FC Barcelona will be in action again tonight, less than 72 hours after their Copa del Rey semi-final triumph against Atletico Madrid, as they take on Real Betis in La Liga.
With Real Madrid playing earlier in the day, Barça could go into their game with their three-point lead at the top of the table washed away and as such, they cannot afford a slip-up against Manuel Pellegrini’s men.
Barcelona have been in supreme form in 2025 but Real Betis have also strung together a fine run in La Liga, winning each of their last six in the Spanish top flight.
The Seville-based outfit had managed to take points off the Blaugrana earlier in the season and will hope to do so again tonight at the Montjuic Stadium.
The league leaders go into the game without Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, Dani Olmo, and Marc Casado all of whom are out injured.
With that in mind, here’s how Barcelona could line up tonight against Real Betis, hoping to maintain their advantage at the top.
Defence
There is simply no looking past Wojciech Szczesny in goal, who has been installed as the first-choice starter by Hansi Flick in Ter Stegen’s absence.
There could be some alterations in defence, with Inigo Martinez likely to be protected after finishing the last game due to overload. It could pave the way for Eric Garcia to get the nod in defence, alongside Pau Cubarsi.
In the full-back positions, however, Flick is likely to continue with Jules Kounde, given how he has been reluctant to rotate the Frenchman, and Alejandro Balde.
Midfield
Given the injury to Marc Casado, the Barcelona manager has little to no room for rotation when it comes to his double pivot in the centre of the park.
As such, we can expect Pedri, in the form of his life, to feature from the get-go again, alongside Frenkie de Jong, who has once again become an integral part of the team after a brief difficult spell post his injury return.
Meanwhile, there may be a change in the attacking midfield role, though, considering that Fermin Lopez has started both of Barcelona’s previous two matches.
Gavi did not get any minutes against Atletico Madrid in midweek because of some discomfort and even though he is available, it is unlikely that he will be risked.
As such, we might see Raphinha operate in the central attacking midfield role tonight something that Flick tested in training on Friday.
Attack
Robert Lewandowski was benched by the manager in the midweek cup tie, in what was a huge call. But the veteran goal machine is expected to be back in the starting lineup tonight against Real Betis.
Flanking the Poland captain will be the in-form Spanish duo of Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, who was on target in the midweek cup tie against the Rojiblancos.
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