The historic city of Seville has found itself a new representative in European football in recent years. The most successful side in the city, Sevilla FC, have been in consistent decline ever since the 2021/22 season.
Following their demise, Real Betis Balompie have emerged as a more prominent team from Andalusia that constantly pushes for Europe every season.
Read on for our Real Betis preview for the 2026/27 season.
Real Betis’ 2025/26 Campaign
Before we begin our Real Betis preview, it is important to discuss the 2025/26 season at the Benito Villamarín.
In the 2025/26 La Liga season, Betis finished fifth on the table with 60 points and secured a spot for the next Champions League season. Moreover, they reached the quarter-final stages of both the UEFA Europa League and the Copa del Rey.
Manuel Pellegrini’s Successful Tenure at Benito Villamrin
The 2026/27 season will be the seventh consecutive season for Manuel Pellegrini on Real Betis’ touchline. Under Pellegrini, Betis have emerged as one of the most consistent sides in La Liga.
The former Manchester City head coach has led Los Verdiblancos to six consecutive finishes in the European spots in as many years in charge of the club. Pellegrini also won Betis their third Copa del Rey title in 2022, the club’s first silverware after the 2005 Copa del Rey victory.
Next season, Real Betis will feature in the Champions League for only the second time in the club’s entire 118-year history.
Real Betis Preview: Pellegrini’s Tactics as Betis’ Manager
We will start our Real Betis preview by discussing Pellegrini’s tactics. Betis under Pellegrini tend to play with controlled possession. They like to build from the back by dropping a midfielder deep and stretching the full-backs.
The most important thing in their philosophy is not taking unnecessary risks. Betis don’t force the issue; rather, they wait for the opponent to draw forward and leave the spaces for Betis’ midfielders and forwards to exploit.
Once they lure the opposition forward, Betis’ attacking mechanism depends on consistent off-the-ball movements and dominating the spaces left by the opposition.
Similarly, in the final third, Real Betis work their way into the box by constant ball rotation from one side to the other and then try to capitalise on a moment of weakness in the opponent’s defence by using their good positioning and sharp movements.
Real Betis’ Defensive Structure
Real Betis defend in a traditional 4-4-2 manner. They do not constantly press the opposition high up the pitch; rather, they wait for certain triggers to initiate the press.
Betis maintain compactness in the middle and force the opposition to go wide. From there, they defend the opposition’s crosses and attacks into the box.
Real Betis Preview: Transfer Activity at Benito Villamarín
It is crucial to discuss the transfer business at Benito Villamarín in this Real Betis preview.
Betis have made a couple of good signings so far. They have signed Facundo Bernal from Fluminense for a fee of €10.25 million. The Uruguayan holding midfielder stands out for his physical stature, press resistance, and precise passing range.
Former Real Madrid left-back Fran García will also wear green and white in the upcoming season. The full-back lost his place in the Madrid side last season, but he has the potential to become a vital player at Benito Villamarín.
Betis would be hoping that the Spaniard regains his confidence and once again becomes a player that he once was at Rayo Vallecano.
The Surprise Exit
There has been a forced departure for the Beticos as well. Real Betis needed a significant sale to balance their financial books. Their star midfielder, Sergi Altimira, had many suitors who were willing to pay for his services.
Eventually, he was sold to Sporting CP for €18.25 million. Betis hope that their new midfield signing, Bernal, can fill the void left by the Spaniard.
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Real Betis Preview: Key Players Vital for Betis’ Success Next Season
A Real Betis preview wouldn’t be complete without discussing the key players whose performances will determine the success of Betis’ next season. Isco Alarcon will once again be the star at Benito Villamarín.
The Spanish midfielder suffered from injuries last season and only featured nine times for Betis in the entire season. He is back in full fitness for the pre-season, and his return will be an enormous boost for Los Verdiblancos ahead of next season.
The Attacking Trio with Immense Potential
The attacking responsibilities will rely on Abde Ezzalzouli, Antony, and Álvaro Fidalgo..
Abde had an outstanding individual season with Betis last season but missed the World Cup because of an injury. The Moroccan would be keen to make an impactful return.
Antony has also rediscovered himself in Betis colours and is a much better player compared to his time at Old Trafford. Fidalgo also had a decent World Cup campaign with Mexico and will be looking to have a standout season at Benito Villamarín.
Expectations for the 2026/27 Campaign
We will conclude our Real Betis preview by examining the Andalusian team’s prospects for a successful 2026/27 season. Betis have a settled squad and haven’t changed much from last season.
The only shortcoming Beticos have is the lack of a reliable goal-scorer up top. If they can add such a profile before the end of the transfer window, it would elevate their level immensely.
But even with Juan Hernandez as a number nine, they still have the capability to challenge for a top-five finish next season in La Liga alongside Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid and get through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
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