Betis battles fatigue after Europa League heartbreak

Real Betis returns to La Liga action on Tuesday against Girona, shortly after their disappointing UEFA Europa League quarter-final elimination. The team is seeking to secure Europa League football for the fifth time in six seasons, as Champions League qualification appears increasingly out of reach.

In contrast, Girona has shown flashes of brilliance, securing significant results this month. They recently held second-placed Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw at the Bernabéu, following a 1-0 home victory over Villarreal. Girona is now moving closer to a respectable top-half finish in the league standings.

Real Betis, however, is in poor form. Their last league victory was a narrow 2-1 win against Mallorca in mid-February. Despite remaining fifth in the table, their position has been aided by the struggles of Celta Vigo. The team's recent 1-1 draw with Osasuna was followed by their Europa League exit, where they lost a two-goal lead to Sporting Braga, crashing out 5-3 on aggregate.

Girona's home record is strong, with only one home defeat in 2026. The team's goal-scoring has been a challenge, with only three teams scoring fewer goals than their 33 in La Liga. Real Betis has secured only two away victories all season, both in successive matches in February.

The prediction for the match leans towards a draw, potentially 1-1, given Girona's slightly better form and home advantage. The absence of Antony due to suspension is noted as a significant miss for Real Betis, potentially costing them points.