As La Liga’s 2024–2025 season edges closer to its final stretch, the clash between Girona FC and Real Betis at Estadi Montilivi on April 21 holds substantial significance. For Girona, it’s about survival and ending a disastrous run of form. For Real Betis, it’s about pushing further into the European qualification zone. Based on current trajectories, this match leans heavily toward the visitors, but football has always defied logic — making this encounter one to watch closely.
Here is our squad list for #GironaRealBetis! 👤💚 pic.twitter.com/Ss0RRvoBQR
— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) April 20, 2025
Girona’s Struggles Continue: A Team in Decline
Girona enter this match under a dark cloud of poor performances and fading confidence. Their recent La Liga form has been dismal, and key statistical indicators paint a concerning picture:
- Just 1 win in their last 10 league matches
- 6 losses and 3 draws in that same span
- Averaging only 0.9 goals per game
- Conceding 1.9 goals per match on average
- Possession control at 54.7%, which suggests control without conversion
- Averaging 3.6 shots on target per game out of 10.2 total attempts
- Conceding 5.2 shots on target from 13.5 opponent attempts
- Top scorers: Yaser Asprilla, Cristhian Stuani, and Yangel Herrera (2 goals each)
- Assists leaders: Viktor Tsigankov and Yangel Herrera (2 each)
Girona’s attack lacks clinical finishing, while their defense remains porous and susceptible to quick transitions. Their high possession style under Michel has yielded little in terms of results, often exposing their backline when caught in transition. The team has also shown a tendency to concede late goals, which has compounded their misery.
Real Betis: Finding Form at the Right Time
In stark contrast, Real Betis are building momentum at a critical phase of the season. Under Manuel Pellegrini, the Verdiblancos have demonstrated consistency, tactical discipline, and offensive flair:
- 6 wins in their last 10 league matches, alongside 2 draws and 2 defeats
- Averaging 1.9 goals scored per game
- Conceding just 1.3 goals per match, a relatively strong defensive record
- Creating 15.3 goal attempts per match, with 5.0 on target
- Dominating ball control with 53.9% average possession
- Averaging 474.2 passes per match, indicating a high-tempo passing game
- Delivering 5.7 corners won per game, while limiting opponents to 4.0
- Star player Isco has contributed 5 goals and 3 assists, making him a pivotal figure
- Other key contributors: Johnny Cardoso, Juan Hernandez, Diego Llorente, Marc Roca (2 goals each)
- Goalkeeper Adrian has kept 2 clean sheets in the last 10 matches
Real Betis’s tactical setup in a 4-2-3-1 formation allows them to control midfield battles while giving players like Isco the freedom to operate between lines. Their balance between defense and attack has yielded results both domestically and in the Europa Conference League, where they recently progressed to the semifinals after eliminating Jagiellonia Bialystok.
Girona vs Real Betis Head-to-Head
While Girona may find some confidence in recent matchups against Betis, the historical data tells a more balanced story:
- Girona are unbeaten in their last three meetings against Betis
- The last encounter ended in a 1-1 draw at Estadio Benito Villamarín
- Across the previous six meetings:
- 3 wins for Real Betis
- 1 win for Girona
- 2 draws
Despite Girona’s recent upper hand, Betis’s current form makes them the more likely victor. The Catalan side is also under heavy pressure due to their proximity to the relegation zone, and such pressure often leads to rushed decisions and costly errors.
Tomorrow 👊 pic.twitter.com/6BX40F1bTd
— Girona FC (@GironaFC_Engl) April 20, 2025
Girona vs Real Betis Tactical Overview and Key Lineups
Girona: Likely Formation – 4-3-3
- Goalkeeper: Paulo Gazzaniga
- Defenders: Arnau Martinez, David Lopez, Ladislav Krejci, Daley Blind
- Midfield: Ivan Martin, Oriol Romeu, Yangel Herrera
- Attackers: Viktor Tsigankov, Abel Ruiz, Arnaut Danjuma
Key Issues:
- Vulnerable defensive transitions
- Lack of decisive finishing
- Over-reliance on limited scorers
Real Betis: Likely Formation – 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Adrian
- Defenders: Aitor Ruibal, Marc Bartra, Natan, Romain Perraud
- Midfield Pivot: Johnny Cardoso, Pablo Fornals
- Attacking Midfield: Antony, Isco, Jesus Rodriguez
- Striker: Juan Hernandez
Strengths:
- Creative depth with Isco orchestrating attacks
- Well-organized back line with experienced defenders
- Midfielders that provide both defensive coverage and offensive thrust
Key Match Factors to Consider
- Form Advantage: Betis are in considerably better form, especially away from home
- Goal Scoring Edge: Betis average 1 more goal per game than Girona over the last 10 matches
- Midfield Dominance: Betis’s balanced midfield could neutralize Girona’s attempts to control possession
- Managerial Experience: Pellegrini’s wealth of top-flight experience gives Betis a strategic edge in tight matches
- Mentality & Confidence: Betis are playing with purpose; Girona are searching for solutions
Girona vs Real Betis Match Odds Overview
- Real Betis Win: 2.45
- Draw: 3.30
- Girona Win: 2.88
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Balanced at around 1.95–2.00
- Both Teams to Score (Yes): 1.75
These odds reflect a closely matched contest on paper, but Betis’s recent form and superior squad depth tip the scales in their favor.
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On our way to Girona! 🛫#GironaRealBetis pic.twitter.com/Gh1gK545Tu
— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) April 20, 2025
Conclusion
This is a pivotal match for both sides, but all signs point toward a Real Betis triumph. Girona’s form has deteriorated over recent weeks, exposing tactical fragility and limited attacking prowess. Real Betis, in contrast, are riding a wave of positive performances and have shown a consistent ability to perform on the road. The combination of Isco’s creativity, Pellegrini’s tactical structure, and Girona’s lack of momentum provides a clear betting edge.
