Espanyol Faces Real Betis in Crucial La Liga Clash

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Espanyol hosts Real Betis on Sunday, May 4, 2025, in a pivotal La Liga match that could impact both teams’ ambitions for the season. The match kicks off at 5:30 PM local time at the RCDE Stadium.

Real Betis is currently fighting for a Champions League spot for the 2025-26 season. They sit in sixth place, just one point behind fifth-placed Villarreal. Meanwhile, Espanyol is in 13th place, seven points clear of the relegation zone, but they aim to solidify their position with only five matches remaining.

Espanyol enters the game following a 1-0 defeat to Villarreal, which marked their first loss since mid-March. The team has been performing better lately, winning three of their last five matches. Despite their recent setbacks, the Catalan club has three points to gain on tenth-placed Real Sociedad and is focused on avoiding any slipping toward the relegation battle.

Historically, Espanyol has struggled against Real Betis, losing their last two La Liga matchups, including a 1-0 loss earlier this season. They did earn a 1-0 victory when the teams last met in Catalonia in January 2023.

Real Betis will be entering this match with the boost of having recently advanced in the UEFA Conference League after defeating Fiorentina 2-1 in the first leg of their semi-final. They have also enjoyed a strong league performance, showing resilience with a 5-1 victory over Real Valladolid in their most recent outing.

Key players for Real Betis include Antony, who has been an impactful addition since arriving on loan from Manchester United, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 19 matches. In contrast, Espanyol will be without key player due to injury but is expected to field a strong lineup to face their opponents.

Head coach Gonzalez might keep the same squad that faced Villarreal, with hopes high for a win. Espanyol knows this match is crucial for maintaining their mid-table security, while Real Betis sees it as essential for continuing their pursuit of a top-four finish.

As the match approaches, both teams understand the stakes. A win for Betis would solidify their position in the Champions League race, while a victory for Espanyol could ease their relegation worries and bolster their confidence to close out the season strongly.