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Barcelona face tough Betis test to maintain La Liga advantage
Barcelona return to La Liga action this evening knowing they must find a way past one of the division’s form teams to preserve their fragile lead at the top.
While attention has begun to shift towards a possible treble, with a Copa del Rey final secured and Borussia Dortmund awaiting in the Champions League, Hansi Flick has made it clear that nothing matters more than the next match.
“It’s good that the players have confidence,” he said ahead of the clash at Montjuïc. “But my role is to make sure they give their best in every game.”
Real Betis arrive on the back of six consecutive league wins, including a 2-1 victory over city rivals Sevilla and a statement win against Real Madrid. They are sixth in the table and only six points off fourth place.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men also held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw earlier this season, and their last visit to this stadium in December 2021 ended in a 1-0 triumph. They have the recent pedigree and belief to hurt the league leaders.
Barcelona, however, have won nine straight in La Liga and seven matches in a row across all competitions. Their 4-1 dismantling of Girona last weekend was a reminder of the attacking depth that has delivered 82 league goals so far — 20 more than Madrid.
Still, Flick has cautioned against complacency. He noted the team must improve when in possession and limit the space they concede on the counter, areas Betis are more than capable of exploiting.
“It’s hard work,” he added. “We have to think about giving 100%, and if we play as a team, it’s fantastic.”
The manager confirmed Gavi is fit to return after missing the Copa semi-final with discomfort, while hinting at rotation due to the congested fixture list. “We must have fresh legs on the pitch tomorrow,” Flick stated.
This is not a night for overconfidence or for looking too far ahead. While the calendar promises bigger nights, the present offers a dangerous opponent.
Barcelona are three points clear, but they cannot afford to slip. Against a vibrant Betis side playing with freedom and intent, only focus and execution will do.
The title race remains in their hands — but only if they keep winning.
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