Real Madrid continues its quest for the La Liga title, gearing up to face Real Betis at the Estadio Benito Villamarín on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The match holds significant importance, as Los Blancos aim to reclaim the top spot and keep pace with rivals Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, who are also vying for the championship. Yet, they'll have to navigate this challenge with key players sidelined due to injury and suspension.
Fresh off their impressive 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad, where Endrick scored the only goal to secure progress to the Copa del Rey final, Carlo Ancelotti’s side confronts another stern test. With the Champions League derby against Atlético on the horizon, Madrid needs to maintain intensity and capture all three points against Betis, who currently sit seventh in the La Liga standings.
Real Madrid will be missing some of their most influential players for the matchup. Jude Bellingham is serving the final match of his suspension after receiving a red card against Osasuna, where he was unable to overturn the decision on appeal. Meanwhile, Federico Valverde is doubtful due to hamstring discomfort, joining Dani Ceballos, who is expected to be out for nearly two months with a muscle injury. Ceballos’ absence is particularly felt, as he was contributing significantly to the midfield dynamics prior to his injury.
Valverde, who has been one of the most-utilized players this season, is integral not only as a right-back option but also as a box-to-box midfielder, making his potential absence all the more impactful. The likelihood is high for Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga to start alongside each other, taking over Valverde's role, and Lucas Vazquez may move back to start at right-back.
On the other side, Real Betis is experiencing positive momentum with recent wins against Real Sociedad and Getafe. The team is also bolstered by the return of Antony, the winger on loan from Manchester United, who has quickly made his mark following his arrival, scoring three goals and providing two assists. Importantly, his recent red card was rescinded, allowing him to feature against Real Madrid. Alongside him, Isco Alarcón continues to impress and remains pivotal to Betis' attacking setup.
Despite their recent success, Betis hasn’t managed to beat Madrid since 2020 and will be hoping to change their fate at home. Their coach, Manuel Pellegrini, who knows the intricacies of these high-stakes games, will cut no corners to set up for this potentially crafty contest. Betis currently shares points with Rayo Vallecano, who are also competing for European slots, adding more significance to each league fixture.
The last encounter between these two teams at the Santiago Bernabéu featured Kylian Mbappé bagging two goals, and he is expected to lead the charge again this weekend alongside Vinícius Junior and Rodrygo Goes. For Ancelotti, getting Mbappé and Vinícius firing will be key, especially with Bellingham and Valverde out of the picture. Anticipation surrounds this match as it could be defined by the quality of Madrid’s attacking trio, which has routinely displayed its capacity to overcome tough opposition.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 PM CET. For fans eager to tune in, the match can be streamed live on ESPN+ or through local service providers. It’s set to be an electrifying clash, and with Real Madrid aiming to push themselves back to the top and Betis determined to rise higher, expectations run high.
With Barcelona leading the race so tightly and Atlético Madrid breathing down their necks, every point counts. For both sides, achieving victory adds not just points but momentum as the season edges toward its latter stages. A trip to Seville always promises to present challenges, particularly against Betis, who boast tactical strength and home advantage.
Both teams are aware of the stakes involved: Madrid's quest for the title, and for Betis, the pursuit of European football next season hinges on consistent performances against the league's elite. This fixture is emotional, pivotal, and one none will want to miss. Tune in this Saturday as two exceptional teams face off, sparking the competitive spirit of La Liga once again.