The Opposition: Real Betis
After two matches on the road, D.C. United is returning to Audi Field on Wednesday night for a friendly against La Liga side Real Betis. The Spanish side is one of the most prestigious clubs in La Liga and boosts the fourth highest following in Spain after Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid. Here is everything you need to know about Wednesday’s opponents.
Recent Matches
Real Betis earned a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid on Sunday, May 19th to finish their La Liga season. The Spanish side finished 10th in the La Liga table, going 2-2-1 in their last five matches. The 2018-2019 campaign was not a strong one for Real Betis, but they won their final two matches of the season, with four goals from three different goal-scorers.
Players to Watch
Giovani Lo Celso led Real Betis in scoring with fourteen goals and five assists in the 2018-2019 campaign. Sergio Canales was their second-highest scorer with eight goals and three assists, while Loren Moron and Joaquin eached finished with six goals on the year. Joaquin scored two goals in the team’s recent 2-1 victory over Huesca, including a stoppage-time goal that lifted Real Betis to victory. Loren Moron and Jese scored in their final match against Real Madrid.
Pau Lopez is the goalkeeper for Real Betis. He made 87 saves and earned 10 clean sheets in 33 matches during the 2018-2019 campaign. Joel Robles also rotated into goal towards the end of the season, making sixteen saves in five matches.
Head-to-Head
D.C. United and Real Betis have never faced each other before. The Black-and-Red are hoping to court more international friendlies in the future and to make Audi Field a place for international soccer that appeals to D.C. United’s multicultural community.
