The match between the FC Barcelona and the Real Betis, scheduled for this Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 21:00 hours at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys de Montjuïc, is a key meeting in the struggle for the title of La Liga, with the Barça leading the table and the Betis at a great time
Where to see the match in Spain: Movistar and free options
Movistar (paid)
The party can be seen in Spain through Movistar LaLiga, which is the main channel of Movistar+ for the EA Sports League meetings. This channel is part of the Movistar sports package, so if you have an active subscription, you are ready to enjoy it! You can also follow it through the Movistar+ app on your mobile, tablet or Smart TV. According to the information we have, the party will begin at 21:00 CET, just at the usual time of Saturday night matches in Movistar.
Free options and YouTube
Although the party does not have a free official broadcast on open television in Spain, there are several ways to follow it live for free, especially through digital platforms:
- Sporty mentions that platforms like ESPN+ offer party streaming, but this requires subscription. However, some X users have pointed out that the meeting “can be seen free and live” (according to @culemanias), suggesting that there could be unofficial streams on platforms like YouTube or Twitch. These broadcasts are usually organized by content creators or sports pages that share real-time links. Find channels like “The Free League” or “Live Soccer” on YouTube, but be careful, as these streams can be illegal and of low quality.
- Reaction channels on YouTube: Many content creators relay their live reactions to the party. Some popular channels in Spain that often make “reaction videos” of Barça matches include:
- World Maldini: Known for their analysis and live reactions.
- Javi Oliveira: A creator who usually makes live streams during Barça matches, reacting to key plays.
- Barça Times: It offers reactions and comments in real time, often with a more international approach. These channels do not relay the party itself, but you can follow their comments and reactions as you see the encounter by other means.
- Alternative streaming platforms: Pages like Sporticos and FootballPredictions.net indicate that the match could be available in legal streaming services, depending on where you are. However, in Spain, free and legal options are quite scarce. Some X users have commented that platforms like 1xBet offer free streaming if you register (no need to make a deposit), although this can change according to geographical restrictions.
Confirmed alignments (today, 04:30 AM PDT, April 5, 2025)
At this time, we do not yet have the confirmed alignments, as they are usually published about an hour before the game begins, that is, about 20:00 CET. However, based on predictions and the latest information from sources such as Barca Blaugranes and Sporting News, we can share the expected alignments:
FC Barcelona (4-2-3-1)
- Porter: Wojciech Szczesny (Iñaki Peña could be holder if Szczesny is not 100%, as it has had a recent suspension).
- Defences: Jules Koundé, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde.
- Campers: Frenkie de Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Fermin López, Raphinha.
- Delantero: Robert Lewandowski.
- Confirmed casualties: Marc-André ter Stegen ( ligament lesion), Marc Bernal ( ligament lesion), Andreas Christensen (achilles’s lesion, although it might be back), Iñigo Martínez (recently commissioned).
- Duties: Raphinha could be reserved if it is not 100% after annoyance in the Supercopa, but the latest information indicates that it is okay.
Real Betis (4-2-3-1)
- Porter: Adrian.
- Defences: Youssouf Sabaly, Marc Bartra, Diego Llorente, Romain Perraud.
- Campers: Sergi Altimira, Mateo; Antony, Giovani Lo Celso, Juanmi.
- Delantero: Vitor Roque.
- Confirmed casualties: Ez Abde, Marc Roca, Isco.
- Duties: No additional doubts are reported, but Lo Celso has had recent muscle problems and could be managed carefully.
Note: These alignments are likely and are based on forecasts Boat Blaugranes and updates of injuries Sporting News. Official alignments will be available closer to the start of the match.
Pre-game statements of players and coach
Hansi Flick (trainer of FC Barcelona)
Hansi Flick spoke at the pre-party press conference, according to CBSSports.com. His statements reflect respect for the rival and confidence in his team:
- “It’s gonna be a complicated game and we need to be in our best way. Pellegrini has a great experience and knows how to get the best out of their players. If you see how Antony is playing now compared to his time at Manchester United, you can notice the coach’s influence. I feel the team has confidence in itself, even those on the bench. We are all in the same tune and now is the time to prove it in the field.” Flick also commented, according to Barca Blaugranes (web ID: 18), that he wants his team to improve in certain tactical aspects, although he did not enter details, and that he could make some adjustments in the attack for this party.
Technical and tactical analysis of the possible meeting
FC Barcelona (under Hansi Flick)
Hansi Flick has implemented a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system that prioritizes high pressure, fast transitions and a vertical game. According to Sporting News (web ID: 7), the team has completely assimilated Flick’s tactics, with a high line suffocating rivals. Some key points:
- Attack: Barça is at an exceptional moment in attack, having scored 2 or more goals (or generated more than 2.0 xG) in its last six games of La Liga. Lewandowski, with 25 goals in the season (according FotMob, is the highest scorer of the competition, and Lamine Yamal (8 goals and 12 assists) is a constant threat to the right. Raphinha, with a possible break, remains a candidate for the Golden Ball, which talks about its impact.
- Halffield: Pedri and De Jong form a creative and solid dup, with Fermin López providing arrival from second line. Flick’s high pressure depends on an intense midfield, and Gavi (if you play) could add more aggressiveness.
- Defence: The absence of Iñigo Martínez and the possible return of Christensen or Araujo could generate some instability. However, Cubarsi has been a revelation, and Balde provides depth on the left.
- Skills: Flick’s high line can be vulnerable to counterattacks, as was seen in the 2-2 draw against the Betis in December 2024 (web ID: 22). In addition, defense injuries could be a problem if the Betis exploits the spaces.
Real Betis (under Manuel Pellegrini)
The Pellegrini Betis also plays a 4-2-3-1, with a focus on intensity and rapid transitions. According to Boat Blaugranes (web ID: 18), the Betis arrives with a streak of six consecutive victories in The League, which makes them a formidable rival.
- Attack: Vitor Roque, ceded by the Barça, will be the leader in tip, with 5 goals in 18 games this season. Antony, rejuvenated under Pellegrini, contributes over the band (2 goals and 2 assists in 8 matches), and Lo Celso (7 goals) is the creative engine of the team.
- Halffield: Altimira and Matthew offer solidity, while Juanmi and Lo Celso bring arrival and creativity. The Betis presses with intensity and seeks to create in transitions, as was seen on 2nd December.
- Defence: Llorente and Bartra form a solid couple, but the Betis has granted 11 goals in its last three games against the Barça, which suggests vulnerability to powerful attacks.
- Skills: The casualties of Isco and Abde limit their offensive options, and their defense can suffer against teams that dominate possession like the Barça.
Party tactical keys
- Position vs. transitions: The Barça will probably dominate possession (average 57% in its last games, according to web ID: 16), while the Betis will seek to counterattack with Antony and Roque. The key will be how the Barça manages the spaces that leave its high line.
- Battle in the midfield: Pedri and De Jong against Lo Celso and Altimira will be a crucial duel. If the Barça controls the center, it can feed its attackers easily.
- Flancos: Yamal and Raphinha (or Fermin) by the Barça bands will be a problem for Sabaly and Perraud. On the Betis side, Antony could exploit any Balde or Koundé errors.
- Finalization: The Barça has improved its definition (19 goals in its last 6 games, web ID: 16), while the Betis depends heavily on Roque and Lo Celso to generate danger.
Tactical prediction: The Barça will try to press the Betis with its aggressive game and maintain the control of the ball, while the Betis will look for a more dynamic match, taking advantage of the gaps left by the soft defense. The meeting is expected to be intense and full of goals, as has been the norm in their last clashes, where they have averaged 5 goals per game (according to the ID: 12 website).
What sports newspapers say about the meeting
The sports newspapers highlight the importance of the party in the struggle for La Liga and the great moment in the form of both teams:
- Boat Blaugranes describes the party as “a brutal test” for the Barça, which seeks to maintain its leadership in the race for the title. They point out that the Betis arrives at a “tiring red” moment with six consecutive victories and that the meeting will not be like the 5-1 of the King’s Cup in January, as the Betis is now more complete and confident.
- Sporting News emphasizes the rolling shape of the Barça, especially after its 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Supercopa. They consider the Barça favorite to win The League and this game, but warn that the Betis can be a complicated rival if it repeats the level of 2nd December.
- CBSSports.com highlights the impact of Pellegrini on the Betis and the evolution of players like Antony, but also underlines the confidence of the Barça bas Flick, with a team that “believe in itself”.
- Sporty and FotMob They agree that the recent record favors Barça (8 matches without losing against the Betis, with 7 wins and 1 draw), but the Betis has scored in its last 6 consecutive matches, suggesting that there may be goals on both sides.
In general, the media see Barça as a favorite, but recognize that the Betis, at its best time of the season, can complicate things.
Gambling houses, artificial intelligence and sports experts
Betting houses
The betting houses favor FC Barcelona:
- Victoria del Barça: Approximate amount of -167 (62.5% probability, according to SportsGambler, .
- Empty: Unspecified note, but recent history suggests that it is less likely (only 1 draw in the last 8 clashes).
- Betis victory: Unspecified note, but the Betis has a 37% chance of winning the first half (web ID: 12), which indicates that betting houses see a competitive match possible.
- Both teams mark (BTTS – Yes): Cuota of -175, which reflects the trend of matches with goals between these teams.
Artificial Intelligence and Expert Predictions
- CBSSports.com predicts a 2-1 in favor of the Barça, arguing that although the Betis is in great shape, the Barça is “the best team of the moment” together with the Betis himself.
- FootballPredictions.net He also bets on a 2-1 for the Barça, highlighting that the Betis probably checks, but will not be enough to avoid defeat.
- Sporting News does not give an exact score, but consider the Barça favorite to advance in the King’s Cup and, by extension, win this League match.
- Boat Blaugranes It does not offer an exact prediction, but expects a “diverted” and goal game, given the recent history and shape of both teams.
Own analysis (based on data and trends)
Based on the information we have, the Barça seems to have a clear advantage: they have 19 games without losing, they have been scored an average of 4 goals against the Betis in their last 5 matches, and also, they are strong at home with 5 wins followed in La Liga. But we must not underestimate the Betis, who arrives with an impressive streak of 6 consecutive victories and has shown that he can compete with the Barça, as he avoided the 2-2 tie in December. The key to the match will be how the Betis takes advantage of the spaces behind the soft defense and how effective the fronts of the Barça are in front of the arch.
Final prediction: FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Betis. I expect an open match, with goals on both sides, but with the Barça imposing its quality in the key moments.
Extended Analysis: Context and Key Factors
Context of the League
The Barça is in front of the table, with 3 points of advantage over Real Madrid and still 9 games ahead. A victory is fundamental to maintain that advantage, especially with a Classic against Madrid that will be played next month. On the other hand, the Betis, who occupies the sixth position, is fighting for a place in European competitions and arrives with an impressive streak of 6 consecutive victories, making them a very dangerous opponent.
Key factors
- Recent form: The Barça is in a moment of confidence after winning the Super Cup and advancing to the end of the King’s Cup (web ID: 0). The Betis, for his part, has found consistency and is playing his best football of the season.
- History: The Barça has not lost against the Betis in its last 8 clashes (7 victories, 1 draw. However, the 2-2 tie in December shows that the Betis can compete.
- Key players: Lewandowski (25 goals) and Yamal (11 assists) will be fundamental to the Barça. For Betis, Lo Celso (7 goals) and Antony (2 goals, 2 assists) will be the main threats.
- Psychological aspects: The Barça is motivated after his victory in the Supercopa, while the Betis comes with the confidence of his winning streak. Vitor Roque, facing his parent club, will have an extra incentive.
Possible scenarios
- If Barça dominates: With their high pressure and offensive quality, they could unmask the Betis and win comfortably (4-1 or 3-1).
- If the Betis surprises: If they take advantage of the spaces and are effective in the counterattack, they could draw a tie (2-2) or even a matched victory (2-3).
- Most likely scenario: A match match with goals, where the Barça stands for its highest quality (3-2).
Conclusion
The confrontation between FC Barcelona and Real Betis promises to be an exciting show, as both teams are in excellent shape and there is a lot at stake. The Barça is the favorite, but the Betis has what it takes to make things difficult. You can see it in Movistar LaLiga (subject to charge) or search for free transmissions on YouTube, as well as follow the reactions on channels like Mundo Maldini or Javi Oliveira. The confirmed alignments will be published one hour before the party, although the probable alignments suggest that the Barça will have Szczesny, Lewandowski and Yamal, while the Betis will be led by Roque and Lo Celso. The experts and the betting houses see the Barça as the winner, and I would dare to predict an exciting 3-2 for the soft in a game full of action.
