Real Madrid will face Real Betis this Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, with both teams eager for three pivotal points as the La Liga campaign heats up. The match is particularly significant for Real Madrid, who are currently second in the league, tied on points with rivals Barcelona at 54 but trailing behind due to goal difference. Meanwhile, Real Betis sits seventh, eyeing possible European qualification after two consecutive victories.
Los Blancos are under pressure not to slip, having only managed to secure one win from their last four league outings. Nonetheless, they approach this fixture with the momentum of three straight triumphs and the determination to capitalize on any slip-ups by Barcelona, who do not play until Sunday.
Real Betis has enjoyed resurgence, having taken valuable points lately, but the team is dealing with injury woes. Midfielders Gio Lo Celso and Abde Ezzalzouli are sidelined with muscle injuries, along with Marc Roca. Hector Bellerin remains doubtful under concussion protocols, but there is good news as William Carvalho, who had been out with an ACL injury, is back to training.
To top it off, Antony, who was previously banned due to red card issues, will return to the squad following the successful overturning of his suspension. This strategic addition could be key for Betis as they strive to bolster their attacking threat.
The home team is expected to line up with Adrián as the goalkeeper, supported by defenders Youssouf Sabaly, Marc Bartra, Diego Llorente, and Ricardo Rodriguez. The midfield duo of Johnny Cardoso and Sergi Altimira will aim to disrupt Madrid's rhythm, with Antony, Isco, and Jesus Rodríguez providing support to striker Cucho Hernández.
On the other side, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is facing his own roster challenges as star player Jude Bellingham remains suspended due to disciplinary issues from the prior match. Also sidelined is Dani Ceballos, who joins Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao on the list of unavailable players due to injury. Kylian Mbappé, meanwhile, is set to return after missing the midweek Copa del Rey triumph over Real Sociedad because of dental discomfort.
Real Madrid is poised to adopt a 4-4-2 formation. Thibaut Courtois will stand between the posts, with Lucas Vazquez and Ferland Mendy as full-back options. Antonio Rudiger and Raul Albiol are likely to anchor the central defense. Envisioned midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde will seek to control the ball and dictate play, with Mbappé rejoining Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo at the forward line.
This contest marks another chapter of competitive matches between the two teams, with five of their last ten encounters ending as draws. Historically, Real Madrid has had the upper hand, winning 26 out of the last 48 matches, but recent performances highlight the occasional struggles Madrid has had, particularly during away clashes.
Beyond individual player battles, the game offers narrative depth with Dani Ceballos returning to his boyhood club, Real Betis. His emotional ties to the club and current high form make this matchup especially poignant. Isco, who holds rich memories from his tenure as part of Real Madrid's Champions League-winning squad, will also take the field, providing yet another layer of intrigue.
According to Ancelotti, who expressed confidence about the final outcome, "We're coming to this game with good momentum, but so is Betis. There's a lot at stake for both teams." A win for Madrid would keep them firmly planted within title contention, canceling any chance for Barcelona to pull away.
Fans eager to catch the action can watch the match live on various platforms: ESPN Deportes will broadcast the game for American audiences, with online streaming available on ESPN+ and Fubo. Canadian fans can observe via TSN+, and viewers from the UK can enjoy the game on Premier Sports 1 or La Liga TV. Meanwhile, those down under can access it through beIN Sports, and fans watching from India can tune in via the GXR World platform.
This La Liga fixture promises to be another thrilling encounter, as both teams are fortified with motivation and quality players willing to battle for supremacy on the pitch.