Leaders Barcelona face Betis test as LaLiga title race hots up

LaLiga leaders Barcelona's 21-game unbeaten run will face a test on Saturday when they host a Real Betis side who have already stunned the Catalans' Madrid title rivals Real and Atletico.

Barca are top on 66 points, three ahead of Real Madrid and nine clear of Atletico. Real and Barca are both chasing three trophies but the pacesetters are favourites to win LaLiga as the only team in Europe's top-five leagues yet to lose in 2025.

However, Barca's next opponents Betis, who are on a six-game LaLiga winning streak, have been the surprise package this term. They denied Real Madrid a chance to go top with a 2-1 win in March after ending Atletico’s 10-game unbeaten run in October.

Barcelona were held 2-2 at Betis in the reverse fixture in December but thrashed Manuel Pellegrini's side 5-1 to knock them out of the Copa del Rey in January.

Sixth-placed Betis are level on 47 points with Villarreal in fifth and trail fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao by six as they push for a European spot while also bidding to win the Conference League.

"We are not unbeatable because we have lost some matches (before)," Barcelona forward Pedri said. "There are things to improve, and we must be self critical. But we are in great form and full of confidence.

"I think high pressing is something that defines us. That forward line, the intensity we play with, staying calm on the ball ... the attackers make the difference, and it shows."

ATTACKING PROWESS

Barcelona's attacking prowess stands out as they top LaLiga's scoring chart with 82 goals - 20 more than Real Madrid.

If Barca are to claim a treble in boss Hansi Flick’s debut season they will likely need to beat Madrid at least twice, in the Copa del Rey final on April 26 and in LaLiga in May.

Real have failed