Real Betis’ Isco replacement brings an unbeaten away record to Barcelona | OneFootball

As Barcelona prepare to face Real Betis for their La Liga clash on Saturday, there is some positive news for the Catalans.

Real Betis will be without their standout performer, Isco, who is suspended for the match due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

However, Barcelona cannot afford to relax, as his likely replacement, Giovani Lo Celso, has proven to be a tricky opponent in the past.

Barcelona will need to be very careful

Isco’s suspension is undoubtedly a relief for Barcelona, as the former Real Madrid midfielder has been in exceptional form for Betis this season.

Despite this, Lo Celso’s inclusion in the starting lineup presents its own set of challenges for the Blaugrana.

Manuel Pellegrini is expected to bring Lo Celso into the fold as one of the few changes he plans to make for this crucial encounter.

Giovani Lo Celso is unbeaten vs Barcelona away from home. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Real Betis, aiming to secure their seventh consecutive La Liga victory for the first time in their history, will be motivated to put up a strong fight against Barcelona.

Lo Celso’s record vs Barcelona

Barcelona’s optimism over Isco’s absence is tempered by the knowledge of Lo Celso’s previous exploits against them. The Argentine midfielder has twice played away at Barcelona and emerged victorious on both occasions.

His first triumph came with Real Betis in November 2018 when they stunned Barcelona with a 4-3 win. Lo Celso scored Betis’ third goal in that memorable encounter.

His second win against Barcelona occurred in May 2022 while playing for Villarreal. Villarreal defeated Barcelona 2-0 at Camp Nou, further highlighting Lo Celso’s knack for performing well against the Catalan giants.

The current Real Betis squad looks quite different from the one that secured the 4-3 victory in 2018. Only Marc Bartra and William Carvalho, alongside Lo Celso, remain from that historic win.

Meanwhile, on Barcelona’s side, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is the only player still with the club from that match, although he is currently sidelined due to a long-term injury.

It is to be noted that Lo Celso recently made his return to action last Sunday, coming on as a substitute for Isco in the 70th minute.

This was his first appearance after a month-and-a-half absence caused by muscle problems sustained in mid-February.