The LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid are in jeopardy of losing the top spot to Barcelona or Real Madrid if they don’t get a win over Real Betis when the teams face in Round 30 at Estadio Benito Villamarín on Sunday. Betis, on the other hand, are currently in 5th position and are battling for European places, so this will be an interesting clash.
Diego Simeone’s side is a +135 favorite on William Hill Sportsbook to get three points and stay ahead of fierce rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid. Check out the latest news and stats and see the best Real Betis vs. Atletico Madrid betting pick.
Real Betis vs. Atletico Madrid
Three-way: 1: Real Betis +242; X: +220 Draw; 2: Atletico Madrid +135
Spread 0: Real Betis +136; Atletico Madrid -147
Total 2.5 Goals: Over +145; Under -154
Both Teams to Score: Yes +110; No -125
REAL BETIS
Locked in a three-way battle for just two top-six spots, Real Betis ended Easter level on points with their two main rivals (RSO & VIL) in that particular race. Yet, with a 20-point deficit to upcoming opponents Atletico Madrid, Betis are obvious underdogs and began Friday as one of just four LaLiga teams with a league loss rate of over 60% in that role (66.67%).
For the benefit of optimistic Betis fans, the hosts can record four straight LL home wins for the first time since Mar/Apr 2018. Any shock result here may come via a late strike, with Betis averaging 1.75 goals beyond the hour mark across their last four LL home wins.
Manuel Pellegrini cannot count on Victor Camarasa (knee), Borja Iglesias (muscle), and Victor Ruiz (suspension).
Betting Trends:
- Nabil Fekir put Betis 1-0 up in their last victory, making it three goals from three this term acting as match openers – both home openers were decisive in 2-0 victories
- Six (75%) of Betis’ last eight LL home wins to see both teams score have witnessed an opener inside the first 15 minutes
ATLETICO MADRID
Atletico Madrid’s vast league lead is a memory, with a 1-0 defeat to Sevilla at Easter marking their eighth LaLiga match in ten producing a margin of under 1.5 goals. The Rojiblancos’ preceding run of four straight top-flight games standing level at HT (including three goalless first halves) further heightens the tension.
Regardless, the visitors have still avoided defeat in every away league match in which they’ve scored first this calendar year (W4, D0), leading by precisely a one-goal margin at HT in three of those matches. Curiously, they conceded ‘Goal 2’ in three of that quartet but replied with the third match goal within ten minutes each time.
Diego Simeone will be without Joao Felix (ankle) and Moussa Dembele (muscle), while Luis Suarez (muscle) is questionable to play on Sunday.
Betting Trends:
- Marcos Llorente struck first in the reverse H2H (2-0), and in turn, both of his prior LL goals scored between the 46th-60th minute have opened the scoring in 2-0 victories!
- Atletico are winless in the last three road games in all competitions
Match Prediction
Atletico Madrid won seven of the previous ten H2H encounters (D2, L1), including each of the last three, while Los Colchoneros suffered only one defeat in the past 12 visits (W8, D3) to Estadio Benito Villamarín.
Betis’ form improved of late, though, while Simeone’s team is not playing well recently and is struggling to find the back of the net – one goal in the last four matches. Still, Betis has the weakest defense of all top 7 teams in LaLiga, so I am backing Atletico to score in this one. On the other hand, Atletico’s rock-solid defense has been a bit leaky in the last few weeks, which is an open invitation for Betis’ forwards to attack and make damage. I am going with BTTS, even though this feat rarely occurs in H2H matches. The odds are quite tempting.
The Pick: BTTS YES (+110)