Tactics & Lineups • Real Betis Balompié
Saturday, 26 September 2026 at 18:17 BST

Real Betis Bolstered by Key Returns and Renewed Confidence

Real Betis sees the return of Dani Ceballos and a fit Antony, boosting their strong start to the season and Champions League hopes.

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"Sabah" - "İmişli" oyunu - Valdas Dambrauskasın oyun sonrası mətbuat konfransı SABAH FC ·

Executive Intelligence: Key Takeaways

  • Dani Ceballos has rejoined Real Betis and is working to regain full match fitness, having played limited minutes in recent games.
  • Antony has overcome a persistent adductor injury from last season and is now playing without pain, feeling fully prepared for the current campaign.
  • Real Betis is enjoying a strong start to the season, with Antony noting that opponents are showing the team more respect.

Key Players Return to Boost Betis Squad

Real Betis is welcoming back significant talent to their ranks, with Dani Ceballos making his return to the club after a nine-year absence. Ceballos, who has already seen approximately 30 minutes of play against Villarreal and Getafe, and around 15 minutes against Deportivo, is actively working with the coaching staff to increase his playing time and regain full match fitness [1]. His desire to play alongside Héctor Bellerín again highlights a potential reunion on the pitch that could further strengthen the squad. Ceballos’s re-integration is a key development for Betis as they navigate a demanding season.

Adding to the positive news, winger Antony has fully recovered from a debilitating adductor issue that plagued him last season. He reported that he was unable to walk properly after some matches due to the injury, often having to play through pain medication [2]. Now, Antony is able to play without pain medication and feels very good, having completed a full pre-season. This return to full fitness for a crucial attacking player provides a significant boost to Betis’s offensive capabilities and overall team morale.

Renewed Confidence and Respect

Antony’s return to full fitness coincides with a period of renewed confidence within the Real Betis camp. The winger himself has noted a shift in how opponents approach them this season, stating that they are showing Real Betis more respect [2]. This sentiment reflects a growing belief in the team’s capabilities, particularly after a strong start to the season that has seen them return to Champions League football. The ability of key players like Antony to perform without physical limitations is undoubtedly contributing to this enhanced team confidence and the perception of their strength among competitors. The collective feeling within the squad appears to be one of optimism and determination, setting a positive tone for the challenges ahead.

What it means

Real Betis currently sits in an impressive 3rd position in La Liga, having accumulated 16 points from 7 matches. Their record of 5 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, with 9 goals scored and 7 conceded, demonstrates a solid start to the campaign. Recent form shows a strong run, with victories against Getafe (1-0), Villarreal (2-1), Lille OSC (3-2 in the Champions League), and Real Madrid (1-0), alongside a 1-1 draw against RC Deportivo La Coruña. This consistent performance underscores the team’s current momentum. The return of key players like Dani Ceballos and a fully fit Antony provides additional depth and quality, which will be crucial as Betis aims to maintain their high league position and compete effectively in European competitions. The upcoming fixtures will test their resolve, but the current form and bolstered squad suggest they are well-equipped to face these challenges.

Sources

  1. Marca: Ceballos: "Yo no vengo aquí de figura ni de estrella, vengo a ponerme el mono de trabajo" marca.com ↩
  2. Marca: Antony relata su calvario con la pubalgia: "Terminé la temporada tomando pastillas para jugar" marca.com ↩

🤖 Written by predict.game's models from the sources listed. How our content is made →

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