One of the talking points this week in Spain has been rest periods between games, after Carlo Ancelotti sparked a furious debate by commenting that Real Madrid would not play again if they did not have a minimum of 72 hours between games.
While Manuel Pellegrini has a strong reputation for getting the best out of technically gifted attacking players, few could have imagined the turnaround that Antony is enjoying at Real Betis.
Real Betis secured a memorable 2-1 victory over Real Madrid on Saturday, and in the process, they boosted their European qualification hopes. They moved up to sixth with that result, and should they finish there, a place in the Europa League or UEFA Conference League for next season would be theirs.
Going into Match Week 26 we find Real Madrid and Barcelona sharing the top of the table with 54 points. Barça pip the defending champions with a better goal difference, and also have the advantage on head-to-head competition.
After numerous reports claimed an agreement between Palmeiras, Barcelona and Real Betis to send Vitor Roque back to Brazil, Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that a deal has been done.
Real Betis have been strong in the last couple of weeks, and it finally looks like their talented squad is starting to click. Not too long ago, Manuel Pellegrini’s side had been in the bottom half of the La Liga table, but now they are seventh, which should be a European place at the end of the season.
Real Betis were matched up against Vitoria de Guimaraes during Frida’s UEFA Conference League draw, avoiding Chelsea in the process. Those associated with Los Verdiblancos were able to breathe a sigh of relief at this, although the Portuguese side will still provide a very stern test, given that they finished second in the league phase standings.
Since arriving from Manchester United during the winter transfer window, Antony has made an exceptional start to life as a Real Betis player. The 24-year-old has amassed three goals and one assist in his first four appearances for Los Verdiblancos, and that has quickly made him a fan’s favourite.
Palmeiras continue to forge ahead with their intentions to sign Vitor Roque, and they are making progress. The 19-year-old has fallen out of the starting XI at loan club Real Betis, but the decision will come down to them.
Real Betis may have won against Real Sociedad at the Benito Villamarin on Sunday, but they were also dealt a couple of bitter injury blows that will have set back head coach Manuel Pellegrini ahead of a busy upcoming spell of fixtures.
Real Betis’ hopes of finishing inside the European places took another blow on Saturday as they lost 3-2 against Celta Vigo. Manuel Pellegrini’s side had been on course to go 7th as they led 2-0 at Balaidos, before three second half goals from the hosts confined them to another disappointing result.
Manuel Pellegrini will have a new January signing to bolster Real Betis’ ranks, with Manchester United giving the go ahead for Antony to move to the Andalusian side.
Real Betis have had a few difficulties this season, although Manuel Pellegrini’s job has always been safe – and it has been this way for almost the entirety of his four-and-a-half year spell in charge at the Benito Villamarin.
In the last couple of days, Sevilla have confirmed that they have cut institutional ties with bitter rivals Real Betis after a complaint from the latter saw Los Nervionenses be without three players for last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo because of suspension.
With two matches to go in the league phase of the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League, Real Betis are in a rather precarious position. Manuel Pellegrini’s side lost last time out against Mlada Boleslav, and because of this, they are only just inside the play-off places (22nd).
LaLiga leaders Barcelona had to settle for a 2-2 draw at Real Betis after substitute Assane Diao scored a stoppage-time equaliser on Saturday to give Manuel Pellegrini cause to celebrate in his 500th LaLiga game as a manager.
Ez Abde joined Real Betis from Barcelona in the summer of 2023, and despite a difficult first season in Andalusia, things are now looking up for the 22-year-old winger.
Real Betis are dealing with the fallout from Sunday’s El Gran Derbi defeat at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. Not only was it a terrible result for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, but there could also be further ramifications.