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03.11.2007 12:10
El Betis, irregular away from home
Sandra Sarmiento
Betis, currently seventeenth in the first division, have only collected three points from five games played away from the Ruiz de Lopera.
In fact, just like Frank Rijkaard’s side, the Andalusians three away points have come from three draws, goalless ones with Athletic and Murcia, and a 1-1 draw with Recreativo on the opening day. They have not won any away games, having lost on the other two road trips, at the Bernabéu (2-0) and Riazor (1-0).
Just one goal in five games
Cúper’s side has struggled to find the target away from home, with just one goal against Recreativo Huelva to show from 57 shots. That is the worst away scoring record in the league at the moment.
Solid at the back
But their defensive record is impressive, and they have conceded fewer away goals than any other team, just four. Real Madrid is the only side to have scored twice against Betis at home, while Deportivo and Recreativo are the only other home sides to have managed to put the ball into the net defended by Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo.
Very little space
Rijkaard’s side know that on Sunday they will be facing a side that keeps things very tight
at the back. But Betis will need to get by without Melli, Nano, Rivas or the suspended Damià, all
regular starters. Barça, who have the second best home goalscoring record in the league, may be the
side to finally cause the Betis back four to collapse.
