PREVIEW: Real Betis v FC Barcelona

Since Xavi Hernández took over as FC Barcelona manager In November, he has always stressed that the main objective this season has been securing a Champions League place for next season.

And a win today at Real Betis would achieve exactly that. Barça defeated Mallorca 2-1 last Sunday, while none of their direct rivals could secure a win of their own, meaning that three more points at the Benito Villamarin (9.00pm CEST) would make it mathematically impossible for the Catalans to finish any lower than fourth in the table.

But this is a real six-pointer. Should Betis win, it changes the whole picture. The side that’s fresh from winning the Copa del Rey for the third time won 1-0 at Camp Nou earlier this season and a repeat of that result would throw them right back into the Champions League mix.

There’s a lot riding on the outcome of this one.

Happening elsewhere

Third-placed Sevilla face a tricky away trip to the recently beaten Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal on Sunday at 4.15pm CEST, while the team currently fourth, Atlético Madrid are at home to local rivals and Champions League finalists Real Madrid at 9.00pm CEST.

The last visit

Last season's game at the Benito Villamarin was a thriller. Betis led 1-0 at half-time, but goals from Leo Messi and and own goal turned things around in the second. Betis then drew back level before Trincao nabbed a late winner for the blaugrana.

Team news

Speaking on Friday, Xavi said "Ter Stegen wasn’t feeling well today. He had an upset stomach. And Gerard Piqué has an adductor issue and won’t play tomorrow. He’s struggling with that tendon so we’ll have to see whether he can play in the games we have left.”

Other absentees from the squad announced on Saturday morning are the injured Sergiño Dest, Nico, Pedri and Sergi Roberto.

“Ansu Fati is ready but we have to be cautious" added the coach. "We want to reintroduce him gradually to be sure about things.”

More from Xavi

"It’s a golden chance to secure a Champions League place against a direct opponent. They’re having a historic season. They beat us at Camp Nou and we want revenge. But they just won the cup under a brilliant coach. So they’re very motivated. They’re flying at the moment.”

“We often play well but don’t score, like against Cádiz and Rayo. We were better against Mallorca but should have won by more.”

"But we have improved a lot since I took over in November. We’ve played very well in a lot of games, but this process takes time. If we can beat Betis then the minimum objective has been achieved. After that, we need to aim for second place.”

Did you know?

Barça need just one goal to become the first team to score 100 away goals against Betis in La Liga. As it stands, they are tied with Real Madrid on 99 each.

Perhaps side-tracked by the Copa del Rey Final, Betis have gone for three games without a league win, and didn’t even score once against any of Real Sociedad, Elche and Getafe.

Barça may have suffered some unexpected reverses at Camp Nou of late, but they are currently undefeated in 13 away matches.

Watch out for Nabil Fekir. The French striker has scored two goals and given one assist in his last three games against Barça.