Sporting Gijon vs Real Betis preview - We still have a Sporting chance - Clemente

Posted Saturday, May 05, 2012 by PA

Sporting Gijon manager Javier Clemente has accepted that Tuesday's 3-2 defeat to Villarreal has left his side with very little chance of avoiding relegation.

The Asturian side are six points from safety with just two games remaining, but Clemente insists they still have to put on a good performance against Real Betis to thank the fans for their support throughout a difficult season.

He told the club's website: "Football has its freak occurrences and we have to take advantage of that in case it is given to us, no one knows what will happen in the future, but there isn't a big chance now.

"Even if it doesn't go our way, we have to go out and show face to give thanks to this fanbase that has given so much support. We have to go onto the pitch with honesty and devotion."

Alberto Botia is suspended and Miguel de las Cuevas and Gregory have been ruled out through injury so Ayoze Perez, Formose Mendy and Moises are all expected to start for Sporting.

Betis manager Pepe Mel is equally pessimistic about his side's chances of making a late run for a European place despite their dramatic 2-1 win in the Seville derby on Wednesday.

Beqat scored both Los Verdiblancos' goals from free-kicks as they came from behind to draw level on points with their neighbours, four points off the European places, but the playmaker is suspended along with Jose Caqas and Chechu Dorado for the trip to Gijon.

Mel told the club's website: "Our chances are limited but we will go for them because that is all that we have left. We were safe some time ago and we have won the derby so the next aim is to fight for the small chance we have of the Europa League."