Sun May 18 17:40:00 UTC 2025: **Atletico Madrid Seek Redemption Against Champions League-Chasing Real Betis**

Madrid, Spain – Atletico Madrid will look to reignite their La Liga form this Sunday as they host a high-flying Real Betis at the Wanda Metropolitano. Diego Simeone’s men are eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Osasuna, a result that cemented their third-place position, far from the title race that once seemed within reach.

Real Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, arrive in Madrid with European ambitions of their own. Fresh off a 2-2 draw with Rayo Vallecano, they are currently sixth in the table, five points shy of a Champions League spot held by Villarreal. While securing a Europa League berth seems likely, a late surge for Champions League qualification remains a priority. They are also preparing to face Chelsea in the Conference League Final at the end of May.

Atletico, who have already seen their hopes in the Copa del Rey and Champions League dashed, will aim to end the season on a high note with only two matches remaining, the other being against Girona. Simeone is expected to freshen up his lineup, potentially bringing in Antoine Griezmann, Samuel Lino, Nahuel Molina, and Conor Gallagher into the starting eleven.

Real Betis, however, will be without Ezequiel Avila and Diego Llorente due to injury, with doubts surrounding the fitness of Juanmi, Hector Bellerin, Marc Roca and Youssouf Sabaly. Nevertheless, key players like Antony and Isco are expected to feature prominently.

The last encounter between these two sides saw Real Betis secure a 1-0 victory, although Atletico won the match at home last season 2-1. Despite Atletico’s strong home record, Real Betis have been formidable on the road, making this a potentially tense and evenly matched encounter.

**Possible Lineups:**

* **Atletico Madrid:** Oblak; Molina, Gimenez, Lenglet, Lino; Simeone, De Paul, Koke, Gallagher; Griezmann, Alvarez
* **Real Betis:** Adrian; Ruibal, Bartra, Natan, Rodriguez; Cardoso, Fornals; Antony, Isco, Ezzalzouli; Hernandez

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