Real Betis vs Real Madrid: preview, team news, confirmed XIs

Real Madrid will be looking to record their first win of the new season on Saturday when they face Real Betis at the Estadio Villamarín in Seville.

Follow Betis vs Real Madrid live

Zinedine Zidane’s side saw out a limp 0-0 draw against Real Sociedad last weekend in San Sebastián, and hopes were that the French coach would have some extra firepower this weekend with the return of Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, Isco and Lucas Vazquez.

But while Lucas and Isco have come back in, Hazard and Asensio have again been left out of the travelling squad, with Zidane stating in a press conference on Friday that €100 million man Hazard would not return to the fold until both he and the club felt he was at “100 percent”.

Zidane may opt to start again with Rodrygo and Vinicius on the wings as they had last weekend, with the returning Isco and Asensio as backup.

Casemiro was left on the bench against Sociedad in favour of Martin Odegaard, who knew last week’s opponents all too well after spending last season at the Anoeta Stadium on loan. But the Brazilian midfielder may return to the starting line-up alongside fellow veterans Toni Kroos and Luka Modric for the Villamarín clash this Saturday.

Early on Saturday it was confirmed that Marcelo would not be travelling to Seville because of a back injury, after the Brazilian full back had initially been named in Zidane's 22-man squad, meaning Ferland Mendy is certain to start.

Real Betis vs Real Madrid: how and where to watch: times, TV, online

Betis looking to go three from three

The Villamarín is never an easy place to go to for Los Blancos, who will be extra weary of a Betis side under new coach Manuel Pellegrini that has won its two opening LaLiga 2020/21 fixtures.

The Seville-based outfit saw out a 2-1 victory at home against Madrid back in March and will be looking to make it three from three to keep themselves at the top of the table with nine points.

But Madrid’s weak opening to their LaLiga title defence should not mask the fact they have remained unbeaten in their last 12 league meetings. And Pellegrini will know he will have his work cut out to bring his opponent’s unbeaten streak to an end.

Real Betis predicted XI vs Real Madrid

Bravo, Moreno, Bartra, Mandi, Emerson, Rodríguez, Carvalho, Joaquín, Canales, Fekir, Iglesias

Real Madrid predicted XI vs Real Betis

Courtois, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Mendy, Kroos, Casemiro, Modric, Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius

Real Betis vs Real Madrid: injuries and suspensions

As aforementioned, Real Madrid will be without Hazard, Asensio and Isco, while Mariano and Eder Militao also miss out through injury. The home side, meanwhile, are missing Dani Martin, Victor Camarasa and Francis, while Andrés Guardado is doubtful.

Real Betis vs Real Madrid: what the managers said

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Pellegrini: “We know the quality of Real Madrid; they are the champions for a reason. It will be a highly technical game, one decided by small margins, but we must look to make the most of our strengths.”

Zidane: “First of all, we know who we are playing against. They are a good team in this league; we know how they started… They have changed the coach. Pellegrini has experience and can contribute to his team. And that is what he’s doing. Betis has always been a team with quality players. We will see a good Betis this year, for sure.”

Real Betis vs Real Madrid: head to head

Real Madrid have lost two of their last six meetings with Betis, winning three and drawing one.

08/03/20: Betis 2 – 1 Real Madrid

02/11/19: Real Madrid 0 – 0 Betis

19/05/19: Real Madrid 2 – 0 Betis

13/01/19: Betis 1 – 2 Real Madrid

18/02/18: Betis 3 – 5 Real Madrid

20/09/17: Real Madrid 0 – 1 Betis

Real Betis vs Real Madrid: form guide

Last six league games:

Real Betis: W L L L W W

Real Madrid: W W W W D D