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Barcelona return to La Liga action with a trip to Real Betis on January 21 with Xavi Hernandez’s team facing a battle to force themselves into the title race.
La Blaugrana were swept aside in the Spanish Supercopa final, as Real Madrid stormed to a 4-1 win in Riyadh, and Xavi will be demanding a response from his squad in this game.
Barcelona’s title defence is in the balance at the start of 2024 with the Spanish champions currently trailing leaders Girona by eight points.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch it across the world, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
WATCH: Real Betis vs Barcelona LIVE in the US on ESPN+
What time does Real Betis vs Barcelona kick off?
This La Liga clash takes place at the Estadio Benito Villamarin in Seville, Spain and kicks off on Sunday, January 21 at 6:30 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across some of the major territories:
Date | Kickoff time | |
USA | Sun, Jan. 21 | 12:30 p.m. ET |
Canada | Sun, Jan. 21 | 12:30 p.m. ET |
UK | Sun, Jan. 21 | 5:30 p.m. GMT |
Australia | Mon, Jan. 22 | 4:30 a.m. AEDT |
India | Sun, Jan. 21 | 11:00 p.m. IST |
Real Betis vs Barcelona live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
Region | TV | Streaming |
USA | ESPN Deportes | Fubo, ESPN+, |
Canada | — |
TSN+ |
UK | Viaplay Sports | Viaplay UK, La Liga TV |
Australia | — | Optus Sport |
India | — | JioTV |
USA: This game is available on ESPN+, with Spanish language options on ESPN Deportes, and streaming options available on Fubo.
Canada: This game is live streaming exclusively on TSN+.
Australia: Fans in Australia can stream every match live and on demand on Optus Sport.
UK: This match is available for live broadcast via Viaplay Sports. Streaming options are on Viaplay UK and La Liga TV.
MORE: Barcelona transfer news: January 2024 window targets, signings, sales amidst heavy injury list
Real Betis vs Barcelona lineups, team news
Real Betis won their first La Liga game in six last weekend, via a 1-0 victory over neighbours Granada, but Manuel Pellegrini will look to make changes.
Ayoze Perez is set to miss out through injury, alongside Hector Bellerin and Guido Rodriguez, with Assane Diao and Nabil Fekir set to start.
Real Betis (4-2-3-1, right to left): Silva (GK) — Rubial, Pezzella, Sokratis, Abner — Roca, Guardado — Henrique, Isco, Diao — Fekir.
Real Betis subs (9): TBC
Raphinha has been ruled out for Barcelona, after picking up an injury at the Supercopa, but defensive duo Joao Cancelo and Inigo Martinez are back fit for Barcelona.
Barcelona (4-3-3 right to left): Neto (GK) — Cancelo, Martinez, Araujo, Balde — Pedri, Gundogan, de Jong — Torres, Lewandowski, Felix.
Barcelona subs (9): TBC
Real Betis vs Barcelona prediction
Xavi finds himself under pressure to get Barcelona back on track in the coming weeks and they need to pick up a win in this tie to avoid Girona and Real Madrid moving ahead in the title race.
Pellegrini’s hosts are pushing for a European qualification spot but Barcelona have won on their last six league visits to the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Prediction: Real Betis 1-2 Barcelona
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