Real Betis Balompié face Celta Vigo this Sunday in the tenth round of LaLiga, a direct clash for European places. The match will be played at the Municipal de Balaídos at 16:15 local time and broadcast live on DAZN LaLiga 2.

The Verdiblancos arrive after an important Champions League win against Feyenoord (1-0), but also with the domestic defeat to Barcelona (2-5) fresh in their minds. Manuel Pellegrini's side sits fourth with 19 points, from six wins, one draw and two losses in the first nine games. Their forward Abde Ezzalzouli is the top scorer this season with three goals in six appearances. In their last league match, on 17 October, Betis lost 2-5 to Barcelona with goals from Diego Valentín Gómez and Abde Ezzalzouli, a result that leaves them eight points behind the leaders. The team has scored 16 goals and conceded 14 in the domestic competition.

The Vigo-based team, eighth with 11 points, is in solid form with two wins and three draws in their last five outings. They recently beat Celtic (2-1) in the Europa League and Alavés (2-1) in the league. Claudio Giráldez's typical lineup is based on a 3-4-3, with Iago Aspas and Ferran Jutglà as the main attacking threats.

Betis's context

For Betis, this match is a chance to consolidate their top-four position before the upcoming break. The squad has significant absences like Luiz Henrique and William Carvalho, forcing adjustments in midfield. The last meeting between the two, back in March, ended in a 1-1 draw at the Benito Villamarín. The team travels to Balaídos this Sunday 25 October with a recent run of three wins, one draw and one loss in their last five matches across all competitions, including the 1-0 win over Feyenoord on 21 October with a penalty from Isco, and the 3-2 victory over FC Porto on 14 October.

Pellegrini must decide whether to stick with the five-defender line used in Europe or revert to the usual 4-2-3-1 for league action. Álvaro Vallés will continue in goal, with a defensive block likely featuring Héctor Bellerín, Marc Bartra, Natan and Fran García. In attack, the presence of Isco, who scored the penalty against Feyenoord, will be key to unlocking the game.

This is the first of a series of away fixtures that will define the season's rhythm. A win would allow Betis to maintain a comfortable cushion over their rivals in the chase for Champions League football.