Real Madrid Vs Betis

After a frustrating midweek draw, Real Madrid is set to reignite their campaign as they welcome Real Betis to the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday. This encounter is pivotal for both sides, with Los Blancos aiming to return to winning ways and Real Betis searching for their first La Liga victory of the season after two consecutive draws.

A Challenging Start to Real Madrid's La Liga Campaign

Real Madrid entered the 2024-25 season with high expectations, especially after their triumphant 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup. The addition of Kylian Mbappé to their ranks was seen as a game-changer, with many anticipating that his presence would propel the team to a strong start in La Liga. However, the reality has been more complicated.

The season opener against Mallorca at Son Moix was a test of patience for Real Madrid. Despite their dominance in possession and chances created, they were held to a 1-1 draw. Mbappé, making his La Liga debut, was closely marked throughout the match, and although he showed glimpses of brilliance, he couldn't find the back of the net. A second-half equalizer by Vinícius Júnior salvaged a point for the visitors, but it was far from the statement win they had hoped for.

The following weekend, Real Madrid returned to the comfort of the Santiago Bernabéu, where they faced newly promoted Real Valladolid. This time, they showcased the kind of football their fans expect, cruising to a 3-0 victory. The match was highlighted by goals from Federico Valverde, Mbappé, and Rodrygo, with the team demonstrating fluid attacking play and solid defense. The win seemed to signal that Real Madrid had found their rhythm, but their next challenge proved otherwise.

A trip to Gran Canaria to face Las Palmas resulted in another frustrating draw. Las Palmas, a team known for their disciplined defensive structure, took an early lead through Alberto Moleiro. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities, Real Madrid struggled to break down their resolute opponents. It was only a penalty, coolly converted by Vinícius Júnior, that allowed them to level the score. But, despite their best efforts, Los Blancos couldn't find a winner, and the match ended 1-1. This result extended Real Madrid's unbeaten league run to an impressive 35 matches, but it also left them in fourth place, already four points behind league leaders Barcelona.

The Stakes for Real Madrid

As Real Madrid prepares to face Real Betis, the stakes couldn't be higher. The team is under pressure to not only secure three points but also to do so convincingly. The Santiago Bernabéu faithful will be expecting a dominant performance, particularly from their star signing, Mbappé, who is yet to score in La Liga. The French forward has faced criticism in some quarters for his slow start, and this match offers him the perfect opportunity to silence his doubters.

However, history suggests that this won't be an easy task. Real Betis has proven to be a tricky opponent for Real Madrid in recent years. The last three meetings between the two sides have all ended in draws, with Betis managing to frustrate Los Blancos with their organized defense and quick counter-attacks. In fact, Real Madrid hasn't beaten Betis at home in their last three attempts, a statistic that will surely be on the minds of both sets of players.

Real Betis: A Season of Balancing Act

On the other side of the pitch, Real Betis enters this match with their own set of challenges and ambitions. Under the stewardship of Manuel Pellegrini, the Andalusian side has had a busy start to the season, juggling domestic league duties with their commitments in the Europa Conference League playoff round.

Betis began their La Liga campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Girona, a team that had qualified for the Champions League after a remarkable previous season. The match saw Betis take the lead through a Borja Iglesias header, only to be pegged back by a late Girona equalizer. It was a result that highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of Pellegrini's side; they were solid in defense for the most part but lacked the cutting edge to kill off the game.

In the Europa Conference League, Betis faced Ukrainian outfit Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih in a two-legged playoff. The first leg, played in Slovakia due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, ended in a comfortable 2-0 win for Betis. Goals from Aitor Ruibal and Abde Ezzalzouli gave them a healthy lead to take into the second leg. The return fixture at the Benito Villamarín Stadium saw Betis seal their progression to the group stage with a dominant 3-0 victory, with Ezzalzouli grabbing a brace and Ruibal adding another goal. The 5-0 aggregate win means that Betis will now feature in the main draw of a UEFA competition for the fourth consecutive season, a testament to their consistency under Pellegrini.

Back in La Liga, Betis played out a goalless draw with Alavés in their second match of the season. Despite controlling large portions of the game, they couldn't find the breakthrough, a recurring theme that has raised concerns among fans about their ability to compete at the highest level this season. Nevertheless, the draw extended their unbeaten start to the season, and they will be eager to maintain that record against Real Madrid.

The Tactical Battle: Pellegrini vs. Ancelotti

The clash between Real Madrid and Real Betis will not only be a battle of players but also a tactical duel between two of La Liga's most experienced managers, Carlo Ancelotti and Manuel Pellegrini. Both coaches are renowned for their tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of their squads, making this encounter all the more intriguing.

Ancelotti, who returned to Real Madrid for a second spell, has opted for a fluid 4-3-3 formation this season, with Mbappé leading the line alongside Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. The Italian coach has placed a strong emphasis on quick transitions and high pressing, aiming to suffocate opponents in their own half. However, the team's recent struggles to convert possession into goals suggest that there is still work to be done in refining this approach.

Pellegrini, on the other hand, is known for his pragmatic style of play. The Chilean manager has set up his Betis side in a compact 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to frustrate opponents and hit them on the counter. With experienced players like Sergio Canales and Guido Rodríguez pulling the strings in midfield, Betis has the ability to soak up pressure and strike with precision. Pellegrini's game plan for Sunday is likely to involve sitting deep, absorbing Real Madrid's attacks, and then launching quick counters through the pace of Ezzalzouli and Ruibal.

Key Players to Watch

For Real Madrid, all eyes will be on Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar is under immense pressure to deliver, and this match could be the one where he finally opens his La Liga account. His pace, skill, and finishing ability make him a constant threat, but he will need to be at his best to break down a well-drilled Betis defense.

Vinícius Júnior is another player who could have a significant impact. The Brazilian winger has been in fine form, scoring in both of Real Madrid's league matches so far. His partnership with Mbappé is still developing, but the early signs are promising. If the two can click, they have the potential to form one of the most lethal attacking duos in Europe.

In midfield, Federico Valverde has been a standout performer for Real Madrid. His energy, vision, and ability to drive forward with the ball make him a key component of Ancelotti's system. Valverde's box-to-box presence will be crucial in both breaking down Betis' defensive lines and in tracking back to thwart counter-attacks.

For Real Betis, Aitor Ruibal and Abde Ezzalzouli will be the players to watch. Ruibal, who has been a consistent performer for Betis, has started the season strongly with goals in both the league and Europe. His ability to link up play and his eye for goal make him a dangerous proposition for Real Madrid's defense.

Ezzalzouli, who joined Betis on loan from Barcelona, has quickly made an impact with his pace and directness. His two goals in the Europa Conference League highlighted his potential, and he will be eager to make his mark in La Liga. Ezzalzouli's pace could be a key weapon for Betis, particularly on the counter-attack.

Historical Context and Recent Form

Real Madrid and Real Betis have a long and storied history in La Liga, with numerous memorable encounters over the years. However, in recent times, Betis has proven to be a tough nut to crack for Los Blancos. As mentioned earlier, the last three league meetings between the two sides have all ended in draws, with Betis managing to keep Real Madrid's formidable attack at bay.

Betis' recent visits to the Santiago Bernabéu have been particularly noteworthy. Four of their last five away league games against Real Madrid have finished goalless, a statistic that underlines their defensive resilience. Their last victory at the Bernabéu came in May 2019, when they stunned the hosts with a 2-0 win. While much has changed since then, that result will undoubtedly be in the minds of Betis' players and fans as they prepare for Sunday's clash.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, will be keen to avoid a repeat of those frustrating encounters. With the pressure mounting, especially after two consecutive draws, Ancelotti's side knows that nothing less than a win