Real Betis vs Real Madrid
Time – India: 12:30 AM (Sunday); UK: 8:00 PM (Saturday)
Venue: Estadio Benito Villamarin
Referee: Ricardo de Burgos
Last week, defending champions, Real Madrid, somehow scraped to a goalless draw at Real Sociedad, marking a disappointing start to their La Liga title defence.
Los Blancos were clueless in the final third for the most part and sorely missed the attacking inspiration of Eden Hazard and even Marco Asensio.
This weekend, they are facing an even tougher trip — a visit to the hallowed pastures of Seville, to the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
This Saturday, Real Madrid face an in-form Real Betis outfit, who have kept two clean sheets and bagged two wins in their first two La Liga encounters. A difficult hurdle awaits Zinedine Zidane’s team.
Real Betis vs Real Madrid: Head-to-head
Total matches: 39
Real Betis wins: 7
Real Madrid wins: 22
Draws: 10
Sparks have always flown whenever the two teams have gone against one another. In terms of sheer quality, Real Madrid, of course, have the unabashed advantage, but Real Betis have the recent results to draw confidence from.
In their last three matches, Real Betis managed to best Real Madrid on two occasions, drawing the other game. Real Madrid’s last win over Betis came in January 2019.
Real Betis vs Real Madrid: Recent form
Real Betis: W-W-L-L-L (Most recent first)
Real Madrid: D-L-D-W-W (Most recent first)
Both Real Betis and Real Madrid haven’t had the best of lucks in their last five competitive fixtures. However, if only the most recent form is considered, Betis do seem to be in a far superior shape, winning both of their opening La Liga fixtures.
Real Betis vs Real Madrid: Team news
Real Betis
The hosts would have to do without the expertise of Victor Camarasa, Dani Martin, and Francis Guerrero, with all three still recovering from their respective injuries.
Star forward, Nabil Fekir also picked up a little knock in the last matchday, but he should be fit to feature for Manuel Pellegrini on Saturday.
Andres Guardado also has some discomfort and could sit this one out.
Absentees: Victor Camarasa, Dani Martin, Francis Guerrero
Doubtful: Andres Guardado
Real Madrid
Real Madrid missed the likes of Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio on the flanks last weekend. This Saturday, the duo just might be fit enough to make cameo appearances.
Both players trained with the squad this weekend and are technically fit to start. However, given their history with injuries, coach Zinedine Zidane is expected to ease them into it.
Mariano Diaz and Eder Militao are recovering from injuries and look set to miss the tie.
Absentees: Mariano Diaz, Eder Militao
Doubtful: Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio
Real Betis vs Real Madrid: Probable XI
Real Betis: Bravo; Emerson, Bartra, Mandi, Moreno; Rodriguez, Carvalho; Canales, Joaquin, Fekir; Iglesias
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Mendy; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Vinicius, Benzema, Rodrygo
Real Betis vs Real Madrid: Where to watch
India: No Telecast
UK: La Liga TV (Premier Sports)
Stream in India: Facebook Watch on Facebook
Stream in UK: Premier Sports Player
Real Betis vs Real Madrid: Prediction
La Liga holders were hopelessly toothless in front of goal last weekend. They barely created any chances and needed Thibaut Courtois to produce a couple of special saves to come home with a hard-fought point.
This Saturday, they can’t afford another slip-up, even though they are going up against a tangibly superior unit.
Zinedine Zidane will need to dig deeper and produce something spectacular to beat former Real Madrid boss, Manuel Pellegrini, at his own backyard.
And as for Betis, they only need to keep working just like the way they have so far and make sure to take their chances.
We can’t figure out a way to separate the two and expect them to play out an exciting stalemate at the Villamarin.
Real Betis vs Real Madrid predicted scoreline: 2-2
Also Read: Alvaro Morata: The art of being a successful failure