UCAM Murcia vs Real Betis predictions and match preview for Thursday’s Spanish Copa del Rey game. Read on for analysis and a score prediction as Betis face a potentially tricky trip to face Segunda B opponents.
- DATE: Thursday 17th December 2020
- KICK-OFF: 19:30 (local time)
- VENUE: La Condomina
- COMPETITION: Copa del Rey 1st Round
UCAM Murcia vs Real Betis Preview
Thursday’s action in the Copa del Rey sees Real Betis face arguably the toughest test that any of the top flight sides in the 1st Round will have to negotiate. While most LaLiga sides have travelled to clubs from the 4th or even 5th tiers, Betis have Segunda B opposition in the form of UCAM Murcia.
There is certainly precedent for Segunda B sides causing upsets in this competition and UCAM Murcia will take some genuine belief into this match. While still a relatively young club, having been formed around the turn of the century, UCAM Murcia do now feel like an established outfit in the Spanish lower leagues and they even featured in the Segunda Division as recently as the 2016/17 campaign.
They’ll be hoping to mount something of a promotion push this year and they’ve started brightly. UCAM Murcia are currently top of Group 4, Subgroup B in what is an incredibly convoluted Segunda B format this year. They’ve had their success largely thanks to their ability to defend well, with just 4 goals conceded in their 8 league matches so far this term.
Against top flight opponents, clearly they will be tested far more than they have been in any of their other games. Manuel Pellegrini might have been hoping for a slightly easier draw to give forwards Borja Iglesias and Toni Sanabria the chance to net a few goals and restore some confidence, but the Andalusians will have to work hard for their chances at La Condomina.
Betis come into the game following two more encouraging results. They won 2-0 at Osasuna before holding high-flying Villarreal to a 1-1 draw in LaLiga. However they still currently have LaLiga’s worst defensive record and it’s hard to see them making a strong push for European qualification through the league, so the cup could be a real target for Betis this year, assuming they can negotiate this fixture.
UCAM Murcia vs Real Betis Predictions
Score Prediction: 1-1 Draw – Betis to Progress in Extra Time
This is just about as tough as it could have got for Betis at this stage in the competition given the nature of the draw. UCAM Murcia are doing well in their league and won’t simply fold over like some of the teams from further down the Spanish football pyramid might. What is likely to be a rotated Betis team could find this tough but their extra fitness and quality ought to tell if it does go to Extra Time.
Copa del Rey Betting Tips (18+)
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Read our latest Copa del Rey match previews.
