Overview
Real Betis seemed to have set foot in the Europa League semi-finals after leading Braga 3-1, thanks to a 3-goal streak extending from the first half to the second half.
However, the scenario later became a nightmare. Manuel Pellegrini's army suddenly collapsed, allowing the opponent to score 4 goals in a row with goals from Pau Victor, Vitor Carvalho, Ricardo Horta and Jean-Baptiste Gorby, thereby being eliminated bitterly.
This defeat extended the series of forgettable results of La Liga representatives in Europe, when Barcelona, Real Madrid and Celta Vigo also stopped one after another.
Returning to the domestic front, Betis is now forced to focus all their strength on the top 5 race to win tickets to the Europa League next season. However, their form is very alarming when they have not won in the last 7 matches, only winning 5/21 maximum points.
This series of declines has caused Betis to be closely marked by Celta Vigo with a gap of only 2 points, in the context that there are only 7 rounds left in the season.
In the opposite direction, Girona is gradually regaining stability after a season full of fluctuations. Michel Sanchez's team is currently in the middle of the rankings and just drew 1-1 with Real Madrid in the most recent round.
Although not explosive, Girona shows significant certainty as the team that conceded the fewest goals in La Liga in the last 5 rounds. They have only lost 1 match in this streak and won 8 points.
Girona's biggest foothold is their home ground Montilivi, where they have won 3/4 of their recent matches. This will be an important factor when hosting a Betis that is losing direction.
In the context of contrasting form, Girona can completely take advantage of their home field to cause more difficulties for Betis, a team under great pressure both mentally and objectively.
Personnel situation
Girona will be missing a series of important players when hosting Real Betis. Two experienced names, Juan Carlos and Portu, continue to be sidelined due to knee injuries, while striker Abel Ruiz is also unable to participate due to muscle problems.
In goal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen has only made two appearances since joining and has not yet reached his best fitness after a hamstring injury in early February.
In addition, Girona certainly does not have the services of Donny van de Beek (Achilles tendon) and Vladyslav Vanat (hamstring), while Ricard Artero's case is still open due to an ankle injury.
On the other side, Real Betis also suffered significant losses when Antony was absent due to suspension after receiving enough yellow cards.
Betis' defense is also not guaranteed when Junior Firpo (muscle injury) and Angel Ortiz (shoulder injury) are still uncertain to recover in time.
With a weak force in both teams, the upcoming match is likely to depend on the depth of the squad and the ability to take advantage of opportunities rather than the superiority in personnel.
Expected lineup:
Girona: Gazzaniga, Rincon, Vitor Reis, Blind, Martinez, Beltran, Witsel, Tsygankov, Ounahi, Lemar, Echeverri.
Real Betis: Valles, Gomez, Llorente, Bartra, Bellerin, Fidalgo, Amrabat, Fornals, Ezzalzouli, Cucho, Ruibal.
The match between Girona and Real Betis takes place at 2:30 a.m. on April 22 (Vietnam time).
