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It will not be easy for Real Madrid to play against Betis three days before visiting the Signal Iduna Park. All things considered, Mourinho has left some key players out of the squad. The Portuguese coach said Essien won't be available for the European clash, and that's why Sergio Ramos won't feature against Betis. Ramos will be the team's only option at the right back position after Arbeloa's suspension.
Fàbio Coentrao is slightly injured, so he will be sidelined for the Liga game as well. Even though Marcelo seems to be getting in shape lately, Coentrao's presence in Real Madrid's left back could be very important against Dortmund's powerful wings. Marcelo will have another chance to prove himself and show how he's improved against Betis.
With Sami Khedira out of the list as well, Modric and Xabi Alonso will have another chance to play together. It'd be good for Real Madrid to have these two players used to each other.
Look for Kaká to start against Betis as well. The Brazilian playmaker might not be playing well away from the Bernabéu, but he's a good fit for these matches at home. Morata, Callejón, Higuaín and Benzema would be fighting for three more spots if Ronaldo and Di María finally start the game from the bench as expected.
Betis is having quite a good season. They are six points short of playing in the Champions League next season, but the Europe League is just two points away. That's why Beñat, Cañas and company will try to get at least one points out of Real Madrid's stadium. Pepe Mel's players managed to come back from a 0-3 deficit against city foes Sevilla in what arguably is one of the most beautiful rivalries in Spanish football.
Beñat is considered Betis' key player, and he certainly knows what to do with the ball on his feet. The Spanish midfielder was reported to be transferred last summer but decided to stay. Expect him to create some danger off set pieces.