Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao
La Liga
Sunday
25th February 2024
Benito Villamarin
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the La Liga fixture between Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao.
Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao: Preview
Real Betis form analysis
Los Verdiblancos has been solid at the back recently, keeping clean sheets in two of their last five matches. However, their high-powered offense has struggled to consistently score goals. On February 19th, Betis played to a lackluster 0-0 home draw against Alaves, failing to break down their defensive opponents. Earlier on February 10th, Betis earned a solid 2-0 away win at Cadiz with first half goals from Willian Jose and Pablo Fornals. Prior to that on February 4th, Betis settled for a 1-1 home draw with Getafe despite conceding early.
Isco equalized for them on a 35th minute penalty. On January 28th, Betis grinded out a 1-0 away victory at Mallorca thanks to a 45th minute goal from Sergi Altimira. Betis’ worst recent performance came in a wild 4-2 home loss to Barcelona on January 21st, highlighted by a second half hat trick from Ferran Torres. While the defense has been sturdy, Betis has struggled recently to capitalize on their offensive talent and dominate weaker opponents. More clinical finishing could translate one-goal results into multi-goal victories.
Athletic Bilbao form analysis
Athletic Bilbao has been inconsistent in recent matches, mixing impressive attacking performances with inefficient goal-scoring struggles. On February 20th, Bilbao edged Girona 3-2 at home behind goals from Berenguer, Williams and an own goal. However, on February 13th Bilbao was held to a 0-0 away draw by Almeria despite dominating possession and chances. Earlier on February 3rd, Bilbao delivered an offensive masterclass in a 4-0 home thrashing of Mallorca with both Yuri and Guruzeta bagging braces.
Prior to that on January 28th though, Bilbao struggled mightily in a 0-0 away draw with lowly Cadiz, managing just two shots on target. And in their first match on January 20th, Bilbao fell 1-0 away to Valencia. So while Bilbao has shown the ability to pile up goals, they’ve also struggled to break down defensively organized opponents. More consistent finishing when they control matches could separate close draws and losses into victories. But their leaky defense also needs tightening up.
