2 Real Madrid vs 0 Real Betis
Madrid keen to extend 25-game unbeaten home run as Betis visits.
Prepare for an enticing showdown as Real Madrid, eager to find their winning form, host Real Betis Balompié at Santiago Bernabéu this Sunday evening.
Real Madrid
Madrid picked up a point in their midweek encounter with Las Palmas in Thursday's clash, which ended 1-1. The Whites fell behind after Alberto Moleiro put Las Palmas in front inside the first five minutes. Madrid eventually restored parity from the penalty spot in the second half after Vinicius Junior stepped forward.
By Madrid’s standards, it has been a slow start for the La Liga champions, who will now have to play catchup with archrivals Barcelona, who lead the standings. Madrid have only one victory in three league games, leaving questions over Carlo Ancelotti’s well-known ability to harness the potential of his squad, especially considering Mbappe and Endrick’s arrival.
Despite the distractions of the first phase of the UEFA Champions League which was revealed earlier in the week, with opponents such as AC Milan and Dortmund listed, the focus remains on Sunday’s fixture against Betis. But the numbers are also unconvincing for the Whites. Madrid have drawn five of the last seven games against Betis, including each of the last three.
However, while they have kept four consecutive shutouts in as many home games, an impressive 25-game unbeaten run on home soil remains in place. Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Mbappe are expected in attack when Carlo Ancelotti deploys the 4-3-3. Unfortunately, David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham are ruled out until after the international break.
Real Betis
Betis were also involved in midweek action, but it was in the Europa Conference League playoff where they picked Kryvbas apart in a 3-0 win in the second leg.
Back in La Liga, Betis sits in 15th place with two points, having played only two games [0W, 2D, 0L]. Their last match was a goalless draw against Alaves last weekend.
While they could record a draw in three opening La Liga games for the first time since 1977/78, Betis are hoping to leave Santiago Bernabéu with three points. However, a draw here would mean four consecutive draws in this fixture for the first time in the top flight.
A 4-2-3-1 formation with Chimy Ávila in attack is anticipated, while an attacking trio consisting of Carvalho, Juanmi, and Fornals could line up behind the 30-year-old Argentine. Former Madrid player Isco, Cédric Bakambu, and Nobel Mendy are all ruled out for the weekend’s fixture.
In addition, Manuel Pellegrini will not be able to call upon Nabil Fekir, who has now left on loan to Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates following an agreement between the clubs.
Team form
Showing the latest five games—giving you a quick look at recent performance trends. Teams in good form tend to do well in the next match.
Team Comparison
Side-by-side assessment of team statistics, including goals, attacks, and more. This allows you to directly compare key performance metrics. Analyzing these stats can reveal patterns and strengths that might influence the outcome.