Third in La Liga and developing an attractive game, Real Betis Balompié is in 3rd place in La Liga ahead of the ogres Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona. Contenders for a place in the Champions League, the Verdiblancos can rely on a gala Nabil Fekir.
Tenth in La Liga in 2019, fifteenth in 2020 and sixth in 2021, Real Betis Balompié took a long time to find a balance, but finally seems to be finding continuity since the passage of Quique Setién (2017-2019) on the Andalusian bench. The Verdiblancos are third after 22 rounds and are 4 points ahead of Atlético de Madrid and 5 over FC Barcelona with one game more. Ambitious, the Sevillian club wants to establish itself at the top of the table and the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini in the summer of 2020 has restored order to this team. Putting in place his 4-2-3-1, he was able to bring together the two masters of this Andalusian formation: Nabil Fekir and Sergio Canales. After more than a year and a half, the alchemy seems found. These two players who officiate behind the attacker with Juanmi (who takes the left flank) allow to have a good technical mastery and especially to multiply the effective and sharp profiles. This season, Sergio Canales is 6 goals and 8 offerings in 30 matches while Nabil Fekir has 7 goals and 7 offerings in 27 matches. If we add the prolific Juanmi (16 goals and 2 offerings in 26 matches), we get an offensive sector where danger comes from everywhere.
Losing confidence at the start of last season, striker Borja Iglesias slowly recovered and this season he is effective (12 goals and 2 offers in 29 matches) despite a short time. The management of the scorers is well done by Manuel Pellegrini since Willian José (8 goals and 5 offerings in 24 matches) offers an equally valuable option. Second best attack in La Liga (41 goals) behind Real Madrid, Real Betis Balompié stands out with real attacking momentum. And once again, it takes a lot from the Canales-Fekir duo. Moreover, the first city had not hesitated on the praises towards his French partner in an interview for Cadena Cope : “Fekir is a player who makes the difference, times, creates chances out of nowhere… he’s a star. He adapted very well to the locker room and to the city. We like it very much. He’s one of the best players.”
A perfect dynamic
Well in his sneakers for his third season with the Andalusian club, Nabil Fekir has never been so successful and finds himself among the best players in the championship. The former Lyonnais also feels very good, like his recent extension until 2026. After a recent big victory against Real Sociedad (4-0), the French international midfielder (25 caps, 2 goals), he expressed his feelings and the state of mind of the group: “I felt very good, with good sensations. We got the win, that’s the most important thing. We all have a very good level. I think everyone is going in the same direction and when that’s the case it’s easier to play well. The fans always give us a lot of joy and we have to continue like this for them. Walking on water currently, Betis have won 4-0 against Alaves and 4-1 against Espanyol Barcelona in the last two La Liga games and advanced to the La Liga semi-finals after a wide victory 4-0 against Real Sociedad. Also qualified for the Europa League play-offs and due to challenge Zenit on February 17 and February 24, Betis Seville is currently on high standards.
If defensively it still remains perfectible even if the line composed of Hector Bellerin, Marc Bartra, Edgar Gonzalez and Alex Moreno seems to hold the rope. In goal, management is sound with a turnover between the aging but still performing Claudio Bravo and Rui Silva. Having to challenge Villarreal tomorrow at 6:30 p.m., Real Betis Balompié can assert themselves even more. Unai Emery did not fail to praise the Andalusian team: “We are going to play against the most in-form team in the league, with a coach who has found a way for his team and his players to end up almost all at their best version. An opponent in which everything you see is positive, so that’s a challenge. Betis are growing in all aspects, the figure of Pellegrini is essential, as he was able to create a strong squad and dressing room. They have grown and now they are consistent, in addition to playing well and winning, now they are scoring goals. They’re in for a great time and we’ll find it there. Now it is difficult to find shortcomings in the game of Betis, but we must seek and eliminate their flaws. The challenge promises to be great for Villarreal and Real Betis Balompié intends to continue its crazy dynamic and rely on a gala Nabil Fekir.
