soccer

Real Betis vs Real Madrid – Match preview and team news

Yahoo Sports

Real Betis and Real Madrid go head-to-head in La Liga action on Friday night.The visitors arrive aiming to put the pressure on Barcelona in the title race, while Betis battle for a top-five finish and...

Real Betis vs Real Madrid – Match preview and team news Real Betis and Real Madrid go head-to-head in La Liga action on Friday night. The visitors arrive aiming to put the pressure on Barcelona in the title race, while Betis battle for a top-five finish and potential Champions League qualification. Real Betis vs Real Madrid – Match preview and team news Date: Friday, 24 April 2026 Kick-off: 20:00 BST Venue: Estadio de La Cartuja Team News Real Madrid Real Madrid heads into this clash grappling with a significant “double injury blow” that has prematurely ended the season for two vital players.

Following their midweek victory over Alavés, the club confirmed that both Éder Militão and Arda Güler suffered grade two hamstring tears, sidelining them for the final six matches of the campaign. They join a busy treatment room that includes goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is recovering from a thigh issue, and Rodrygo, who remains out long-term with a cruciate ligament injury. On a more positive note, manager Álvaro Arbeloa welcomes back Raúl Asencio, who has recovered from a bacterial illness.

Despite the absences, the squad remains formidable, with a projected lineup featuring Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior leading the attack, supported by a midfield of Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, as they aim to break their recent winless streak at the Estadio de La Cartuja. Real Betis Real Betis enters this fixture with a boost in attack but lingering concerns in their defensive line. Manager Manuel Pellegrini welcomes back former Manchester United winger Antony, who is available for selection after serving a one-match suspension.

However, the backline is under pressure; Junior Firpo is officially ruled out with a muscle injury, while Diego Llorente and Ángel Ortiz remain doubtful as they face late fitness tests for ankle and shoulder issues, respectively. Midfielder Marc Roca is expected to push through ongoing foot discomfort to start, delaying a potential surgery until the season’s end. Currently battling for a Europa League qualification spot, Betis will rely on the creativity of Pablo Fornals and Abde Ezzalzouli to challenge Real Madrid.