Real Betis vs Almería: prediction and odds

The pre-season tournament serves up a tantalizing Andalusian derby, pitting La Liga’s Real Betis against Segunda División side UD Almería. The gap in class and the current fitness levels of both squads will be the decisive factors in this clash. Let’s break down what to expect from this upcoming fixture.

Tactical Analysis: Real Betis

Real Betis powered through a strong La Liga campaign last season, finishing fifth with 60 points from 38 matches. The Seville side recorded 15 wins and 15 draws, scoring 59 goals while conceding 48 (averages of 1.55 and 1.26 per game, respectively). Their pre-season friendlies this summer have been impressive: a demolition of French powerhouse Lyon (4-0), plus clean-sheet victories over fourth-tier Spanish side Recreativo (1-0) and German regional league side Lotte (3-0). The only blemish came in a narrow 1-0 loss to Segunda mid-table team Granada. Manager Manuel Pellegrini’s men consistently beat lesser opponents, though Granada proved a tough nut to crack.

The club extended Pellegrini’s coaching staff for another season, allowing them to prepare calmly for the new campaign with hopes of securing a European spot. The green-and-whites have strengthened their squad: defender Fran García arrived from Real Madrid, goalkeeper Diego Conde on loan from Villarreal, and defensive midfielder Facundo Bernal joined from Brazilian side Fluminense for €10.5 million. These additions should shore up the defense, midfield, and attack. Betis also remain keen on signing Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk from Roma.

Tactical Analysis: UD Almería

Almería played in the Segunda División last season, finishing third with 74 points from 42 matches, recording 22 wins. Their pre-season results have been mixed: a 1-0 victory over fourth-tier Aguilas, but a 0-2 loss to Segunda side Granada. Against strong La Liga opponents, they often lack defensive solidity. In February 2026, news broke that Cristiano Ronaldo had acquired a 25% stake in the club – a move that has drawn attention and added weight to the club’s profile.

The new head coach is Xavi García Pimienta, who has a proven track record of elevating clubs: in 2023 he led Las Palmas to promotion and kept them in the top flight. His philosophy focuses on possession and quick transitions from defense to attack. The club has invested in young, promising talent. Among the new arrivals is Kim Junyent, a 19-year-old midfielder who came through Barcelona’s academy, won the European Championship with the youth national team, and is now ready to make an impact at senior level. Additionally, Brazilian forward Talis joined from Palmeiras for €6 million, and Italian centre-back Federico Bonini also arrived.

Prediction and Bet

Main Bet: Betis to Win The Seville side outclass their opponents in quality and boast a deeper squad. Almería’s injury woes and shaky defense (they conceded 63 goals in Segunda) will be decisive. Moreover, the team is still adapting to a new manager’s demands. Betis showed excellent form in their last friendly, thrashing Lyon 4-0, and should win comfortably. The pick is a straightforward Betis victory.

Total Goals Over 2.5 Both teams favor an attacking style. Almería’s revamped defense will struggle to contain Betis’s attack, but the red-and-whites can also snatch a consolation goal as their forward line begins to click. This is a friendly, so both coaching staffs will experiment with new combinations, inevitably leading to mistakes. Our selection is over 2.5 goals.