Betis – Villarreal: a European showdown that could explode 
Saturday night, the Benito‑Villamarín hosts a clash that can carry real weight in the race for Europe… and maybe even in Villarreal’s title chase.
The Yellow Submarine, third, is still hunting Barça, while Betis are trying to cling to the European pack.
Betis: Cup improvements, but a sluggish start to the year in La Liga 
The 2-1 win over Elche in the Copa del Rey bought Manuel Pellegrini some air, but La Liga tells a different story. Since the turn of 2026, Betis have taken just one point: a loss to Real Madrid and a disappointing draw with bottom side Oviedo. With 29 points from 19 games, the Andalusians sit sixth, level with Celta and five behind Espanyol. Their home form is patchy: three defeats already at the Villamarín — odd for a team that usually leans on its crowd. And tonight’s opponent isn’t easy: Villarreal travel very well, with 16 points from eight away games.
The first meeting ended in an entertaining 2-2, but last season Betis lost 2-1 in Seville. Overall the record leans slightly towards the Verdiblancos, but Villarreal have won their last three against Betis… all on the road.
Villarreal: a team that gets on with it, quietly deadly 
Marcelino has found the formula. His Villarreal are solid, consistent, and brutally efficient in La Liga: 13 wins in 18 matches, only three defeats, and 41 points. The Yellow Submarine sit four points off Real Madrid, eight behind Barça, with a game in hand on both. Yes, Villarreal are very much in the title fight. The only stain is the Champions League, where the team completely flopped (one point in six games).
But in the league they’re a well-oiled machine, able to ride out quiet spells and hurt on the break. Another bonus: Villarreal arrive fresh, having not played since their 3-1 win over Alavés at the weekend.
Likely line-ups
Real Betis :
Valles ; Ruibal, Bartra, Gomez, Rodriguez ; Fornals, Roca ; Antony, Lo Celso, Riquelme ; Bakambu
Villarreal :
Luiz Junior ; Mourino, Foyth, Veiga, Pedraza ; Buchanan, Parejo, Comesaña, Moleiro ; Pérez, Mikautadze
Key takeaways
- Villarreal have taken 16 points from 8 away games.
- Betis have taken just one point in La Liga in 2026.
- Villarreal’s last three wins against Betis all came in Seville.
- The Yellow Submarine are eight points behind Barça with a game in hand.
- Betis have already lost three times at home this season.
Football Prediction Real Betis vs Villarreal
Villarreal to win
Betis can make it tight, but Villarreal show a level of control and consistency the Andalusians don’t have right now.
In a close contest, the Yellow Submarine’s collective quality and freshness should swing it.
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