La Liga: Barcelona vs. Betis

Posted on | May 8, 2007 | No Comments

Barcelona go into this match knowing that any result other than a win could spell disaster for their title hopes. They know that Real Madrid are now just two points behind and playing their best form of the season. This week saw the Catalan side beating Real Sociedad by two goals to nil with two magnificent passes from Ronaldhino, which was just about all they produced for the entire game. The fact is that Barcelona’s game does not convince but is very effective. Ironically, the same could be said for Real Madrid a couple of months ago. More important than Barcelona’s star names like Eto’o, Ronaldhino and company are the lesser known figures like Inesta and Xavi who without making a big fuss are much more consistent in their game.
Betis never really enjoy going to the Nou Camp, as they have had some bad experiences in recent years. Last season saw them take a five – one drumming home with them, but the year before that they did actually win. Something that no one has been able to achieve this season. Betis have now gone eight league games without a win and are starting to be serious contenders for the drop. Inexplicably, coach Luis Fernandez has already gone on record as saying that he is quite sure they will lose against Barca and is concentrating on the next game against relegation battlers Nastic. This obviously hasn’t gone down too well with the Betis directors and fans and it is pretty certain he won’t be in charge for much longer.
This game really only has one outcome. Victory for Barcelona is practically assured, and it just depends on how big a margin they will win by. Were Betis to get an early goal and then to defend like crazy there could be a different result here. But Betis are fast careering out of control and will be very lucky to escape relegation, as the five teams below them all show signs of being prepared to battle to the end. Something which Betis aren’t -if recent games are anything to go by- willing to do
Prediction: Home win (3-0)

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