Real Murcia vs Real Betis — Match Preview
A pulsating regional derby atmosphere awaits at the Estadio Enrique Roca on Wednesday, 17 December 2025. Real Murcia, currently fighting for promotion in the Primera Federación, welcome La Liga giants Real Betis for a Copa del Rey Round of 32 clash. The hosts have already slain a giant, defeating Cádiz 3–2 in the previous round, and are looking to make the “Pimentoneros” dream of a famous upset. Real Betis arrive off the back of a chaotic 3–5 defeat to Barcelona but have a rich history in this competition and will be desperate to avoid an early exit.
Real Murcia vs Real Betis — Match Info
- Competition: Copa del Rey (Round of 32)
- Venue: Estadio Enrique Roca, Murcia (Capacity: 31,179)1
- Date: Wednesday, 17 December 2025
- Kickoff: 21:00 CET | 20:00 GMT | 01:30 IST (Thursday)
- Referee: TBC (RFEF Appointment)
Real Murcia vs Real Betis — Match Stakes
Real Murcia (1st RFEF):
- Win → Historic upset; advances to Last 16 and boosts promotion morale
- Draw → Forces Extra Time/Penalties; keeps the dream alive in front of a packed house
- Loss → Exit with heads held high; focus returns to league promotion
Real Betis (La Liga):
- Win → Avoids embarrassment; moves closer to a potential trophy
- Draw → Dangerous territory; extra minutes would drain a squad fighting on three fronts
- Loss → A disaster; heaps pressure on Manuel Pellegrini after the Barcelona loss
Real Murcia vs Real Betis — Team News
Real Murcia:
- Gazzaniga G. — Available (Starting GK)
- Pedro León — Available (Captain & Set-piece specialist)2
- Carrillo J. — Questionable (Knock vs Sabadell)
- Full Strength: Manager expected to name his strongest possible XI.
Real Betis:
- Isco — Out (Rested/Rotation)
- Lo Celso G. — Out (Rested)
- Bakambu C. — Available (Expected to start)
- Bartra M. — Available (Defensive leader for Cup side)
- Heavy Rotation: Pellegrini likely to change 7-8 players from the Barcelona match.
Real Murcia vs Real Betis — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Real Murcia
- 14/12 — 0–1 vs Sabadell (League)
- 08/12 — 1–0 vs FC Cartagena (League)
- 04/12 — 3–2 vs Cádiz (Copa del Rey)
- 30/11 — 2–1 vs Alcorcón (League)
- 22/11 — 2–0 vs Antequera (League)
Real Betis
- 11/12 — 3–1 vs Dinamo Zagreb (Europa League)
- 06/12 — 3–5 vs Barcelona (La Liga)
- 04/12 — 4–1 vs Torrent (Copa del Rey)
- 30/11 — 2–0 vs Sevilla (La Liga)
- 28/11 — 2–1 vs Utrecht (Europa League)
Real Murcia vs Real Betis — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 09/05/2010 — Betis 1–1 Murcia (Segunda)
- 06/12/2009 — Murcia 2–0 Betis (Segunda)
- 02/03/2008 — Betis 4–0 Murcia (La Liga)
- 07/10/2007 — Murcia 0–0 Betis (La Liga)
- 18/04/2004 — Murcia 0–1 Betis (La Liga)
Real Murcia vs Real Betis — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Real Murcia (4-2-3-1)
Gazzaniga; J. Mier, A. Gonzalez, Jaso, C. Romero; Larrea, Isi Gomez; Pedro Leon, Juan Carlos, Buron; Pedro Benito
Real Betis (4-2-3-1)
Adrian; Ruibal, Bartra, Mendy, Perraud; Altimira, Cardoso; Juanmi, Diao, Chimy Avila; Bakambu
Real Murcia vs Real Betis — Impact Bench
Real Murcia: Carrillo (Physical presence), Rojas (Speed on wing)
Real Betis: Ez Abde (Game breaker), Fornals (Creative control)
Real Murcia vs Real Betis — Tactical Analysis
Real Murcia
At the Enrique Roca, Murcia will not just sit back. They rely heavily on the delivery of veteran Pedro León from set-pieces and wide areas. Their 3–2 win over Cádiz showed they can score goals against higher-tier opposition. They will look to overload the flanks, targeting Betis’s rotated full-backs, and crowd the midfield to stop Betis from finding a rhythm.
Real Betis
Betis will dominate possession but must be wary of complacency. Without Isco and Lo Celso orchestrating, the creative burden falls on Assane Diao and Chimy Ávila. Pellegrini’s side can be vulnerable in transition (as seen vs Barcelona), so they need Johnny Cardoso to shield the backline effectively. Expect them to use Bakambu’s pace to run in behind Murcia’s high defensive line.
Real Murcia vs Real Betis — Key Battles
- Pedro León vs Perraud — experience vs energy on the flank
- Isi Gómez vs Altimira — battle for midfield tempo
- A. González vs Bakambu — stopping the La Liga striker
- Gazzaniga vs Chimy Ávila — goalkeeper needs a big night
Real Murcia vs Real Betis — Spotlight Players
Real Murcia — Pedro León
The former Real Madrid man is in the twilight of his career but remains Murcia’s most dangerous weapon. His dead-ball delivery is elite, and in a cup tie where margins are thin, one free-kick could decide the match.
Real Betis — Assane Diao
The young winger has immense potential but needs to show consistency. This is the perfect stage for him to showcase his speed and dribbling against third-tier defenders. A strong performance here pushes him closer to the starting XI in La Liga.
Real Murcia vs Real Betis — Prediction
Real Murcia 1–2 Real Betis
Murcia will make this incredibly difficult. The home crowd and their recent form suggest they will score. However, Betis has significant depth in attack. Even with a rotated squad, the quality of Chimy Ávila and Bakambu should be enough to snatch a late winner and avoid a major upset.
Real Murcia vs Real Betis — Betting Insights
- Both Teams to Score — YES (Murcia strong at home, Betis leaky)
- Over 2.5 Goals — Likely
- Real Betis to Win — Value in live betting if Murcia scores first
Real Murcia vs Real Betis — Where to Watch
- Spain: Movistar+, Copa del Rey TV
- USA: ESPN+
- International: RFEF YouTube (Select Regions)
Real Murcia vs Real Betis — FAQs
Q: When is the Real Murcia vs Real Betis match?
A: The match kicks off on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at 21:00 CET.
Q: Where is the match being played?
A: It will be played at the Estadio Enrique Roca in Murcia.
Q: Is Isco playing for Betis?
A: No. Isco is expected to be rested for this Copa del Rey fixture.
Q: How can I watch the match in Spain?
A: The match will be broadcast live on Movistar+.
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