Barcelona vs Real Betis: Copa del Rey Round of 16 Preview

Barcelona welcome Real Betis to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Wednesday night for a Copa del Rey round of 16 clash. Fresh from their resounding 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España final, Hansi Flick’s side will aim to maintain momentum, while Betis look to pull off an upset.

Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis, sitting midtable in La Liga, held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw in their December meeting. They will hope to frustrate the Catalan giants once again and capitalize on any post-trophy complacency from their opponents.

Match Details

• Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Stadium: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
• Date: Wednesday, 15 January
• Kick-off: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
• Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez
• VAR: Daniel Jesús Trujillo Suárez

Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Matches)

• Barcelona Wins: 4
• Real Betis Wins: 0
• Draws: 1
• Last Meeting: Real Betis 2-2 Barcelona (7 December 2024, La Liga)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch

Team News

Barcelona

Barcelona’s injury list includes centre-back Iñigo Martínez, who suffered a hamstring injury in the Supercopa final and will be sidelined for four weeks. Ronald Araújo is expected to partner Pau Cubarsí in central defense. Andreas Christensen remains unavailable, while long-term absentees Marc-André ter Stegen and Ansu Fati are also ruled out. Dani Olmo, temporarily registered, is available for selection.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Pena; Koundé, Cubarsí, Araújo, Balde; Pedri, Casado; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Real Betis

Betis are dealing with several injuries of their own. Forward Ezequiel Ávila is out until the end of January, while midfielders Marc Roca, Pablo Fornals, and William Carvalho are unavailable. Former Barcelona defender Héctor Bellerín remains sidelined with a contusion.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Vieites; Sabaly, Llorente, Natan, Rodríguez; Altimira, Cardoso; Lo Celso, Isco, Abde; Bakambu

Prediction

Real Betis possess dangerous players in Giovani Lo Celso and the rejuvenated Isco, but Barcelona’s superior firepower and form under Hansi Flick make them heavy favorites. Flick’s side will be eager to build on their Supercopa success and continue their positive momentum.

Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Real Betis