Álvaro Valles warns Barcelona ahead of Betis-Barcelona at La Cartuja

Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Valles sends a message ahead of Real Betis vs Barcelona at La Cartuja this Saturday (18:30), after the verdiblancos’ 3-2 win over Porto in the Champions League. On the eve of the match, the stopper acknowledged how strong Barça of Hansi Flick is, as league leaders, but said Betis “has what it takes to compete with anyone”.

In an interview with COPE, Valles said Barça’s “potential is huge”, yet Betis will try to counter it “with our tools”. He added: “This is Betis and we’ll be at home, so we have to fight until the end.” He also stressed that Betis have the “quality and experience” to make it difficult for the Blaugrana.

Barça arrive on top with 24 points from eight matchdays, 34 goals scored and just seven conceded. Betis sit third with 19 points, six wins, one draw and one loss. Asked about the expectations for the league game, Valles summed up the approach: “If we can’t win, then a draw. Not losing will be important.”