At Civitas Metropolitano Stadium, Sunday, May 18, Atletico Madrid will welcome Real Betis, Conference League finalists and still fighting for a Champions League spot. After securing their qualification for the next UEFA Champions League (UCL) season, Simeone’s men have the sole objective of protecting third place from the attacks of Athletic Bilbao. Considering last summer’s investments in players like Alvarez, Sorloth, and Gallagher, this season cannot be defined as positive: elimination in the Champions League Round of 16 by Real Madrid, exit in the Copa del Rey semifinals against Barcelona, and never really in contention with Barça and the Blancos for the title. Fortunately for Atletico Madrid fans, only two matchdays remain before their team competes in the first edition of the FIFA Club World Cup and before the club management makes the moves needed to be protagonists next season. The situation is different for Real Betis, who in this season finale are still in the race for fifth place, although a miracle is needed to close the five-point gap with Villarreal with only two matches left. More importantly, they still have the chance to win the first international trophy in their history by claiming the Conference League in the final on May 28 against Chelsea. Even if they fail to recover in the league, Manuel Pellegrini’s side can still consider the season positive: sixth place currently guarantees at least Europa League qualification, an improvement from last year’s seventh place.

Atletico Madrid's Recent Form and Key Statistics

Atletico Madrid lost 2-0 in midweek away to Osasuna, conceding goals for the first time in four matches after three clean sheets. In the last five games, Simeone’s men have recorded two wins, two losses, and one draw, scoring an average of 1.4 goals and conceding 0.6 per match.

The Colchoneros boast the second-best defense in La Liga, having conceded only 29 goals, an average of 0.81 per game. After 36 rounds, they have amassed 70 points with 20 wins, 10 draws, and 6 losses, securing their spot in next season’s Champions League.

At home, they have lost just once in the league, collecting 13 wins and 4 draws. At the Civitas Metropolitano, they come into this match on the back of three consecutive wins against Real Sociedad, Rayo Vallecano, and Valladolid, scoring 11 goals and conceding just two.

Real Betis' Recent Form and Key Statistics

Real Betis drew 2-2 away at Rayo Vallecano thanks to goals from Cucho Hernandez and Isco, marking their second consecutive draw after last weekend’s 1-1 at Osasuna. In the last five matches, they have achieved two wins, two draws, and one loss, the latter occurring in regulation time in the Conference League semifinal against Fiorentina, which they later equalized in extra time.

The Verdiblancos have accumulated 59 points from 16 wins, 11 draws, and 9 losses, scoring 55 goals and conceding 45 in 36 matches: an average of 1.53 goals scored and 1.25 conceded per game. Their top scorer in La Liga 2024/25 is Isco, the former Real Madrid star, with 9 goals so far.

On the road, they have earned 26 points with 24 goals scored and 25 conceded in 18 away matches. They have not lost any of their last six away league games, with 4 wins and 2 draws, scoring at least once in the last eight. More broadly, they have lost only one of their last ten away matches across all competitions.

Atletico Madrid vs Real Betis Prediction and Tactical Overview

Atletico Madrid’s only goal in the last two league games is to defend third place and keep Athletic Bilbao at a safe distance, currently three points behind. The Colchoneros will look to leverage home advantage against Real Betis: in this La Liga season, they have lost just one home game and remain unbeaten at home against the Andalusians since the 2011/12 season.

Real Betis, after a demanding season on two fronts, are showing signs of fatigue: they have not won in three games and have conceded in nine consecutive matches. With just two matchdays left and five points to make up to secure Champions League qualification, Pellegrini’s team seems more likely to focus their remaining energy on winning the Conference League final against Chelsea on Wednesday, May 28, rather than chasing fifth place.

For these reasons, the Atletico Madrid vs Real Betis prediction for matchday 37 of La Liga, created by the BetMines algorithm, strongly favors a home victory.

• Atletico Madrid vs Real Betis prediction from the BetMines algorithm predicts 1 at 48%.
  
  
• Atletico Madrid vs Real Betis prediction from the BetMines algorithm predicts X at 24%.
  
  
• Atletico Madrid vs Real Betis prediction of the BetMines algorithm predicts 2 at 27%.

Predicted Lineups Atletico Madrid vs Real Betis

ATLETICO MADRID (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Galán; G. Simeone, De Paul, Koke, Gallagher; J. Alvarez, Sorloth. Coach: Diego Simeone

REAL BETIS (4-2-3-1): Adrian; Ruibal, Bartra, Natan, Rodriguez; Altimira, Carvalho; Antony, Lo Celso, Ezzalzouli; Cucho Hernandez. Coach: Manuel Pellegrini