The debate reopens in Betis' goal

Real Betis Balompié

The final stretch of the year reignites the debate on the goalkeeping situation in Heliópolis. Pau López has left his injury behind and is back competing for the position. Álvaro Valles, despite conceding five goals against Barcelona, wants to hold on to his starting spot.

The decision is back in Manuel Pellegrini's hands, who is considering two options for the upcoming matches and weighing an immediate change in Europe.

32

Álvaro Valles
1.760.000€+160.000€    -

J1

PT

02

44

Pau López
780.000€+40.000€    -

J1

PT

12

Betis shook up their goalkeeping department in the summer with the arrivals of Pau López and Álvaro Valles. Adrián San Miguel was left as an alternative for the Copa del Rey, while the coach relied on the two reinforcements for the La Liga and Europa League. After Valles' tough outing against Barcelona, the Chilean coach considers reshuffling the minutes distribution and bringing the focus back to Pau, who is fully recovered. In this context, Pellegrini himself insists that there is no indisputable starting goalkeeper in his plan. The distribution of opportunities has been the norm, and now, with everyone available, the count goes back to zero. In this battle, the form and emotional management after the five goals conceded weigh heavily. Real Betis needs immediate security and continuity to end the year on a positive competitive note.

The battle in the goal

Pau emerges strong once again. His recovery allows him to vie for minutes immediately, and his name gains traction thinking about a return to the starting XI in the Europa League. If this change materializes, Valles could maintain his starting position in La Liga in the last matches of 2025, as was happening before Pau's injury break. The balance that Pellegrini seeks involves maintaining the confidence of both players without leaving the defense unprotected.

Pellegrini's roadmap

The coach already rotated goalkeepers in the early matches, with all three keepers performing similarly. The message was clear: minutes for everyone and weekly meritocracy. The scenario, therefore, follows the same pattern: Pellegrini values feelings and performance, and the scales may tip towards Pau in Europe, leaving Valles in La Liga. The choice, however, is not final: the Chilean's plan allows for another reset if the situation demands it. The recent thrashing received against Barcelona reinforces the need for a change of direction.