Preview:Real Betis vs Alaves - prediction, team news, lineups

Real Betis will be bidding to post their first victory of their 2025-26 La Liga campaign when they take on Alaves at Estadio de La Cartuja on Friday night.

The visitors recorded a 2-1 win over reigning Segunda Division champions Levante in their opening match of the new season, but their hosts were held to a 1-1 draw by promoted outfit Elche.

Match preview

Real Betis finished sixth in Spain's top flight last season, with the team qualifying for the league phase of the Europa League, and they will again be targeting a top-six spot during the 2025-26 campaign.

Manuel Pellegrini's side would have been expecting to open their season with a win over Elche, but German Valera cancelled out an opener from Aitor Ruibal, as the points were shared in a 1-1 draw.

The Greens have made seven signings this summer, with the biggest of those in terms of a transfer fee being Nelson Deossa, while Nathan, Rodrigo Riquelme, Gonzalo Petit, Valentin Gomez, Junior Firpo and Pau Lopez have also made the move to the club during the current market.

Real Betis have also banked a healthy amount of money in the transfer window, with Johnny Cardoso and Jesus Rodriguez leaving for big fees, but they are still finding it difficult to afford a deal for Manchester United's Antony.

The Seville outfit have won 18 of their previous 40 matches against Alaves, but they suffered a 3-1 defeat when the two teams last locked horns in January 2025.

Alaves are actually unbeaten in their last five matches against Real Betis, recording two wins in the process, so the Basque outfit will enter this game full of confidence, especially considering their strong opening-weekend win.

Indeed, Eduardo Coudet's side beat Levante 2-1 in their first match of the new campaign, with Toni Martinez and Nahuel Tenaglia on the scoresheet against the reigning Segunda Division champions.

Alaves finished 15th in La Liga last season, only two points clear of the relegation zone, so there is clear room for improvement this term, but it is currently a successful period in the club's history.

Indeed, El Glorioso are playing in La Liga for the ninth time in the last 10 seasons, and they have twice managed to post top-half finishes since earning promotion from the Segunda Division in 2016.

Alaves have managed to make seven new signings this summer, including former Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz, while former Barcelona attacker Carles Alena has also made the switch from Getafe.

Real Betis La Liga form:

Alaves La Liga form:

Team News

Real Betis will again be without the services of key player Isco, with the Spaniard set for a lengthy period on the sidelines after fracturing his leg during pre-season.

Deossa will also again be missing, while Abde Ezzalzouli, Diego Llorente and Marc Roca require late fitness tests to determine their availability for the contest.

Head coach Pellegrini could decide to name the same XI that took to the field for the first whistle against Elche, with summer arrival Riquelme again expected to operate in a wide area.

As for Alaves, Hugo Novoa is a doubt, but the visitors are otherwise in excellent shape for this match.

The team's performance and indeed result against Levante last time out was excellent, so it could be a case of same again when it comes to team selection for this game.

Toni Martinez should continue at centre-forward following his goal against Levante, while Alena is also set for another starting role, with new striker Diaz potentially making his second appearance for the club off the bench.

Real Betis possible starting lineup:

Lopez; Bellerin, Bartra, Natan, Rodriguez; Altimira, Fornals; Ruibal, Lo Celso, Riquelme; Hernandez

Alaves possible starting lineup:

Sivera; Otto, Tenaglia, Garces, Parada; Vicente, Guridi, Blanco, Ibanez, Alena; Martinez

We say: Real Betis 1-1 Alaves

Real Betis have found Alaves to be tricky opposition of late, and while a home win would not be surprising, we believe that Alaves have enough quality to navigate their way to a welcome point on Friday night.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.