Real Madrid will host Real Betis on Sunday at Santiago Bernabeu, looking to secure a strong start in 2026 and continue their quest for the La Liga title.
Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Sunday, 4th January.
- Kick-off: 3:15pm BST.
- Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid.
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid will be without Kylian Mbappé, who has a knee sprain from training earlier this week. Manager Xabi Alonso said he is uncertain when Mbappé will return but is hopeful for a quick comeback. He has netted 18 goals in 18 La Liga matches this season.
Additionally, Dani Carvajal (knee), Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh), Éder Militão (hamstring), and Brahim Díaz (AFCON) will also miss the game. Dean Huijsen is doubtful after missing training due to knee discomfort, and Federico Valverde is flagged as uncertain due to overload issues.
Real Betis Team News
Coach Manuel Pellegrini has announced a 22-man squad for the trip to the Bernabéu, with Isco the only player missing due to a muscle injury. Junior Firpo and Diego Llorente are back in training and likely to play.
Brazilian winger Antony, who had muscle fatigue earlier in the week, is included in the matchday squad. Pellegrini’s team has no major injury issues impacting their selection.
Form
Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso’s team wrapped up 2025 with three consecutive wins, finishing with a 2-0 victory over Sevilla on December 20 to place second in the table with 42 points, four behind Barcelona.
Real Betis
Real Betis have shown strong form, particularly during the holiday season, highlighted by a 4-0 win against Getafe on December 21, where Cucho Hernández played a key role.
Aitor Ruibal added two goals in that match, contributing to their solid attacking display. Betis currently sits in sixth place with 28 points from 17 matches.
Predicted Lineups
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
Viewers in the UK can watch the match live on Premier Sports 1.
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