Real Betis vs Barcelona (La Liga): odds and picks 06.12.2025

There’s a big clash in Seville this weekend, with an interesting twist: it’s being played at La Cartuja, not Benito Villamarín, so the home advantage is only “half” for Betis, with a majority of green-and-white fans but in a somewhat colder stadium. Betis are 5th in LaLiga with 24 points (6-6-2, 22-14 goal difference), in the thick of the fight for Europe and on a very solid run at home: 4 wins and 3 draws, with no league defeats at home so far this season.

Barça arrive as leaders or joint leaders depending on the results of the day, with 37 points (12-1-2, 42 goals for and 17 against), the best attack in the league and very strong momentum after beating Atlético 3-1 and Athletic 4-0 on their return to the Camp Nou. I come into this match with the feeling of a clash between a very reliable Betis competing in Spain, but hampered by injuries (including Isco), and a Barça that, despite its own physical problems, is finding a fairly recognisable starting eleven and a lot of bite up front.

Betis

Betis is having a very serious season in the league. That 6-6-2 record with a +8 goal difference puts them in 5th place, firmly in the European zone and with very stable numbers: they score 1.57 goals per game and concede 1.00, with an average of 1.69 points per game. Where they are really strong is at home: four wins and three draws, 12 goals scored and six conceded, and the feeling that when they take the lead, they manage their advantage quite well.

In terms of dynamics, it has had its ups and downs: very competitive results against direct rivals, good attacking play on several matchdays and the occasional lapse at the back. In many data models, it appears with xG slightly above the goals scored, indicating that it is creating valuable chances but not always converting them.

In terms of names, the project continues to revolve around Isco… and therein lies the big problem. The Malaga-born player was injured again in the Europa League against Utrecht, had to be substituted very early on and looks set to miss several matches, including this clash against Barça. Without him, Betis loses pace between the lines, the final pass and an important part of its threat in front of goal. In addition, Amrabat has also been ruled out through injury in the same incident, which leaves them short in midfield.

I expect a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formation: Rui Silva in goal; full-backs (Miranda, Bellerín or Sabaly), strong centre-backs in the air and a double pivot that combines distribution and work rate (Guido plus Guardado or Marc Roca). Up front, there will be a lot of responsibility for the wingers and the number 9: Willian José, Fornals, Ayoze or a more mobile striker will have to make up for the creative weight left by Isco.

Betis’ biggest concern is defending the spaces behind their full-backs. Against a Barça side with very aggressive wingers and deep full-backs, any loss of possession can end in a dangerous transition. Their big advantage: when they manage to retreat and break quickly, they compete better; and if Barça don’t strike early, they usually give them some space to get into the game.

Barcelona

Barça arrive with the aura of title contenders. Their numbers speak for themselves: 12 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats, 42 goals scored and 17 conceded, almost 2.8 goals per game and a +25 goal difference that speaks of a dominant team. In addition, they are coming off a very solid run: 4-0 against Athletic, 3-1 against Atlético and only a recent blip in the Champions League.

Flick’s team already has a fairly recognisable starting eleven, even though he rotates: 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 with long full-backs (Cancelo, Balde or João Pedro), electric wingers (Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Ferran) and a midfield that combines control and attacking threat (Pedri, De Jong, Gündogan). In advanced statistics, they average around 2.3–2.5 xG per game and easily exceed 7–8 shots on goal when they manage to get ahead.

There are two key names on the injury list: Gavi (out for the whole season) and Ter Stegen (back problem). Added to this is Dani Olmo, who will be out until 2026. All this forces Flick to keep Iñaki Peña in goal and to carefully manage Pedri and De Jong.

In attack, the goals are spread around: Lewandowski remains the main man, but Lamine, Ferran and Dani Olmo had contributed significantly. This offensive diversity allows the team to survive even when key players are missing.

The weak point is the defence when the team breaks down. It concedes more chances than a leader would like, and against a Betis side that is very good between the lines, any loss of possession can become dangerous. Even so, in terms of pace, talent and form, Barça are a step above.

My predictions for Betis vs Barcelona

BeniThe conservative one

Over 1.5 goals for Barcelona. Odds 1.50

Barça have scored 42 goals in 15 games (almost 3 per game) and rarely score less than two goals when the game opens up. They demand a lot of the ball, create between 5-7 clear chances per game and have multiple finishers. Without Isco, Betis will have to work harder defensively without possession.

BetoThe bold one

Barcelona wins and both teams score (Barça & BTTS – Yes). Odds 2.60

This scenario suits me very well: Barça has more punch and gets there better, but suffers at the back, especially when the team breaks up. Betis creates chances at home, attacks the area well and has talent in three quarters to find a goal. Scores such as 1-2 or 1-3 are very plausible. It is a risky pick, ideal for seeking high odds with logic behind it.