Real Betis manager ready for Barcelona clash – ‘They have lost three games at home’ | OneFootball

Following the Super Cup triumph at the weekend, Barcelona will look to continue their momentum as they take on Real Betis in Copa Del Rey this midweek.

The Catalans are coming on the back of a win over Barbastro in the Round of 32. But things could get significantly trickier against a Betis side looking to cause an upset.

Heading into this game, veteran Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini spoke of his team’s chances of pulling off that upset.

Manuel Pellegrini ahead of Barcelona clash

“They are a very tough opponent, of course. Barcelona at home is not the ideal draw, but we will still go for the win,” Pellegrini began (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

The former Man City manager, though, did point out that Barcelona have dropped points at home this season.

“We must not forget that they have lost three home games, one against Las Palmas and another against Leganés,” he added.

Talking about Real Betis’ strategy to stop Barcelona’s momentum, Pellegrini stressed the need for playing to their potential.

“On Sunday they played very well against Real Madrid and that is football: we are going to try to cushion all the great virtues they have and play the game we did here, where we had many more chances to win than them,” he said.

Heading into this crucial affair, Betis have suffered a massive blow as top scorer Giovani Lo Celso has been ruled out with an injury.

However, that won’t stop Betis from posing a tough contest and replicating their performance from December, where they were able to hold Barça to a draw.

“We are going to try to show there why we could have beaten them here in the game that ended 2-2. Barcelona’s last performance was very good, without a doubt, but they have lost three games at home,” he remarked.

Can Pellegrini’s Real Betis stage a surprise this midweek? (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“Football is unpredictable and we don’t know what the game will be like, that’s why it’s such a popular sport, because many things can’t be explained.

“What I do expect is a Betis that goes with personality to try to get through to the next round and if we don’t manage to do so, it will be because Barcelona played better and not because we had a bad performance, that’s what’s important,” he added.

When asked about Barcelona players potentially feeling hungover after a weeklong trip to Saudi Arabia, Pellegrini admitted it wasn’t an ideal scenario for the opposition.

“It’s not ideal for a match, but as I always say, the result will be decided by individual performance and collective functioning.

“I hope we play the game we did here against Barcelona ​​because we had so many scoring opportunities that we should have won. These are different games, now we’re away and we hope to put in a good performance,” he said.

Finally, Pellegrini answered questions on Real Betis’ inconsistent form this season. The coach argued that it has been the case for almost all La Liga teams this season.

“It’s not just Betis. It’s happening to all teams. Barcelona lost three home games when they looked unbeatable and then scored five goals against Madrid,” he said.

“All teams have bad games, but more than the bad games, I’m bothered by the points we’ve wasted at home by playing very good games. The defeats have been deserved, especially in the Conference, but in the League, we should have several more points,” he concluded.