Real Betis vs Racing Santander Predictions

Real Betis of La Liga take a 1-0 lead into the 2nd Leg of their Copa del Rey tie against third tier opponents Racing Santander on Thursday, and the bookmakers are backing the hosts to see the job through. Betis head into the match having won three of their last four in all competitions and with two clean sheets in their last two home games, while the visitors have gone unbeaten in their last five matches since losing the 1st Leg in early November.

Due to Betis resting a few of their key players, the 1st Leg in Santander turned out to be a much tighter and tenser affair than most were predicting. Sergio León converted an eighth minute penalty for the La Liga visitors to hand Betis an early lead, but Racing Santander recovered well and remained in the match. Joaquín, Carvalho, and Sanabria all started on the bench for Betis and how they were missed in midfield and the final third during the ninety minutes. Betis failed to add to their goals tally despite having the best of the chances, but did manage to keep a clean sheet.

The difference in quality between the two teams was clear to see during the 1st Leg, and if Betis decide to play a full strength starting eleven on Thursday, then Racing Santander should really get steamrolled by their hosts. Both teams are in good form heading into the match, but Betis have obviously faced tougher opponents in La Liga and the Europa League than Racing have in the third tier.

Canales, Firpo, and Morón joint top score for Betis in the league this season with three goals apiece, and might be tempted to play their first choice strikers on Thursday in an attempt to get them back amongst the goals. Jon Ander leads the way in front of goal for Racing Santander this season with six goals in the league, and it is his form along with that of Segovia and Cejudo that has seen Racing remain at the top of the table and on course for promotion.

Both teams head into the 2nd Leg on the back of wins in their respective leagues, but it’s Racing Santander that just edge the form guide with four wins, one draw, and one defeat from their last six matches. Betis have won three, drawn two, and lost one of their last six in all competitions and will be confident of getting the job done on Thursday, even with a rotated starting eleven.

We’re confident that Real Betis will win to nil in Thursday’s 2nd Leg, and have backed the scoreline to end 3-0. Real Betis have won five of their last seven matches against Racing Santander and have kept two clean sheets in their last three games against their guests. Betis have won three of their last four matches in all competitions and have two clean sheets in their last two matches, and that’s why we’re expecting the hosts to keep Racing Santander from scoring in Thursday’s 2nd Leg as well.