Real Madrid confirmed starting XI against Real Betis in LaLiga EA Sports

Real Madrid moves on from a narrow and hard-fought win over Alavés with mounting concerns, as injuries continue to thin the squad at a crucial stage of the season. The confirmed absences of Éder Militão and Arda Güler – both ruled out for the remainder of the campaign – add to the long-term injuries of Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo, leaving the team stretched as it begins a three-game road swing.

The first stop comes in Seville against Real Betis at La Cartuja, a venue that carries mixed memories for the club. Madrid lifted the 2023 Copa del Rey there with a 2–1 win over Osasuna, but also suffered heartbreak in 2025, falling 3–2 to Barcelona in the final. Now, they return needing points to stay in the La Liga race against a Betis side that has proven a stubborn opponent in recent years.

Madrid has not beaten Betis since the 2021–22 season, when a lone goal from Dani Carvajal secured a 1–0 victory. Since then, the Seville side has recorded one win and two draws in league play, underlining the challenge awaiting Carlo Ancelotti’s team. Carvajal himself has been in focus this week, not only for his on-field role but also after a pointed exchange with the media that drew attention inside the club.

The veteran right back was expected to anchor a reshuffled defense after coming through just over 30 minutes against Alavés. In the end, Trent got the nod. With Militão now sidelined, Antonio Rüdiger and Dean Huijsen are set to form the central pairing in front of Andriy Lunin. At left back, Mendy starts, while Raúl Asencio remains a doubt after struggling through limited training sessions.

In midfield, the core remains unchanged. Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham continue as seemingly undroppable figures, combining energy, balance and attacking thrust as Madrid navigates the season’s final stretch. Güler’s absence reinforces their importance even further. Thiago makes the cut.

Up front, Brahim Díaz is set for a return to the starting lineup, joining Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé in attack. The trio will carry the scoring burden as Madrid looks to secure a crucial win on the road.

Projected Real Madrid lineup vs Betis

Lunin; Trent, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Mendy; Valverde, Thiago, Bellingham; Brahim, Mbappé, Vinícius

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