Real Betis have named a changed starting lineup for their preseason friendly against AFC Bournemouth at the Estadio de la Cartuja. The match, part of Betis’ preparations for the 2026-27 campaign, was played on Saturday, 8 August, and ended in a 2-2 draw. Four goals in a match classified as a club friendly.
Antony and Fidalgo are in the starting eleven for the first time, while Deossa continues to lead the attack. Manu González starts in goal; Ortiz, Llorente, Valentín Gómez and Junior make up the defence; Facundo Bernal and Marc Roca anchor the midfield; and Antony, Fidalgo and Morante support Deossa up front. The bench includes Álvaro Valles, Yan, Bellerín, Llorente, Valentín, Junior, Gnangoro, Fornals, Isco, Iker Losada, Riquelme, Pablo García, Cucho Hernández and Gonzalo Petit.
Pellegrini has made a clear change from the previous match against Arsenal: only Facundo Bernal keeps his place in the starting side. The rotation gives the manager a chance to assess squad depth and combinations before the competitive season. Antony and Fidalgo’s inclusion stands out, with both expected to bring fresh energy and tactical options to the team.
Preseason friendlies give clubs room to test lineups and assess player readiness without league points at stake. For Betis, the Bournemouth match offered a chance to gauge progress and put new starters through a demanding test as the team builds toward the 2026-27 campaign.
In Spanish football, preseason matches draw close attention for signs of tactical change and squad development. Coverage of other major events, including adjustments at the Peralada Festival after venue changes (see how organizers adapted to shifting circumstances), has also highlighted the value of flexibility.
Betis supporters will be eager to see how Antony and Fidalgo perform in their new roles and whether Deossa can maintain his momentum up front. The 2-2 score settles the match outcome, while Pellegrini’s selection offers a snapshot of the combinations he is weighing before competitive fixtures begin.
The Estadio de la Cartuja, a venue for major football events in Seville, gives Betis a stage to showcase their ambitions. With the new season approaching, the extensive rotation points to the work of building cohesion and finding effective partnerships as the club prepares to compete domestically and in Europe.
