Betis Advances to Copa del Rey Quarterfinals Amidst Challenging Schedule

Real Betis has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey following a 2-1 comeback victory against Elche, marking their return to this stage after four years. The last time the verdiblancos reached this round, they went on to win the title, clinching victory in a historic final at La Cartuja with a decisive penalty from Juan Miranda. However, their excitement about being one of the last eight teams contending for the trophy is tempered by the potential challenges of their demanding match schedule.

Under coach Manuel Pellegrini, the team commenced an intensive series of fixtures starting last Saturday at Carlos Tartiere. This sequence includes an away match against Oviedo, a home match versus Elche in the Copa del Rey, another home league match next Saturday against Villarreal, an away fixture against PAOK in the UEFA Europa League next week, and a domestic clash against Alavés in Mendizorroza the following Sunday. Additionally, they will host Feyenoord for the final group stage match of the continental tournament before facing Valencia at La Cartuja on February 1.

With their entry into the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, Betis will need to contend with midweek fixtures following their encounter with Corberán’s side. The draw next Monday at the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas will determine their next opponent and whether the match will be played at home or away. This grueling schedule of two matches per week could extend even further if Betis progresses to the semifinals, with those ties scheduled to commence around February 11.

Consequently, it has become urgent for the team to manage their calendar effectively. The only viable way to alleviate the strain while continuing in all three competitions is through the UEFA Europa League. Securing necessary points against PAOK next week and against Feyenoord the following week is crucial for the verdiblancos to avoid the playoffs and secure direct passage to the round of 16. Failing to do so could result in the need for them to continue competing twice a week for an additional two, three, or even five weeks, depending on their progress in both the Copa del Rey and the European tournament.

The Europa League playoffs are set for February 19 and 26, right before they host Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga at La Cartuja and face cross-town rivals Sevilla in the second derby of the season. With 14 points from the six matches played, Betis currently stands in fourth place, just one point behind Olympique de Lyon, Midtjylland, and Aston Villa. They hold a two-point cushion over the ninth-placed team, which is the first side outside the top eight that would contest the round of 32. A victory against either PAOK or Feyenoord is vital for Betis to gain breathing room in February and avoid being locked into a two-match-per-week rhythm until the March break, provided they continue their Copa journey.