Real Betis vs Levante Prediction: Match Preview

Real Betis: Champions League place already secured

Real Betis have already completed their main objective. Their 2-1 home win over Elche earlier this month confirmed fifth place in La Liga, and because Spain has gained an extra Champions League spot, Manuel Pellegrini’s side are preparing for UEFA’s elite competition for the first time since the 2005-06 group stage.

That achievement underlines the consistency Pellegrini has brought to the club. Betis have now secured a top-seven finish for a sixth consecutive season under the Chilean, a significant improvement on the years before his arrival in 2020.

With their league position settled, the question is how motivated Betis will be on the final day. Their seven-game unbeaten La Liga run ended with a 3-1 defeat away to champions Barcelona last weekend, so Pellegrini will want a response before the summer.

Home form gives Betis a solid platform. They are unbeaten in 10 league matches at their temporary La Cartuja home since losing to Barcelona in December, winning five and drawing five during that spell.

The head-to-head record also favours the hosts. Betis have won five of their last six home matches against Levante, including the last three. Even with little left to play for in the table, they have enough quality to cause problems.

With Isco, Antony, Ez Abde and Cucho Hernandez available in advanced areas, Betis should still carry a serious attacking threat.

Levante: One point from survival

Levante arrive in Seville with their season still alive and their destiny largely under control. Luis Castro’s side are 15th, two points clear of the bottom two, and need only a draw to guarantee another season in La Liga.

The timing of their run has been excellent. Levante have won six of their last nine league matches, drawing once and losing twice, and they come into this final-day fixture on the back of three straight victories.

Those wins have transformed their survival prospects. After dramatic 3-2 victories over Osasuna and Celta Vigo, Levante produced a vital 2-0 success against Mallorca last weekend, a result that lifted them out of the relegation zone and left Mallorca in deep trouble.

Carlos Espi opened the scoring against Mallorca with his 10th La Liga goal of the season, before Kervin Arriaga struck the decisive second in the 85th minute. Dela’s late penalty miss did not matter, as Levante celebrated a fifth consecutive home win.

The away challenge is different. Levante can secure survival with a draw, but a win would give them back-to-back away league victories for the first time this season.

Even defeat may not send them down, but they would then be relying on results involving Girona, Osasuna and Mallorca. Castro will therefore want his team to play for control rather than simply wait for favours elsewhere.

Real Betis vs Levante Team News

Real Betis team news

Real Betis remain without Marc Bartra, Aitor Ruibal and Angel Ortiz for the final match of the season.

Sergi Altimira is a major doubt after missing the defeat to Barcelona with a calf issue.

There is better news with Diego Llorente and Cucho Hernandez available again after serving one-match suspensions for accumulated yellow cards.

Real Betis possible starting lineup:

Valles; Bellerin, Llorente, Natan, Rodriguez; Fornals, Amrabat, Isco; Antony, Abde, Cucho

Levante team news

Levante will be without Unai Elgezabal and Carlos Alvarez due to knee and ankle injuries respectively.

Roger Brugue is suspended after being sent off against Mallorca, while Jeremy Toljan is a doubt after being forced off in the first half of that match.

Victor Garcia should be available after returning to training following his absence on matchday 37.

Carlos Espi is expected to continue in attack after scoring his 10th La Liga goal of the season, while Kervin Arriaga should retain his midfield role after his crucial goal against Mallorca.

Levante possible starting lineup:

Ryan; Perez, Dela, Moreno, Sanchez; Olasagasti, Arriaga, Martinez, Losada; Espi, Romero