Barcelona are riding the high of a Club World Cup win right now, having returned home from winning that international competition in Japan 10 days ago. While few hold the Club World Cup in high esteem, the bump in confidence from winning any kind of competition like that is always useful. Especially given Barcelona’s somewhat shaky form before they left for Japan, that boost will be important in revitalizing their chase for their 24th La Liga title.
Barcelona vs. Real Betis 2015 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch La Liga online
Barcelona are back from their Club World Cup victory, and it’s time to face Real Betis in La Liga.
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For Real Betis, this match is just about survival. They haven’t won in the league in over a month, and despite their midtable standing in the league, their six-point cushion over the relegation zone could disappear in a hurry if they don’t start managing to find wins. Pepe Mel is a popular manager, but that popularity won’t mean much if he can’t keep Betis above water -- and right now, that’s a matter that’s very much up in the air.
Key player: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Messi has been in an absolutely wonderful vein of form lately. While he’s “only” scored six goals in his last six matches, he has been a veritable blur of action out on the pitch. He’s been constantly buzzing around finding cracks and openings and holes to exploit, helping his teammates run wild against Roma and Real Sociedad in November and having a hand in all three of Barcelona’s goals in their weird run of three straight draws. All before leaving for the Club World Cup and playing a vital role in Barcelona’s title triumph in that competition. If he carries on that form in this game, Betis don’t stand anything remotely resembling a chance.
Key matchup: Gerard Pique (Barcelona) vs. Ruben Castro (Real Betis)
Castro has been the one shining light in an oft-struggling Betis attack, making him the focus of Barcelona’s defensive efforts. Simply put, if Pique can take him out one-on-one, it will make Barcelona’s job of containing Betis significantly easier, and could wind up turning this match into a one-sided battering, just because of the outcome of one individual matchup.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Rafinha In doubt: Sergio Busquets, Douglas Pereira
Real Betis injuries and suspensions
Out: None
Match date/time: Dec. 30, 2:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. local
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (US & Canada - English), beIN Sports en Español (US & Canada - Spanish), Movistar TV Futbol, Cana+ Partidazo (Spain), Sky Sports 2/HD (UK)
Online: beIN Sports Connect, Fubo TV (US & Canada), Sky Go (UK)
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