Real Madrid will be eager to extend their winning streak to six games across all competitions as they travel to face Real Betis in a La Liga clash on Saturday.
Match Preview
Real Betis head into this fixture fresh from a 2-1 Copa del Rey victory against Villanovense, enabling them to advance to the competition’s third round. They’re also in a strong position in their Europa League group.
Managed by Manuel Pellegrini, Betis currently sits seventh in La Liga, with 25 points from 15 matches. They’ve showcased consistency but are struggling to break into the top four due to a high number of drawn games.
Betis boasts a record of six wins, seven draws, and two defeats in La Liga this season. While they have not defeated Real Madrid in the league since 2020, they have been strong at home, winning their last four league matches there.
Real Madrid, after a 2-0 victory over Granada, are in good form, winning five consecutive games. They’ve secured their spot in the Champions League last 16 as Group C winners.
Despite several key players being sidelined due to injuries, Real Madrid has been impressive. They currently lead La Liga, having collected 38 points from nine matches since losing to Atletico Madrid in September.
Team News:
Real Betis will miss key players like Nabil Fekir, William Carvalho, Claudio Bravo, Youssouf Sabaly, and Marc Bartra due to fitness issues.
There’s a doubt over Rodri’s participation due to a muscular problem, and Hector Bellerin is suspended.
Real Madrid hopes for Luka Modric’s return from a thigh injury, with Kepa Arrizabalaga also available again.
However, they’re missing Vinicius Junior, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militao, Thibaut Courtois, and Dani Carvajal due to injuries.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Real Betis: (4-2-3-1)
Silva;
Ruibal, Pezzella, Riad, Abner;
Rodriguez, Roca;
Diao, Isco, Perez;
Willian Jose
Real Madrid: (4-3-1-2)
Kepa;
Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy;
Valverde, Kroos, Modric;
Bellingham;
Rodrygo, Diaz
Prediction: Real Betis 1-2 Real Madrid
Real Betis could challenge Madrid, but with the visitors’ current winning form, they’re likely to secure a narrow victory in this fixture.