Head-to-Head Dominance: Betis Holds the Edge
The historical rivalry between Levante and Real Betis has seen 28 official encounters across various competitions. Real Betis has historically been the more dominant side, securing 14 victories compared to Levante’s 10, with 4 matches ending in a draw.
Looking at their recent meetings, Real Betis has enjoyed a strong run, winning their last three consecutive encounters against Levante in La Liga.
- February 13, 2022: Levante 2 – 4 Real Betis (La Liga)
- November 28, 2021: Real Betis 3 – 1 Levante (La Liga)
- March 19, 2021: Real Betis 2 – 0 Levante (La Liga)
- December 29, 2020: Levante 4 – 3 Real Betis (La Liga)
- June 28, 2020: Levante 4 – 2 Real Betis (La Liga)
These recent results highlight a tendency for high-scoring affairs, with both teams often finding the back of the net. Notably, Levante has recorded impressive home victories with scorelines of 4-3 and 4-2 in past seasons, showcasing their potential for offensive outbursts at the Ciutat de València.
Current Form & Team News: A Tale of Two Starts
Levante (La Liga 2025-2026 Season)
Levante, who were champions of the Segunda División last season, have endured a dismal start to their La Liga campaign. They currently sit 19th in the table with 0 points after three matches. Their form reflects three consecutive losses, conceding at least two goals in each fixture:
- L vs Elche (Away): 0-2
- L vs FC Barcelona (Home): 2-3
- L vs Deportivo Alavés (Away): 1-2
Overall, Levante has scored 3 goals while conceding 7 in their opening three league matches, averaging 1.0 goal scored and 2.33 goals conceded per game.
Team News: Head coach Julián Calero faces several injury concerns. Defender Alan Matturro and forward G. Koyalipou are both sidelined with hamstring/thigh injuries, with their return expected in late September. Kervin Arriaga is also a doubt due to a thigh injury and potential lack of fitness.
Real Betis (La Liga 2025-2026 Season)
Real Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, has had a mixed start to the 2025-2026 season. They currently sit 8th in La Liga with 5 points from four matches (W1 D2 L1). Their recent league results include:
- L vs Athletic Club (Home): 1-2
- D vs Celta Vigo (Away): 1-1
- W vs Deportivo Alavés (Home): 1-0
- D vs Elche (Away): 1-1
Betis has scored 4 goals and conceded 5 goals in their four league outings, averaging 1.0 goal scored and 1.25 goals conceded per match.
Team News: Betis has been hit with significant injury blows. Star midfielder Isco is out for an extended period due to a fractured fibula. Defender Ricardo Rodríguez is also sidelined with a moderate right adductor muscle injury picked up on international duty. Marc Roca is out with a foot injury, and Aitor Ruibal is also injured. Winger Abde Ezzalzouli is uncertain as he returns from a four-month absence. However, goalkeeper Pau Lopez has recovered from his injury and is expected to return to the starting lineup. Centre-back Marc Bartra is a late call due to discomfort. New signing Antony (from Manchester United) is expected to play a crucial role in attack, alongside players like Cucho Hernández and Giovani Lo Celso, who may fill in for the injured Isco.
Tactical Preview: Defensive Solidity vs. Attacking Prowess
Levante, under Julián Calero, is expected to deploy a defensive 5-4-1 formation, a system he has favored this season. This setup aims to provide a strong defensive block, but their early season results suggest a porous backline that has struggled to contain opponents. Their attacking output has been limited, relying on individuals like Iván Romero to create chances.
Real Betis, likely to line up in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, will seek to exploit Levante’s defensive fragilities. Despite some key injuries, particularly Isco’s absence, Pellegrini’s side possesses attacking talent in the form of Antony, Cucho Hernández, and Giovani Lo Celso. Their pragmatic approach often sees them maintain possession, but they will need to be more clinical in front of goal. Betis’s defense has also shown vulnerabilities, with only one clean sheet in four matches, and both teams scoring in their last four away league games.
The midfield battle will be crucial. Levante’s compact four-man midfield will aim to stifle Betis’s creative players, while Betis will look to dominate possession and open up channels for their forwards. The warm September weather in Valencia should not be a significant factor, and travel fatigue will be minimal for both Spanish teams.
Expected Scoreline: Levante 1 – 2 Real Betis
This prediction aligns with betting odds that favor a Real Betis win, with odds typically around 2.14-2.22. We anticipate a match where both teams score, a trend seen in Betis’s last four away league matches and in many of their head-to-head encounters. Given the open nature of past meetings and Levante’s defensive issues, an outcome of over 2.5 goals seems plausible. We could see a goal from Real Betis’s Cucho Hernández or Antony, while Levante’s Iván Romero might be the one to break through for the home side.
