Real Betis v Real Madrid

Match Preview

Real Madrid will look to heap the pressure on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid when they go to Real Betis on Saturday.

Madrid are the first of the three titles challengers to play this weekend with Atletico following when they host Athletic Bilbao tomorrow night and Barca last up against Real Betis on Sunday afternoon.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been in god form in recent weeks with just one defeat in their last 13 games in all competitions.

And that despite a crippling injury list that has deprived them of several key players, particularly in defence.

Dani Ceballos was the latest player to be struck down after damaging a hamstring in the Copa del Rey victory at Real Sociedad in midweek.

That means Luka Modric is likely to step in and Ancelotti is confident the 39-year-old can perform in successive games with the Champions League clash with Atletico looking large on Tuesday.

He said: “Modric can play. He is one of the few who has not had injuries. He has a great physical condition. I don’t see why he can’t play two games in a row. The data we have is from a player who is well prepared.”

Seventh-placed Betis will be tricky opponents, especially as Antony, who has been impressive after moving to La Liga on loan from Manchester United, has been cleared to play after his red card against Getafe last weekend was rescinded.

💥 @Kmbappe
💥 @Aretie pic.twitter.com/1rS45eBoDE

– Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@Realmadriden) February 28, 2025

Real Betis v Real Madrid Team News

Antony’s availability is a real boost for Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini who is without Gio Le Celso, Hector Bellerin and William Carvalho. Pablo Fornals has returned to the squad and could make the bench.

Madrid have several worries with Federico Valverde out due to an unspecified issue, although Ancelotti has said he will return to face Atlei.

Jude Bellingham is suspended but Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, Lucas Vazquez and Ferland Mendy could return.

Real Betis v Real Madrid predicted line-ups

Real Betis: Adrian; Sabaly, Bartra, Llorente, Rodriguez; Cardoso, Altimira; Antony, Isco, J Rodriguez; Hernandez

Real Madrid: Curtain; Vazquez, Rudiger, Assistance, Mendy; Modric, Camite, Subject; Rodrygo, Mbappe.

That smiles when you return to a call 🔙😀

A for all, @pablofornals! 💪🆙#RealBetisRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/r9tHiWlBw3

– Real Betis Balompié 🌴💚 (@realbetis) February 28, 2025

How to watch Real Betis v Real Madrid: TV channel, online live stream

The game can be watched on TV in the UK on Premier Sports 1 and can be streamed on La Liga TV.