Real Madrid Vs Real Betis: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details
| Date | Sunday, January 4, 2026 |
| Time | 08:45 PM IST |
| Venue | Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid |
| Competition | La Liga (Matchday 18) |
🏟️ Real Madrid Host Betis in Crucial 2026 Opener
Real Madrid begins the new year at the Santiago Bernabéu, hosting a resilient Real Betis side in a high-stakes La Liga encounter. Xabi Alonso's men currently sit second in the table with 42 points, trailing league leaders Barcelona by four points as the title race intensifies. Despite a stellar run of three consecutive victories to end 2025, Los Blancos face a daunting challenge as they enter 2026 with a heavily depleted squad.
Real Betis arrives in the capital in excellent form, occupying sixth place after a convincing 4-0 win over Getafe in their last outing. Manuel Pellegrini's side has proven to be a "bogey team" for the giants in recent years, with Madrid winning only two of their last seven meetings against the Seville outfit. With Champions League qualification in their sights, Betis will look to exploit Madrid's defensive crisis and cause a major upset.
- Event: La Liga Matchday 18
- Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026 (IST)
- Time: 08:45 PM IST
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
- Context: A top-six battle where Real Madrid must overcome significant injury woes to keep pace with Barcelona at the top.
📊 Team Analysis & Form
Real Madrid (Coach: Xabi Alonso, Form: W W W L L)
Madrid's title aspirations have been rocked by a devastating knee injury to Kylian Mbappé, who is expected to miss at least three weeks. The Frenchman has already netted 18 league goals this season, leaving a massive void in the attack. Alonso's defensive options are equally thin, with Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dani Carvajal all sidelined, while Dean Huijsen is a major doubt after missing training.
Real Betis (Coach: Manuel Pellegrini, Form: W W D W L)
Betis have been the "draw specialists" of the league but enter 2026 having won three of their last four matches in all competitions. While they are missing key figures like Isco through injury and a trio of stars (Amrabat, Bakambu, Abde) due to AFCON duty, they remain dangerous on the counter-attack. Their defensive solidity, combined with Madrid's lack of a primary striker, could make them difficult to break down.
⭐ Key Players
- Real Madrid: Vinícius Júnior (Forward) - With Mbappé out, the burden of creativity and goals falls squarely on the Brazilian winger.
- Real Madrid: Jude Bellingham (Midfielder) - Madrid's midfield engine will need to be at his best to drive the team forward and provide a goal-scoring threat.
- Real Betis: Juan "Cucho" Hernández (Forward) - The Colombian has been in fine form with seven league goals and will look to test Madrid's makeshift backline.
- Real Betis: Álvaro Vallés (Goalkeeper) - Likely to be heavily tested, his performance will be critical if Betis are to leave the Bernabéu with points.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- Coping with the Loss of Mbappé: How Xabi Alonso restructures his attack without his 18-goal talisman will be the defining factor of the match.
- The Defensive Patchwork: With numerous regular starters out, Antonio Rüdiger must lead a backline that may feature young Raúl Asencio against a dangerous Betis front line.
- Midfield Control: Real Madrid's elite midfield, featuring Tchouaméni and Bellingham, must dominate the tempo to prevent Betis from launching lethal counter-attacks.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
Real Madrid's injury crisis makes this one of their most vulnerable home matches of the season. However, the depth of talent remaining—including Vinícius Jr and Bellingham—should still give them a slight edge in a tight, low-scoring affair. Betis will be disciplined and dangerous, but Madrid's Bernabéu factor often provides the late breakthrough needed.
Predicted Score: Real Madrid 2–1 Real Betis
Can Real Madrid overcome their injury nightmare to stay in the title race, or will Real Betis pull off a classic Bernabéu heist? Kick-off is at 08:45 PM IST tonight!
Would you like me to provide the confirmed starting lineups for Real Madrid and Real Betis once they are released at the Bernabéu?
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