Glory or abyss in Leverkusen

Half a ticket to the round of 16 of this Europa League passes through Leverkusen today (follow the game live on As.com). Betis wants to cling to that route and therefore will seek a triumph that leaves its chaotic visit to the Wanda Metropolitano in oblivion. It will not be easy. Bayer Leverkusen want the same award and showed in the Villamarín clash that they have plenty of arguments to fulfill their wish. It will be a high-flying challenge for Manuel Pellegrini, a Betis builder who signed one of his biggest shows against Valencia a week ago before showing his poorer version against Atlético four days later. All this with a derby against Sevilla just around the corner. Which Betis will be seen at the Bay Arena?

The stumble against Atlético does not minimize the good feelings of the Verdiblanco team in recent weeks. Quite the opposite occurs in a Leverkusen plunged into its first crisis under the command of Gerardo Seoane. He has five games without knowing the victory and injuries have deteriorated his brilliant start to the campaign. But these quotes understand little of trajectories. The Heliopolis duel showed weapons and the first place will compensate for daring. Those of Pellegrini will try to avoid the gaze of the derby on Sunday. Despite the risks. Despite the doubts.

The Leverkusen will pull on its usual bravery without many of its important pieces. Aranguiz is still out, the most capable when it comes to putting a certain order in madness. Bellarabi and Bakker fell, as well as scorer Patrik Schick, a whole series of setbacks that forces Diaby and Wirtz to show their most decisive version. As if that weren’t enough, Alario is a doubt due to some inconvenience.

He will go with all of Pellegrini. He booked Fekir against Atlético, due to fatigue or the derby, but the Frenchman must be the offensive leader of the team in Leverkusen. He came to Betis to play games like this one. The look to the derby seems inevitable, but there will be no reserves or handbrakes on the scene. Bellerín will return to the right-hand side, Guido to the role of destroyer and Borja Iglesias to attack. If this Betis de Pellegrini learned to win, today must be the day to ratify it. Under a high stage. Against a weight rival. The show seems served.