Match Preview

Real Madrid will be on the road for their match against Real Betis at the Villamarín on Sunday.

This is the second meeting between these two clubs. They met last at the Bernabéu back in November. That match finished with a very pedestrian scoreline of 0-0.

With Barcelona’s victory over Sociedad on Saturday, Real now trail by two points. A win over Betis of course would put them right at the top of the league table by a point.

Betis are currently 14th in the La Liga standings. They haven’t won a league match since the middle of January and are only five points above the relegation zone.

Real Madrid will be without several important players in Sunday’s match. They will have to overcome these losses if they hope to find victory on the road.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid are still without Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio. Isco will miss with back pain. Real will also be shorthanded at right back with both Dani Carvajal and Nacho out with the flu. Luka Jovic has been left out of the squad in favor of Mariano.

Real Betis will be without William Carvalho, Diego Lainez and Juanmi.

There are no suspensions for either side in Sunday’s meeting in Seville.

Potential XIs

Real Betis

Robles; Emerson, Mandi, Bartra, Moreno; Gonzalez; Fekir, Canales, Guardado, Joaquín; Iglesias

Real Madrid

Courtois; Vazquez, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Valverde, Casemiro, Kroos; Bale, Vinicius, Benzema

With both Carvajal and Nacho out, Real could utilize Lucas Vazquez at right back as they have before. Eder Militão has also played right back before so he could be an option as well to start.

With Isco not available, Real could start with either Fede Valverde or Luka Modric and go back to the traditional three-man midfield after changing it up in El Clasico last weekend.

Zidane could either go with Gareth Bale or Rodrygo, who is back in the squad, on the right side.

Prediction

Real Betis—Real Madrid 0-2

Real Madrid will have to make do with the squad they have available, which is obviously still quite strong. The right back situation will be quite interesting in this match no matter who starts there.

Betis are in a bad place right now, it’s been quite a while now since they’ve actually won a match. Being at home is a boost for them, but Los Blancos should be able to get things done on the road.

This side was able to take down Barcelona last weekend and they should be able to take down a struggling side as well.

This will be an interesting match as Betis still have quite a bit of talent, hopefully more interesting than another 0-0 draw. Real Madrid should be able to come away with three points and take back their lead at the top of the Spanish table.