Athletic Bilbao Aims to Extend Unbeaten Run Against Real Betis

SEVILLE, Spain — Athletic Bilbao will look to extend their unbeaten streak in La Liga to 13 matches when they face Real Betis at Estadio Benito Villamarin on Sunday, February 2, 2025. The match, set to kick off at 8 p.m. UK time, pits the fourth-placed Basque side against a Betis team fighting to climb into European contention.

Real Betis, currently 10th in the league with 28 points, are just two points behind sixth-placed Mallorca. They enter the match fresh off a 1-0 victory over Mallorca, which ended a three-game losing streak. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao, with 40 points from 21 matches, are nine points behind league leaders Real Madrid and remain strong contenders for a top-four finish.

Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini faces challenges with several key players sidelined due to injuries and suspensions. The team will welcome back one player from suspension but remains without others, including long-term absentees. Athletic Bilbao, managed by Ernesto Valverde, also have injury concerns, with Alex Berenguer and another player needing late fitness assessments.

Athletic Bilbao’s recent form has been impressive, with a 12-game unbeaten run in La Liga and a 3-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League. Their away record is particularly strong, with 18 points from 10 matches. Real Betis, however, have been solid at home, earning 16 points from 10 games.

The two teams last met earlier this season, playing to a 1-1 draw. However, Betis secured a 3-1 victory in their previous home encounter against Athletic in August 2023. This match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides eager to secure crucial points in their respective campaigns.

Predicted lineups see Real Betis likely starting with Adrian in goal, supported by a defensive line including Ortiz, Llorente, Natan, and Perraud. Athletic Bilbao are expected to field Simon, with Gorosabel, Vivian, Yeray, and Boiro in defense. Key players like Nico Williams and Guruzeta will be pivotal for the visitors.

With Athletic Bilbao in strong form and Real Betis battling injuries, the Basque side are favored to secure a narrow victory. However, Betis’ home advantage and determination to climb the table could make this a closely fought encounter.