After FC Barcelona secured a fabulous victory over Atlético Madrid midweek, they now face another big challenge in La Liga as they go on one of the traditionally toughest road trips in the competition. And this year's visit to Real Betis promises to be harder than ever, as the green-and-whites have been in strong form of late.

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The game kicks off at 6.30pm CET on Saturday, but not at the Benito Villamarín, as Betis' usual ground is currently being redeveloped. Instead, the venue is the 71,000 capacity La Cartuja, the third biggest stadium in Spain. It's a stadium that brings back happy memories for Hansi Flick and his team because it was precisely here that they won that amazing Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid earlier this year.

As usual, we have put together a complete guide to global television coverage to help you find the game where you are in the world. 

Top of the league

After coming from behind to beat Alavés 3-1, and then doing exactly the same against Atlético, Barça have now threaded together five consecutive wins in La Liga, and remain one point clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table. The all-whites also won their brought-forward fixture this week, 3-0 away to Athletic Club, and return to action on Sunday at 9pm with a game at home to Celta Vigo.

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HIGHLIGHTS | FC Barcelona v Atlético Madrid

Betis in form

Betis have only lost two league games this season, both at home, against Athletic Club and Atlético Madrid. That defeat to Atlético was their only loss in their last 11 outings, and last weekend brought what for béticos was surely the most cherished result of all, a 2-0 win away to Sevilla in the city derby.

Led by Chilean Manuel Pellegrini, Betis sit fifth in the Liga table, which also happens be where they currently stand in the Europa League, having won three and drawn two of their matches so far.

With a number of key players rested with Saturday's Barça game in mind, Betis comfortably navigated their midweek Copa del Rey clash, 4-1 away to Torrent, to ensure they will be among the last 32 in that competition.

Familiar faces

There are three players with a blaugrana pastwho are currently plying their trade at Betis, Marc Bartra, Ez Abde and Héctor Bellerín, although the latter will be unable to face his former club due to injury.

The arrival of striker Antony dos Santos on loan from Manchester United last winter was such a success that the Andalusians decided to keep him permanently, and the Brazilian has not disappointed, while Colombian Cucho Hernández has been the other key player in the goal department. Other men to look out for include Pablo Fornals, who has scored three goals and given four assists this season,

Team news

Following the wonderful sight of Pedri back to his old self, two other players are back in the squad. Fermín López has recovered from a minor soleus injury in his right leg, while Frenkie de Jong is back to full health after going down with a fever.

On the flip side, Barça now have a new injury concern in Dani Olmo, precisely when he was enjoying some of his sweetest moments in the blaugrana jersey, dislocated his shoulder against Atlético Madrid and will need about a month to recover. Ronald Araujo, Gavi and Ter Stegen also remain unavailable for selection.

As for the home side, and in addition to the aforesaid Bellerín, we are unlikely to see any of Lo Celso, Isco or Sofyan Amrabat on the field this Saturday either.

Did you know: Barça striker Ferran Torres has scored five times in ten league games against Betis, making them his number one victim in the competition.

Head-to-head

There have been a number of ups and downs against Betis over the years, but the most recent clashes have worked out very nicely indeed for Barça interests. They haven't lost in seven meetings, although after five consecutive wins, both meetings in 2024-25 ended in draws.

To find the last case of Barça losing away to Betis we need to go all the way back to a 3-2 defeat in 2008. The fourteen games since then have resulted in four draws and ten wins for the Catalans. A very impressive record considering this is one of the most difficult away fixtures in the whole competition.

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