Barcelona face powerful Betis check to take care of La Liga benefit
Barcelona return to La Liga motion this night realizing they have to discover a well beyond one of many division’s type groups to protect their fragile lead on the high.
Whereas consideration has begun to shift in direction of a potential treble, with a Copa del Rey ultimate secured and Borussia Dortmund awaiting within the Champions League, .
“It’s good that the gamers believe,” he stated forward of the conflict at Montjuïc. “However my position is to verify they provide their greatest in each recreation.”
Actual Betis arrive on the again of six consecutive league wins, together with a 2-1 victory over metropolis rivals Sevilla and a press release win towards Actual Madrid. They’re sixth within the desk and solely six factors off fourth place.
Manuel Pellegrini’s males additionally held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw earlier this season, and their final go to to this stadium in December 2021 resulted in a 1-0 triumph. They’ve the latest pedigree and perception to harm the league leaders.
Barcelona, nevertheless, have received 9 straight in La Liga and 7 matches in a row throughout all competitions. Their 4-1 dismantling of Girona final weekend was a reminder of the attacking depth that has delivered 82 league objectives to this point — 20 greater than Madrid.
Nonetheless, Flick has cautioned towards complacency. He famous the staff should enhance when in possession and restrict the house they concede on the counter, areas Betis are greater than able to exploiting.
“It’s laborious work,” he added. “We now have to consider giving 100%, and if we play as a staff, it’s implausible.”
The supervisor confirmed Gavi is match to return after lacking the Copa semi-final with discomfort, whereas hinting at rotation because of the congested fixture listing. “We will need to have recent legs on the pitch tomorrow,” Flick acknowledged.
This isn’t an evening for overconfidence or for wanting too far forward. Whereas the calendar guarantees greater nights, the current presents a harmful opponent.
Barcelona are three factors clear, however they can’t afford to slide. In opposition to a vibrant Betis aspect enjoying with freedom and intent, solely focus and execution will do.
The title race stays of their palms — however provided that they preserve profitable.