LIVE INFO
MATCH PREVIEW & MORE INFO
Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Guler, Vinicius; Mbappe
Real Betis possible starting lineup: Silva; Sabaly, Llorente, Natan, Perraud; Carvalho, Roca; Fornals, Ruibal, Ezzalzouli; Chimy
Match Preview
Real Madrid will be looking to bounce back from their midweek draw as they host Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. Despite being unbeaten in their last 35 La Liga matches, Los Blancos have had a somewhat frustrating start to the season, with two draws in their opening three league games. Their recent 1-1 stalemate against Las Palmas, following a 3-0 victory over Real Valladolid, has left them in fourth place, four points behind leaders Barcelona. The absence of key players like Jude Bellingham, David Alaba, and Eduardo Camavinga has undoubtedly affected their rhythm, but they will be eager to return to winning ways.
Kylian Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid this summer, is still searching for his first La Liga goal, and Sunday’s match could be the perfect opportunity for him to open his account. Carlo Ancelotti may rotate his squad after midweek changes, with the likes of Dani Carvajal, Arda Guler, and Rodrygo potentially returning to the starting lineup.
Real Betis, managed by former Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini, are also seeking their first La Liga win of the season after consecutive draws. Their start has been complicated by their involvement in the Europa Conference League, but they secured a spot in the group stage with a 5-0 aggregate win over Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih. While Betis would be content with a point at the Bernabeu, they will be dreaming of a rare victory, especially given their solid recent record at this venue, where four of their last five league visits have ended in goalless draws.
However, Betis will have to cope without several key players, including the recently departed Nabil Fekir, as well as Nobel Mendy, Cedric Bakambu, and potentially Marc Bartra and Chimy Avila, who are doubtful due to injury and illness, respectively.
Team News:
Real Madrid:
- Out: Jude Bellingham (leg injury), David Alaba (ACL injury), Eduardo Camavinga (knee injury)
- Doubtful: Jesus Vallejo (injury)
Real Betis:
- Out: Nobel Mendy, Cedric Bakambu, Isco (all injured), Nabil Fekir (transferred to Al-Jazira Club)
- Doubtful: Marc Bartra (injury), Chimy Avila (illness)
Prediction
Given Real Madrid's home advantage and their need to keep pace with the league leaders, they are likely to edge out a narrow victory. However, Real Betis’ resilient defense and solid recent record at the Bernabeu suggest that it could be a closely contested affair.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Real Betis