Sports
Real Madrid v Real Betis
Match Preview for Real Madrid v Real Betis
Real Madrid will look to begin 2026 on a positive note when they host Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon in La Liga.
Los Blancos sit second in the table, four points behind leaders Barcelona, while Betis occupy sixth place and remain firmly in the race for European qualification.
Real Madrid head into the new year with 42 points from 18 league matches, having recorded 13 wins, three draws and two defeats so far this season.
Los Blancos closed out 2025 in strong fashion, securing three consecutive victories across all competitions. League wins over Alaves and Sevilla were followed by a 3-2 Copa del Rey success against CF Talavera, restoring confidence after a brief wobble late in the year that saw them relinquish top spot.
Attention will soon turn to the Spanish Super Cup, where Real Madrid face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals, with a potential final against either Barcelona or Athletic Bilbao on the horizon.
They also remain in contention in the Champions League, sitting seventh in the overall table with four wins from six matches.
Real Betis arrive in the capital in encouraging form after ending 2025 with a convincing 4-0 win over Getafe. Manuel Pellegrini’s side have won three of their last four matches in all competitions and continue to position themselves well for a European finish.
The Seville-based club have collected 28 points from 17 league matches, losing just three times in La Liga this season. However, seven draws have prevented them from pushing closer to the top five, leaving them sixth, five points ahead of Celta Vigo.
Team news for Real Madrid v Real Betis
Real Madrid will be without several key players for their first match of the year. Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Brahim Diaz and Kylian Mbappe are all unavailable due to injury or international duty.
Mbappe picked up a knee injury in training earlier this week, though there is optimism he could return in time for the Spanish Super Cup. In his absence, Gonzalo Garcia is expected to lead the line despite still searching for his first goal of the season.
Real Betis are also dealing with absences, with Isco sidelined by a muscle issue, while Cedric Bakambu, Abde Ezzalzouli and Sofyan Amrabat are all away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Junior Firpo and Diego Llorente remain doubts due to muscle problems.
Antony is expected to feature on the right flank, while Cucho Hernandez, who has scored seven league goals this season, should continue to spearhead the attack.
Expected line-ups for Real Madrid v Real Betis
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Huijsen, Rudiger, Carreras; Bellingham, Tchouameni, Guler; Rodrygo, G Garcia, Vinicius
Real Betis: Valles; Bellerin, Natan, Bartra, Gomez; Deossa, Roca; Antony, Fornals, Ruibal; Hernandez
How to watch Real Madrid v Real Betis: TV channel, online stream
The match will be broadcast live on La Liga TV in the UK, with streaming available via Premier Sports and affiliated platforms. International viewers should check local listings for coverage.
The stats for Real Madrid v Real Betis
• Real Madrid have won 13 of their 18 La Liga matches this season
• Los Blancos have won three consecutive games in all competitions
• Real Betis have lost just three league matches in 2025-26
• Seven of Betis’ 17 league games have ended in draws
• Real Betis have not won at the Bernabeu since May 2019
• Four of the last seven La Liga meetings between these sides finished level
Prediction
Real Madrid
2
–
1
Real Betis
Real Madrid will be without Kylian Mbappe, which significantly reduces their attacking firepower, and Real Betis have shown enough this season to suggest they can make this a competitive contest.
However, the hosts’ depth and home advantage should still be enough to secure an important victory.
