Atletico Madrid vs Betis

Atletico Madrid will aim to bounce back to winning form in La Liga as they host Real Betis at Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday evening.

Under Diego Simeone’s leadership, Atletico fell to a 2-0 loss against Osasuna in their most recent match, while Real Betis come into this fixture following a 2-2 stalemate with Rayo Vallecano, a result that significantly hampered their aspirations for a Champions League qualification spot.

Atletico endured their sixth league loss of the season against Osasuna, positioning them third in the La Liga standings with 70 points from 36 matches played this term.

Earlier in the campaign, Simeone’s squad was in contention for the title, but they’ve since fallen considerably behind, now trailing league leaders Barcelona by 15 points and sitting eight points adrift of second-placed Real Madrid, making third place their best possible finish.

The Red and Whites also came up short in the Copa del Rey and Champions League, but they are eager to close out the 2024-25 season on a high note, with their final game of the campaign set for next weekend against Girona.

Atletico boast the third-strongest home record in La Liga this season, amassing 43 points from 18 home games, though Real Betis have been formidable on the road, securing 26 points from their 18 away matches.

Last season, the Red and Whites clinched a 2-1 victory over Real Betis in this fixture, but they were defeated 1-0 by the Seville-based side in the reverse encounter back in October.

Real Betis have their sights set on European success this season, as they gear up to face Chelsea in the Conference League final at the end of May, while still vying for a top-five finish in the La Liga table.

Consecutive draws against Osasuna and Rayo Vallecano, combined with Villarreal’s strong form, have made a Champions League berth challenging, but they remain in contention with two matchweeks left in the 2024-25 season.

Managed by Manuel Pellegrini, Real Betis have recorded 16 victories, 11 draws, and nine losses in their 36 league games, with their 59 points placing them sixth, five points behind fifth-placed Villarreal, who occupy the final Champions League position.

Currently, Real Betis are on track to qualify for the Europa League’s league stage, but earning a Champions League spot for the next season would mark a significant milestone for a team that has made remarkable progress this term.

The Green and Whites are unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions and have lost just one of their last three La Liga encounters with Atletico, with that defeat coming in this same fixture last season.