Real Madrid will continue to put pressure on arch-rivals Barcelona in the La Liga title race when they travel to Seville on Saturday for a crucial encounter against Real Betis.
Los Blancos will be heading to the contest on the back of a narrow 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final 1st leg, where Brazilian teenager Endrick scored the decisive goal.
As far as their league form is concerned, Carlo Ancelotti’s men ended their brief three-match winless drought with a comfortable 2-0 win over Girona last week. Sitting second in the table and trailing Barcelona only by goal difference, the reigning champions will try to go all out for a victory this weekend. Moreover, they will look to build momentum, with the Champions League round of 16 clash against Atletico Madrid awaiting next week.
Meanwhile, Real Betis will try to throw a spanner in the works of the Spanish capital giants with their well-rounded squad. They should also be brimming with confidence after winning their last two games, which has led them to seventh place in the table, only behind Rayo Vallecano for the final European spot.
However, their biggest setback will be the suspension of loanee Antony, who has reinvigorated the team’s attack with his blistering form. Manuel Pellegrini has a tall order of replacing the Brazilian winger.
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid will have to continue to cope with the absence of Jude Bellingham, whose two-match suspension ends after this weekend’s clash. However, Ancelotti shouldn’t be having any issues due to the overwhelming quality of the squad, with veteran Luka Modric also rising to the occasion with a phenomenal display against Girona.
⚽ ¡Nuestros mejores goles fuera de casa!
🆚 @RealBetis pic.twitter.com/lgTmJWXe0i— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) February 28, 2025
As far as their injury list goes, Ancelotti will be delighted to have an almost fit squad, with Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao the only long-term absentees.
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup vs Real Betis
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois will return to the Real Madrid lineup after being rested for the Copa del Rey clash against Sociedad.
Defence
Raul Asencio should continue to be the staple in the defence following his stellar run of form, while David Alaba might get the nod over Antonio Rudiger as the other centre-back in the Real Madrid. Ferland Mendy and Lucas Vazquez start as the full-backs.
Midfield
Ancelotti must be presented with a conundrum in the midfield due to a stacked line-up. Luka Modric could be given another opportunity following his age-defying performance against Girona, with Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga likely to complete the trio.
Attack
Kylian Mbappe will return to the Real Madrid lineup after missing the midweek clash due to a tooth problem, partnering with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in the frontline.
