Barcelona face major Real Betis test as unbeaten run reaches 10 matches

Barcelona will look to extend their perfect start to the 2026-27 season when they visit Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday, 17 October.

Hansi Flick’s side lead the table with 24 points from eight matches, while Real Betis are third on 19 points, five behind the Catalans.

The hosts have made an impressive start under Manuel Pellegrini and arrive in strong form. Real Betis beat Porto 3-2 in the Champions League before defeating Osasuna 5-2 in La Liga last weekend. They have won five of their past six matches in all competitions and drawn the other, with their only defeat this season coming against Levante in La Liga at the end of August.

Their league record stands at six wins, one draw and one defeat. Barcelona, meanwhile, have won all eight of their league matches and have scored 34 goals in the competition, including a 3-0 victory over Getafe last weekend.

Flick’s team are also on a run of 10 successive wins in all competitions after beating Galatasaray 4-1 in the Champions League. Barcelona won both league meetings with Real Betis last season, including a 5-3 victory in Seville in December 2025.

The Catalans’ past two defeats by Real Betis came at home, and they have not lost away to the Andalusian club since January 2011.

Team news and predicted line-ups

Junior Firpo (groin) and Aitor Ruibal (knee) are unavailable for Real Betis. Cucho Hernandez is expected to return up front in place of Troy Parrott after starting on the bench against Porto.

Antony could again be among the substitutes, with Rodrigo Riquelme likely to start on the right and Pablo Fornals expected to move back into central midfield.

Barcelona could welcome back Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong after both returned to training. They are expected to begin on the bench if selected. Gabriel Jesus could therefore feature in the front three, although Dani Olmo remains an alternative after playing as a false nine against Galatasaray.

Eric Garcia sustained a cut to his knee in that match but is available to start in Seville. Xavi Espart could also come in at left-back. Roony Bardghji (knee) and Andreas Christensen (thigh) are ruled out.

Probable Real Betis XI: Valles; Bellerin, Llorente, Natan, Garcia; Fornals, Roca; Riquelme, Isco, Ezzalzouli; Hernandez.

Probable Barcelona XI: J. Garcia; E. Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin, Espart; Fermin, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, G. Jesus, Gordon.

Betting tips

– Barcelona to win and both teams to score – 2.05 – Anthony Gordon to score – 2.48 – Lamine Yamal to provide an assist – 2.35

Real Betis have the quality to end Barcelona’s winning sequence, but the expectation is that Flick’s side will claim all three points.

Barcelona’s demanding October continues with a Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain next week, followed by a home Clasico against Real Madrid. They will also face Alaves in La Liga before hosting Aston Villa at Camp Nou in the Champions League in their first match of November.

Real Betis La Liga form: D, W, W, W, D, W Real Betis all-competitions form: W, W, W, D, W, W Barcelona La Liga form: W, W, W, W, W, W Barcelona all-competitions form: W, W, W, W, W, W