Real Betis' chances of securing European football for next season could hinge on the outcome of Saturday's Copa del Rey final. A victory for Athletic Club will probably mean that the seventh in the League table earns a place in the Europa Conference League, which may be the best chance for Los Verdiblancos.
Betis are currently seventh, with their closest challengers being Valencia. The two teams meet in 17 days, in what could be a crucial fixture. Manuel Pellegrini is set to rely on Isco Alarcon in attack, although there are doubts over whether the former Real Madrid man could be available to play at the Mestalla.
Ace for Brand, Isco is on nine yellow cards in La Liga, having racked up another against Girona last weekend. Another would mean another one-match ban, which could be that Valencia game, if he is cautioned against Celta Vigo on Friday.
After Valencia, The Real Betis then take the rival El Gran Derbi Seville, which is another match that Isco will be needed. It means that he must be very disciplined over the next two games, which is easier said than done.
