Real Betis v Real Madrid

Estadio Benito Villamaring forms the backdrop for a handsomely-looking La Liga showdown between Real Betis and Real Madrid.

Despite an unconvincing 2-1 win over lower-league outfit Villanovense in midweek Coppa del Rey action, amends are in order for Betis after losing to Sparta Prague in the Europa League and drawing 0-0 against La Liga underachievers Almeria in less than a week. With their last four matches against top-flight opponents producing a measly four goals, entertainment could be at a premium in this traditionally awkward fixture for ‘Los Verdiblancos.’ However, manager Manuel Pellegrini won’t pay much attention to aesthetics if his side can maintain their unbeaten home league record this season (W5, D2) against a team they’ve only won once against across the last nine top-flight H2Hs in Andalusia (D2, L6). But if it means something, they drew 0-0 in this corresponding fixture in 2022/23.

Despite an ominously-looking injury crisis, visiting Real Madrid come into proceedings in a buoyant mood after racking up an eye-catching 13-game unbeaten streak across all competitions (W11, D2), bookended by a comfortable 2-0 home league win against Granada last weekend. Fresh off winning three straight top-flight matches en route to ascending to the top of the La Liga standings, ‘Los Merengues’ go in search of a third consecutive league win on the road, encouraged by a decent away form in La Liga this season (W6, D1, L1). But their only blemish on an otherwise inspiring four-game away league record (W3, D1) came in Andalusia of all places, with Sevilla holding Carlo Ancelotti’s side to a 1-1 draw in October. It’s worth mentioning they’ve netted 2.25 goals per game during that four-match sequence.