Real Betis vs Girona Prediction 21.12.2023

• Competition: Spain - LaLiga
• Date: Thursday, 21st, December 2023
• Kickoff: 18:00 UTC / 19.00 CET
• Venue: Estadio Benito Villamarin (Sevilla)

Intent on at least maintaining a two-point cushion over the closest pursuer, Real Madrid, heading into the Christmas break, LaLiga sensation Girona visits Estadio Benito Villamarin to take on Real Betis on Thursday.

While they shockingly surrendered the top spot on the closing day of the Europa League group stage, suffering a 2-3 home defeat to Rangers that dropped them to third place and into UEFA's third-tier competition, the Green-Whites somewhat steadied the ship over the weekend. Furthermore, Manuel Pellegrini's side could have taken the final European seat on Sunday with a win, but unfortunately they failed to do so. At the same time, they have no reason to be dissatisfied, since they visited the unpleasant Anoeta Stadium and held Real Sociedad to a goalless draw 0-0, with the result leaving them in seventh place with 26 points.

The men in green and white will host undoubtedly the biggest surprise of the Spanish championship this season, the Girona side, who seem more and more determined every week to stun everyone in the Iberian Peninsula and become LaLiga champions. Truly, Michel's chosen ones are merely a single triumph away from concluding the year atop the Spanish elite division table, having smoothly seen off Deportivo Alaves 3-0 at their Estadi Montilivi over the weekend. Following Monday's triumph, the Catalan sensation continues to lead LaLiga with 44 points, two ahead of Real Madrid breathing down their necks. Interestingly, there are already some statistical indicators suggesting that Girona has the potential to clinch a historic national title, as three out of the previous four clubs with 44 points after 17 rounds went on to become champions.

Real Betis vs Girona Betting Tips: 1X (Double chance)

As the Gironistes gear up to cap off 2023 in spectacular fashion, the challenge before them is far from easy, particularly when they step into a ground that has, until this moment, avoided any discomforting episodes. Indeed, Real Betis has transformed their Benito Villamarin into an impregnable fortress, standing as one of the few teams still holding an undefeated record, securing five triumphs and sharing the spoils on five occasions thus far. Also, it's worth noting that neither of the Madrid giants managed to find the key to victory on Andalusian soil, as the Green-Whites played out a goalless stalemate against Atletico, while earlier in the month, they held Real to a 1-1 draw, so we highly doubt Girona will change that trend. 

Despite Betis' recent form being under scrutiny, having secured just one win in their last six competitive outings—coming against none other than the fourth-tier side Villanovense in a 2-1 Copa del Rey clash—their head-to-head record against Thursday's opponent provides reasons for optimism. Indeed, Pellegrini's boys boast an impressive nine triumphs (five in a row) from their last 10 duels against Girona—both instances in the previous term culminating in identical 2-1 victories. Ultimately, we are optimistic that Los Verdiblancos, fortified by their granite defense, can temporarily curb the soaring form of the current leaders.