Real Madrid vs Real Betis - Prediction, Team News, Lineups
Match Overview
Real Madrid will conclude their triumphant 2023-24 La Liga campaign with a home fixture against Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening. With the league title already secured and their eyes set on the upcoming Champions League final, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will look to finish strong against a Betis side set for Europa Conference League action next season.
Real Madrid: Form and Key Insights
Real Madrid have been in imperious form, showcasing their dominance with a series of high-scoring performances. Their recent 4-4 draw against Villarreal, although defensively frail, highlighted their offensive prowess, particularly with standout displays from young talent Arda Guler and veterans like Joselu.
- Recent La Liga Form: WWWWD
- Overall Form: DWWWWD
- Key Player: Jude Bellingham, who has been instrumental in their midfield dynamism.
Ancelotti's side boasts the longest unbeaten run in La Liga history, going 31 games without defeat since September's loss to Atletico Madrid. They sit atop the table with 94 points, looking to cap off their domestic season with a flourish before turning their focus to the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
## Real Betis: Form and Key Insights
Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis have had a mixed end to their season. Despite a strong recovery in April, their hopes for a top-six finish were dashed by a home defeat to Real Sociedad. Still, a spot in the Europa Conference League provides a platform for European aspirations next season.
- Recent La Liga Form: WDWDL
- Key Player: Nabil Fekir, whose creativity will be crucial in breaking down Madrid’s defense.
Betis have struggled against Real Madrid in recent encounters, managing just one win in their last seven meetings. Their focus will be on ending the season on a high note, maintaining dignity against the league champions.
Team News
Real Madrid
Injuries continue to plague Los Blancos with key players like David Alaba (ACL) and Aurelien Tchouameni (foot) sidelined. Ancelotti is expected to field a strong lineup, reverting to his preferred 4-3-1-2 formation.
- Expected Lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior
Toni Kroos is set to play his final La Liga match for Real Madrid before retiring later this year, adding an emotional undertone to the fixture.
Real Betis
Betis are heavily impacted by injuries, missing several key players, including Isco (fibula), Marc Bartra (Achilles), and Cedric Bakambu (tendon). Additionally, Aitor Ruibal is absent for unexplained reasons.
- Expected Lineup: Bravo; Sabaly, Sokratis, Visus, Miranda; Roca, Cardoso; Ezzalzouli, Fekir, Perez; Jose
Pellegrini is likely to rely on a mix of experience and youth, with Deportivo captain Ricardo Visus expected to start in defense alongside veteran Sokratis.
Prediction
Given Real Betis' significant injury woes and Real Madrid's formidable home form, the hosts are clear favorites. With the Champions League final in mind, Ancelotti’s side may not go all out, but their quality and depth should see them through comfortably.
- Prediction: Real Madrid 2-0 Real Betis
Recent battles between these sides have often been close, but Real Madrid's superior squad depth and attacking firepower make them strong favorites to secure a final-day victory and build momentum ahead of their European showdown.