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Opposition lowdown: Real Betis
Everything to know about RCD Espanyol's next LaLiga opponents
RCD Espanyol host Real Betis back at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday.
After back-to-back away matches to Madrid and Bilbao, Diego Martínez’s men return to play in front of the blanquiazul faithful in an enticing LaLiga clash. Opponents Real Betis six sixth in the table and come off the back of a tough Copa del Rey exit, knocked out on penalties at home.
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Name: Real Betis Balompié
Nickname: Los Verdiblancos (The Greens and Whites)
Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
Stadium: Estadio Benito Villamarín – 60,721 capacity
Last match: L 2-2 (2-4 pens) vs Osasuna (Copa del Rey)
Last season: 5th
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Last meeting
Real Betis were victorious on their last visit to the RCDE Stadium, which came a year ago to the day of the upcoming meeting. Raúl De Tomás gave Espanyol an early lead, but a rampant opposition saw Betis earn a 4-1 win on the road.
Key player
In a team of attacking talent, one player who cannot be overlooked is defensive midfielder William Carvalho. The Portuguese man plays a pivotal role in the heart of the Betis side, with his ball-winning ability and passing range valuable assets for any midfielder in any team.
Club links
Borja Iglesias has had a top season for Real Betis with eight goals in LaLiga, earning his national team debut with Spain earlier this season too.
In fact, he arrived in southern Spain from Espanyol in 2019, off the back of a statement season in the blanquiazul shirt. Iglesias scored 20 goals and propelled the pericos to the Europa League, in what is a campaign fondly remembered by all pericos.