- Core Players & Star Quality
Real Betis
• Key leaders: Isco (1552 mins, 9G, 8A), Fornals (1838 mins), Johnny Cardoso (2143 mins, 3G, 1A).
• Isco was the creative hub before his injury (out until Nov 2025). His absence leaves a big creative gap.
• Diego Llorente (2522 mins, 2G) anchors defense but sidelined with hamstring injury.
• Lo Celso (1458 mins, 8G, 3A) has become the major attacking midfielder threat.
• New attackers: Vitor Roque (1238 mins, 4G) and Cucho Hernández (1149 mins, 5G, 1A) add sharpness up front.
Athletic Bilbao
• Offensive stars: Oihan Sancet (1628 mins, 15G, 1A), Guruzeta (1845 mins, 7G, 2A), Iñaki Williams (2654 mins, 6G, 8A).
• Nico Williams (2001 mins, 5G, 5A) adds wing creativity.
• Backline consistency: Vivian (2605 mins, 4G), Paredes (1815 mins, 3G).
• Veteran depth: Yuri Berchiche, De Marcos, Vesga provide leadership but minutes management is key.
- Departures Impact
Real Betis
• Key depth losses: Johnny Cardoso (moved on) reduces midfield stability, Sabaly departure cuts RB depth.
• Iglesias’ exit last season still leaves central striker rotation unsettled.
• Overall, departures reduce defensive and midfield options.
Athletic Bilbao
• De Marcos has left, cutting RB/CM depth.
• Yuri Berchiche aging, reduced availability.
• Otherwise, core squad largely intact, no high-profile departures weakening the team spine.
- New Player Integration
Real Betis
• Lo Celso re-integrated well, delivering goals + creativity.
• Cucho Hernández already effective as direct forward option.
• Vitor Roque emerging as CF solution, high work rate, but still adapting to Liga pace.
• Defensive new faces (Rodrigo Riquelme, Perraud) provide rotational cover.
Athletic Bilbao
• Navarro, Gorosabel, and young midfielders (Unai Gómez, Jauregizar) add rotation minutes.
• No blockbuster attacking additions — reliance stays on Williams brothers + Sancet for end product.
- Assists & Goals Output
Real Betis
• Isco (9G, 8A) – most influential but out.
• Lo Celso (8G, 3A) – now primary offensive driver.
• Vitor Roque (4G) and Cucho (5G) boosting forward line.
• Secondary output: Abde (2G, 2A, but injured), Fornals (2G).
Athletic Bilbao
• Sancet: elite scorer from midfield (15G).
• Iñaki Williams (6G, 8A) and Nico Williams (5G, 5A) offer balanced wide attack.
• Guruzeta (7G) adds CF threat.
• Supporting midfield (Berenguer 6G, 7A) also reliable.
- Substitutes’ Experience & Depth
Real Betis
• Bench: Aitor Ruibal (1311 mins, 1G, 3A), Bakambu (701 mins, 2G, 2A), Jesús Rodríguez (1120 mins, 2G).
• Rotation GK depth with Rui Silva and Pau López.
• Youth players like Gonzalo Petit & Nobel Mendy not yet trusted for big matches.
• Injuries reduce second-line quality (Isco, Llorente, Roca).
Athletic Bilbao
• Óscar De Marcos (1563 mins, 4A) reliable depth when fit.
• Vesga & Unai Gómez provide rotation in midfield.
• Adama Boiro (1105 mins) offers young defensive cover.
• Attack depth slightly thin if Guruzeta or Williams brothers are unavailable.
- Forecast & Expected Dynamics
- Betis Challenge: Without Isco’s creativity and Llorente’s defensive leadership, Betis must rely heavily on Lo Celso, Roque, and Cucho for output. Midfield stability could be an issue against Athletic’s press.
- Bilbao Advantage: Athletic have multiple scoring outlets (Sancet, Williams brothers, Guruzeta) and stronger defensive chemistry. Their attacking diversity is likely to overwhelm Betis’ weakened structure.
- Likely Flow: Athletic Bilbao to dominate in transitions and wide play; Betis reliant on Lo Celso link-ups and counterattacking moments from Roque/Cucho.
- Predicted Strength Balance
- Real Betis: ★★★☆☆ — dangerous forwards but heavily weakened by Isco/Llorente injuries, lacks defensive balance.
- Athletic Bilbao: ★★★★☆ — consistent across lines, multiple goal contributors, better tactical balance.
Projected Result: Athletic Bilbao win, likely 2–1, with Sancet + Nico/Iñaki decisive. Betis’ weakened midfield may not sustain pressure over 90 minutes.
