The 2021/22 Copa del Rey final offers a break from the traditional Real Madrid-Barcelona hegemony in Spanish football as Real Betis and Valencia go head-to-head in Seville.
With Los Blancos closing in on reclaiming the league title from Atletico Madrid, having also won the Supercopa de Espana in January, Saturday's clash offers the chance for someone else to claim the limelight.
Manuel Pellegrini's Betis are well-placed to secure European qualification via the league route but, having missed out on the chance to contest a Europa League final in their own city, the Copa showpiece is a welcome alternative. As for Valencia, winning the trophy for the second time in four seasons would be a tonic for a disappointing La Liga campaign, just as it was in 2018-19.
Betis have endured the more difficult run to the final, having had to overcome city rivals Sevilla, Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano. Valencia disposed of lower-league Cartagena and Atletico Baleares before eliminating Cadiz in the last eight and Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals.
How to watch Real Betis vs. Valencia
| UK | USA | Canada | Australia | |
| Date | April 23rd | April 23rd | April 23rd | April 24th |
| Time | 9 p.m. BST | 4 p.m. ET | 4 p.m. ET | 6 a.m. AEST |
| TV channel | BT Sport 2 | - | - | - |
| Streaming | BT Sport | ESPN+ | ESPN+ | SBS |
In the UK, the match will be carried on TV by BT Sport 2 and streamed on BT Sport platforms, including the app.
In the United States and Canada, coverage of the Copa del Rey is via ESPN+, with day passes and monthly packages available.
Real Betis vs. Valencia predicted lineups
Manuel Pellegrini's injury picture is unlikely to be significantly changed ahead of the final with Victor Camarasa and Martin Montoya both still working their way back to full fitness.
Juanmi has been the main man for Los Verdiblancos this season, but Borja Iglesias has been the vital cog in cup action with four Copa goals.
This will be a very special occasion for 40-year-old Joaquin, who has twice won this competition before: with Betis in 2005, and with Valencia in 2008.
Real Betis predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Bravo (GK) — Moreno, Bartra, Ruiz, Bellerin — Carvalho, Rodriguez — Juanmi, Fekir, Canales — Iglesias
👏👏👏
— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) March 7, 2022
Joaquín's pep talk before the #CopaDelRey semi-final.
Oh captain, my captain.#BetisAlé pic.twitter.com/Ea7cRt8WIc
Valencia boss Jose Bordalas is still without Yunus Musah and Antonio Latorre through long-term injuries with neither player likely to be fit in time for the final.
Valencia predicted lineup (3-4-3): Cillessen (GK) — Alderete, Gabriel, Diakhaby — Gaya, Soler, Guillamon, Correia— Gil, Gomez, Guedes
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Real Betis vs. Valencia betting odds
Pellegrini's Real Betis are slight favourites heading into the final based on a stronger showing in La Liga this season, but Valencia are narrowly behind them given it is expected to be a tight game.
Los Che have the advantage of more recent Copa del Rey success, after winning the 2019 final, with Betis not lifting the trophy in 17 years.
|
| UK (Sky Bet) | USA (DraftKings) | Canada (Sports Interaction) |
| Real Betis Win (90 mins) | 4/7 | +120 | 2.03 |
| Draw (90 mins) | +250 | 3.29 | |
| Valencia (90 mins) | 5/4 | +225 | 3.07 |
| Over/Under 2.5 Goals | |||
| Both Teams to Score (Y/N) |
