Atletico Madrid is nearing the end of their season without a chance to win the title. However, they aim to secure third place, trailing behind Barcelona and Real Madrid. They have the opportunity to end their home fixtures on a high note by defeating Real Betis.
Although Atleti stumbled in a 2-0 loss to Osasuna, putting fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao in hopeful contention, their home performance has been consistently strong throughout the season. They have only suffered one defeat in 18 league matches at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Real Betis, on the other hand, have the Conference League final against Chelsea to anticipate once their league commitments are fulfilled. They are still in the race for a Champions League spot, trailing fifth-placed Villarreal by five points with two games left.
Manuel Pellegrini's squad has registered consecutive draws in the league post their triumph over Fiorentina in the Conference League semi-finals. Notably, they managed a 1-0 victory over Atletico in their initial league encounter back in October.
Team news
Both teams are expected to make lineup changes following their recent fixtures.
Atletico is likely to field a robust lineup, with players like Antoine Griezmann, Conor Gallagher, Samuel Lino, Clement Lenglet, and Nahuel Molina vying for spots. Alexander Sorloth might be one of the players to be rotated out.
Real Betis will miss Ezequiel Avila and Diego Llorente due to hamstring injuries. Hector Bellerin, Marc Roca, and Youssouf Sabaly are also nursing injuries, with Aitor Ruibal potentially starting.
The stats
Real Betis have witnessed over 2.5 goals in six of their last seven matches.
Atletico have clinched victory in 13 of their 18 home league games this season.
Atletico has secured wins in their last three home games, scoring 11 goals in the process.
Both teams have scored in Real Betis' previous nine matches.
Atleti has emerged victorious in their last six home encounters against Real Betis.
Real Betis managed to score only one goal in their last eight visits to the Metropolitano.
Prediction
Although Atletico Madrid might lack some motivation now that the title is out of reach, they still have the goal of securing the third spot in Spain. They have a good chance of defeating Real Betis in their final home game of the season.
Atleti's recent struggles have mainly been away from home, facing defeats at Osasuna and Las Palmas, along with a goalless draw against Alaves.
However, their performance in front of their home crowd has been solid, with recent victories including a 4-2 win over Valladolid, and convincing 3-0 and 4-0 triumphs against Rayo Vallecano and Real Sociedad, respectively.
Atleti will be eager to avenge Betis for their 1-0 defeat in October, where a fourth-minute own goal cost them the match.
Considering the goal-scoring form of Betis in recent games, this encounter could see more goals, but Atletico Madrid is favored to come out on top.