Match Preview: Atlético de Madrid vs. Real Betis Balompié

omidbasir- On Sunday, February 8, 2026, Atlético de Madrid will host Real Betis Balompié at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, starting at 18:30, in a match corresponding to Round 23 of LaLiga EA Sports. This encounter comes less than 72 hours after both teams faced each other in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals at the Estadio de La Cartuja.

For coach Manuel Pellegrini and his team, who suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat in the cup match, this game represents an opportunity to rectify their previous mistakes. Adopting a new strategy, introducing fresh faces into the starting lineup, and minimizing defensive errors are crucial to securing a positive outcome, especially since they have never won at this venue. Maintaining their fifth-place standing in LaLiga is a primary goal.

On the other side, Diego Simeone’s Atlético arrives with high morale following their impressive qualification for the cup semi-finals, where they will face Barcelona in a two-legged tie. The team aims to build on their recent success in LaLiga in front of their home fans, as they continue to pursue Barcelona and Real Madrid in the title race while also trying to widen their lead for a Champions League spot.

The match is scheduled for today, February 8, at 18:30 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium. Fans can watch the live broadcast on Movistar LaLiga, while also being able to follow play-by-play commentary on Radio MARCA and MARCA.com. A pre-match analysis will start two hours prior to kickoff, and post-match coverage will include reports, player interviews, and highlights.

Atlético de Madrid enters this match after a 0-0 draw against Levante at the Ciudad de Valencia, currently sitting third in LaLiga with 45 points, and securely positioned for a Champions League berth.

Meanwhile, Real Betis arrives following a 2-1 victory against Valencia at La Cartuja, holding fifth place in LaLiga with 35 points, which qualifies them for the Europa League.