On Sunday night, Real Betis and Atletico Madrid go head-to-head at the Villamarin, in what could be a crucial game in the battle for the Champions League spots in La Liga.

REAL BETIS

Manuel Pellegrini’s team once looked comfortable in La Liga’s top-four. However, a 2-1 defeat in El Gran Derbi against Sevilla last time out in the Spanish top-flight has the Andalusians looking highly vulnerable to losing their place in the league’s top-four.

Betis are now just a point clear of fourth-place Barcelona and visiting reigning champions Atletico Madrid in fifth-place. The defeat against Sevilla means that Los Verdiblancos have won two and lost two of their last four league matches. They also have the same record in La Liga at the Villamarin.

Atletico Madrid

The reigning champions have shown signs of a return to form of late, as a 2-0 home win over Celta Vigo means that Diego Simeone’s team has won three of their last four league matches. The run has certainly enhanced their chances of a top-four finish.

Their last two league matches have also seen signs of their defensive solidity returning, as Atletico have now kept back-to-back clean sheets in the Spanish top-flight.

One facet of their game that must improve if they are to finish the season strongly is their away form. Los Colchoneros have lost four of their last six away games in La Liga. However, a 3-0 win at Osasuna in their last away match ended a five-game winless run in the Spanish top-flight on their travels.

Real Betis vs Atletico Madrid Team News

Neither team have any reported injury problems, so both should have fully fit squads to choose from.