Two sides fighting for European spots face off in Seville this Saturday (9pm CET)
A new challenge awaits Villarreal CF, who arrive in magnificent form. The Yellows travel to Seville to face Real Betis this Saturday at 9pm CET. This time, however, the match will not be played at the Benito Villamarín – in works – but at the impressive Cartuja. A fixture that always promises and never disappoints.
Villarreal will once again go head-to-head with the combative Betis side, with whom they have forged a strong rivalry in recent years in the battle for European places. Both teams fight every season for ambitious targets.
A memorable precedent and pure spectacle
The last meeting between the two teams in Seville brings exceptional memories for Villarreal fans. Last season, Marcelino García Toral’s men made a statement at the Benito Villamarín, claiming a 1-2 victory that halted Betis’ promising run as they threatened Villarreal’s fifth place. The Andalusians struck early, but the Yellows turned the game around thanks to goals from Barry and Ayoze Pérez, the former Betis player who brilliantly decided the contest.
In the 2024/25 season, Betis-Villarreal was also one to remember. Led by Marcelino, the Groguets triumphed in a thrilling encounter that ended 2-3. Villarreal sealed the win thanks to goals from Álex Baena, an own goal by Sokratis, and Sorloth, in a match where Gerard Moreno shone brightly.
Beyond the scoreline, clashes between these two sides are always synonymous with goals and excitement. The same applies at the Estadio de la Cerámica, where Betis have managed positive results in recent campaigns. Pellegrini’s side earned a point earlier this season (2-2) and claimed victory last term (1-2).
La Cartuja tests Villarreal’s bright start to 2026
In 2026, Villarreal have started the year perfectly, winning both matches played so far against Elche and Alavés. A major challenge now awaits Marcelino’s men after completing the best first half of a season in the club’s top-flight history.
Betis will try to break the saying “third time’s the charm” by defeating a Villarreal side in top form after the winter break. They will fight tooth and nail to prevent the Groguets – currently 12 points ahead with a game in hand – from pulling further away in the league table.
Meanwhile, Pellegrini’s team will be looking for their first win of 2026 after starting the year with a heavy defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid (5-1) and a draw away to Real Oviedo at the Tartiere (1-1). At the third attempt, they will seek victory.
