Real Madrid vs. Real Betis: Match Preview, Predictions, and Lineups
Real Madrid faces Real Betis this Sunday in a crucial match at the Santiago Bernabéu as they embark on their 2026 campaign. After a turbulent end to 2025, the team has fallen behind arch-rivals Barcelona, trailing by seven points in La Liga. This match serves as an opportunity for Los Blancos to begin 2026 on a positive note and reduce the gap in the title race.
Match Preview
Real Madrid ended 2025 without any major trophies, and coach Xabi Alonso is under pressure to improve results. A win against Betis would not only boost morale but also set the tone for their upcoming challenge against Atlético Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal.
Current Form
Both teams are entering this match with varying degrees of success:
- Real Madrid: Recent fixtures show mixed results, including a loss to Celta Vigo and a 2-0 win against Sevilla.
- Real Betis: The team has been in good form, with a decisive 4-0 victory over Getafe last time out.
Head-to-Head Record
In their last five encounters, Real Madrid secured only one victory against Real Betis, indicating a competitive rivalry:
| Match Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 12/20/25 | Real Madrid 2 – 0 Sevilla |
| 12/21/25 | Real Betis 4 – 0 Getafe |
| 12/17/25 | Real Madrid 2 – 3 Talavera |
| 12/18/25 | Real Betis 0 – 2 Real Murcia |
| 12/14/25 | Alavés 1 – 2 Real Madrid |
Player Availability
Real Madrid will be without several key players due to injuries:
- Kylian Mbappé (knee injury)
- Dean Huijsen (doubtful)
- Éder Militão
- Dani Carvajal
- Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Brahim Díaz
Betis will also deal with significant absentees, including Isco and players representing their nations in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Predicted Lineups
Here’s what the teams might look like:
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Courtois
- Defenders: Valverde, Rüdiger, Asencio, Carreras
- Midfielders: Tchouaméni, Güler
- Forwards: Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, García
Real Betis (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Vallés
- Defenders: Bellerín, Bartra, Natan, Gómez
- Midfielders: Deossa, Roca
- Forwards: Antony, Fornals, Ruibal, Hernández
Match Prediction
Despite the challenges, Real Madrid possesses a strong attacking lineup. The absence of Mbappé is significant, but players like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo are expected to step up. Anticipate a tightly contested match, with a predicted score of Real Madrid 2, Real Betis 1.
