Real Betis Balompié begin their Copa del Rey campaign this Wednesday 28 October with a trip to face Navalcarnero in the Round of 128. The match is scheduled for 21:00 local time and marks the verdiblancos' first cup fixture of the season, with the team sitting fourth in La Liga on 20 points from ten games, having recorded six wins and two draws.
Manuel Pellegrini's side travel after a goalless draw against Celta Vigo in La Liga last Saturday. Their recent form is mixed, with three wins, a draw and a loss in their last five outings, including Champions League victories over Feyenoord and Porto. Specifically, their recent run includes the 0-0 draw with Celta, a 1-0 win over Feyenoord with a penalty from Isco, and a 2-5 defeat to Barcelona. Across those five matches, the team has played 510 minutes of football with a goal. In the league, the side has scored 16 goals and conceded 14.
Pellegrini is likely to make significant rotations to preserve key players for the weekend's league match against Málaga, their next La Liga opponent. The home fixture against Málaga, who currently sit 20th, is set for Saturday 31 October. Against Celta, the Chilean manager set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Claudio Bravo in goal. Several squad players who have seen less action recently could get a starting opportunity at Navalcarnero.
The schedule is demanding, with the home league game against bottom-placed Málaga set for Saturday 31 October. The squad must manage their efforts across both competitions. Betis approach the Copa del Rey aiming to progress and keep alive a dream their supporters always cherish in this tournament. The team's last action before this cup tie was the scoreless draw at Balaídos.
