Las Palmas has never beaten Real Betis away from home in La Liga. In fact, their last victory at the Estadio Benito Villamarín dates back to 1973—over half a century ago. That’s a staggering 51-year hoodoo hanging over Las Palmas as they prepare to face Betis in a match that could define their season. Can they finally break the curse, or will Real Betis continue to dominate on their home turf?
Head-to-Head: A History of Domination
Real Betis and Las Palmas have faced each other 23 times in La Liga, with Betis winning 12 of those encounters, drawing 7, and Las Palmas managing just 4 victories. The last time these two teams met, Betis came out on top with a 2-0 win, and Las Palmas will be desperate to avoid a repeat. The historical data paints a grim picture for Las Palmas, especially when you consider that Betis has won 7 of their last 10 home games against them.
Last 5 Games: A Tale of Two Forms
Looking at their recent form, Real Betis has been a mixed bag. They’ve managed to secure 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in their last 5 matches. Not exactly the kind of form that strikes fear into the hearts of their opponents, but it’s solid enough to keep them in the hunt for a European spot. Las Palmas, on the other hand, has struggled mightily, with just 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses in their last 5 games. Their inability to find consistency has been a major issue this season.
Form Guide: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not?
Real Betis has been relatively consistent at home this season, with 5 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses at the Benito Villamarín. Their defense has been rock-solid, conceding just 12 goals in 10 home games. Las Palmas, however, has been dreadful on the road, managing just 2 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses away from home. Their attack has been toothless, scoring just 7 goals in 10 away games.
Season So Far: A Story of Contrasting Fortunes
Real Betis currently sits in 6th place in La Liga, just 3 points off the Champions League spots. Their season has been defined by a strong defense and a knack for grinding out results, even when not at their best. Las Palmas, meanwhile, is languishing in 16th place, just 2 points above the relegation zone. Their lack of firepower has been their Achilles heel, with just 20 goals scored in 25 games—the second-lowest tally in the league.
Stats: The Numbers Don’t Lie
When you dive into the stats, the gap between these two teams becomes even more apparent. Real Betis has an average possession of 55% this season, compared to Las Palmas’ 47%. Betis also averages more shots per game (12.5) than Las Palmas (9.8), and their defense has been far more resolute, conceding just 1.1 goals per game compared to Las Palmas’ 1.4.
Game Odds: Betis the Favorites
Unsurprisingly, Real Betis is the heavy favorite for this match, with odds of 1.80 for a home win. Las Palmas, meanwhile, is priced at 4.50, with a draw at 3.40. These odds reflect the stark contrast in form and quality between the two sides, and it’s hard to argue with them given the evidence.
Key Battles: Who Will Shine?
One of the key battles to watch will be between Real Betis’ Isco and Las Palmas’ Kirian Rodríguez. Isco has been in scintillating form this season, contributing 5 goals and 4 assists, while Kirian has been one of the few bright spots for Las Palmas, with 3 goals and 2 assists. Whoever comes out on top in this midfield duel could well decide the outcome of the match.
Another intriguing matchup will be between Betis’ Germán Pezzella and Las Palmas’ Sory Kaba. Pezzella has been a rock at the back for Betis, averaging 2.3 tackles and 3.1 clearances per game, while Kaba has been Las Palmas’ main goal threat, with 6 goals this season. If Pezzella can keep Kaba quiet, Betis should be in with a great chance of taking all three points.
Tactical Analysis: How Will They Line Up?
Manuel Pellegrini has favored a 4-2-3-1 formation this season, with Isco playing in the number 10 role behind striker Willian José. Their strength lies in their ability to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game, and they’ll likely look to do the same against Las Palmas.
Las Palmas, under García Pimienta, has tended to go with a 4-4-2 formation, with Kirian Rodríguez and Alberto Moleiro providing the creativity in midfield. However, their lack of firepower up front means they often struggle to turn possession into goals, and they’ll need to be more clinical if they’re to get anything from this game.
Prediction: Can Las Palmas Finally Break the Curse?
Given the historical data, current form, and the contrasting fortunes of these two teams this season, it’s hard to see anything other than a Real Betis win. Las Palmas’ away form has been abysmal, and they’ve struggled to score goals all season. Betis, on the other hand, has been solid at home and will be looking to capitalize on their superior quality.
Here’s a quick prediction table to sum it up:
| Category | Real Betis | Las Palmas |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Score | 2 | 0 |
| Winning Odds | 1.80 | 4.50 |
| Goals Scored | 1.5 | 0.6 |
| Goals Conceded | 1.1 | 1.4 |
| Match Hero | Isco | Kirian Rodríguez |
Las Palmas will need a miracle to break their 51-year hoodoo at the Benito Villamarín. Real Betis, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their dominance and keep their European dreams alive.
Conclusion: A Game of Contrasts
In conclusion, this match pits a dominant Real Betis against a struggling Las Palmas side that has failed to find its footing this season. The historical data, current form, and key stats all point towards a comfortable Betis win. Las Palmas will need to be at their very best to have any chance of causing an upset, but based on their performances so far, that seems unlikely. Expect Betis to take all three points and extend their unbeaten run at home against Las Palmas.