their last match, Real Betis fought to a 2-2 draw with Fiorentina in the second leg of their Conference League semi-final, achieving a 4-3 aggregate victory that propels them to the final against Chelsea on May 28.
Manuel Pellegrini’s team is on the brink of earning significant silverware, but their immediate focus will remain on La Liga, where they are vying for a Champions League spot in Spain’s top tier.
The Green and Whites currently sit sixth, one point behind Villarreal and four behind Athletic Bilbao, having already clinched at least a top-seven finish.
Real Betis has triumphed in their last three La Liga fixtures, securing victories against Girona, Real Valladolid, and Espanyol. Their remaining league fixtures this season include matches against Rayo Vallecano, Atletico Madrid, and Valencia.
Having not played in the Champions League since the 2005-06 season, the stakes are high for the club as they push for a top-five finish, which would ensure qualification for the league stage of the competition for the 2025-26 season.
© Imago
Osasuna, however, will come to the match with their own European aspirations, currently ranking ninth in the table, level on points with eighth-place Rayo Vallecano and two points behind seventh-place Celta Vigo.
A finish in eighth place would secure a spot in the playoff round of the Conference League, while seventh would guarantee direct qualification for the Europa League group stage—an impressive feat for Vicente Moreno’s squad.
Having not participated in European competitions since reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup in 2007, Osasuna finds itself in contention for a European spot with just four matches remaining in the season.
Entering this matchup, Osasuna will look to rebound from a recent 4-2 loss to Villarreal, despite having won three of their last four league matches against Girona, Real Valladolid, and Sevilla.
However, the Pamplona side has struggled against Real Betis recently, losing three consecutive league matches to them, including a 2-1 defeat in the earlier encounter this season and another 2-1 loss on their last visit to the Green and Whites in October 2023.
Real Betis La Liga form:
Real Betis form (all competitions):
Osasuna La Liga form:
Team News
© Imago
Antony has made an impressive impact at Real Betis since joining on loan from Manchester United in January, netting his eighth goal for the club during their recent European clash against Fiorentina.
The forward is expected to feature in the starting lineup again on Sunday, alongside Isco, who has consistently showcased his talent throughout the season, continuing in the number 10 role.
Ezequiel Avila and Diego Llorente will miss the matchup due to injuries, while Marc Roca remains a major doubt with a foot issue. Modifications from Thursday’s game are anticipated, with Adrian, Johnny Cardoso, Abde Ezzalzouli, and Cucho Hernandez poised to start.
On the Osasuna side, Jon Moncayola is uncertain to participate due to a thigh injury. However, the away team will be bolstered by the return of Alejandro Catena, who is back after serving a suspension for the match against Villarreal.
Catena is expected to return to the center of defense, with the majority of the squad remaining the same as the one that faced Villarreal, including a spot for Ruben Garcia in the final third.
Ante Budimir will also feature as a starter, aiming to increase his tally of 18 league goals this season.
Real Betis possible starting lineup:
Adrian; Sabaly, Bartra, Natan, Rodriguez; Cardoso, Lo Celso; Antony, Isco, Ezzalzouli; Hernandez
Osasuna possible starting lineup:
Herrera; Areso, Boyomo, Catena, Herrando, Bretones; M Gomez, Torro, Oroz; Ruben Garcia, Budimir
We say: Real Betis 2-1 Osasuna
This match holds considerable intrigue, and while Osasuna might come in fresher, Real Betis is riding high at the moment. We predict Pellegrini’s squad will secure a vital three points.
For detailed analysis of likely outcomes, scorelines, and additional insights for this match please click here.
