Struggles of Real Betis Against Relegation-Dwelling Teams

omidbasir- Real Betis is encountering significant difficulties this season when competing against teams currently in the relegation zone. Under Pellegrini’s management, they have dropped eleven points across five matches against such opponents who arrived for these clashes positioned in the bottom three of the league standings.

Levante and Valencia were the first to hand Betis disappointing results away from home. Levante thwarted Betis’ comeback after they fell behind 2-0, while Valencia equalized late in a match where Betis had taken a 1-0 lead. These two draws, 2-2 and 1-1, respectively, began to highlight the challenges posed by these struggling adversaries.

The visit from Girona to La Caruja marked the third encounter with a team desperately fighting to stay afloat in the league. Yet again, Betis found themselves unable to secure a win, resulting in a 1-1 draw. In January, a trip to Carlos Tartiere in Oviedo ended similarly, bringing their tally to four matches against relegation-threatened teams, all ending in draws. This loss of eight points has prevented Betis from firmly entering the Champions League qualification race.

Yesterday, at Mendizorroza, the situation worsened as Pellegrini’s side not only failed to claim victory against another bottom-dwelling team but also suffered their second away league defeat of the season. Betis once more allowed a struggling opponent to escape the relegation zone and missed a golden opportunity to rise to fifth place while increasing their lead over Celta by three points.

Two of the four draws against relegation-zone adversaries occurred following international breaks, while the draw in Oviedo came after a full week of preparation. The only matches against Valencia and last night against Alavés saw the verdiblancos playing away from home right after midweek Europa League commitments, which complicates the narrative of fatigue from lesser rest.

The injury crisis plaguing Pellegrini’s side at the start of the year has significantly limited their options. With Bellerín, Ruibal, Junior, Amrabat, Isco, Lo Celso, Riquelme, and Cucho all sidelined, they could almost field a full starting eleven from their absent players. Additionally, Antony is struggling with pubic discomfort. This depletion has notably affected Betis’ competitiveness, though it cannot serve as an excuse given the quality and depth of their squad when facing teams fighting for survival.