Real Madrid will return to La Liga on Sunday, three days after a tough defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu to their biggest rival, Barcelona, who edged them in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. With a packed schedule and little time for reflection, the white shirts must pick themselves up to face Real Betis at Benito Villamarín, aimed at keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
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Madrid, without Modric
Heading into the clash, both teams arrive with notable injuries. Luka Modric will miss the Madrid side due to an injury, joining the absence of David Alaba and Ferland Mendy. Carlo Ancelotti will have to rotate the midfield. Dani Ceballos could start, pairing with Toni Kroos and Aurélien Tchouaméni, while Eduardo Camavinga also has options to feature. There is a chance Rodrygo Goes or Marco Asensio could join Karim Benzema and Vinícius Junior, creating a wide array of midfield possibilities. The squad depth is clear, offering several tactical routes to choose from.
Defensively, no major changes are anticipated in the low block. Thibaut Courtois starts in goal, with Dani Carvajal, Éder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernández in front of him. Lucas Vázquez could be called upon to provide fresh energy on the right flank, offering Carvajal a breather when needed.
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First match Betis post-Fekir
On the Betis side, Manuel Pellegrini faces the challenge of a first match without Nabil Fekir, who is sidelined for the season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament of the left knee. It is a harsh blow for a squad already dealing with further injuries. Sergio Canales is also out with a thigh issue, while Juan Cruz is unavailable. Rui Silva and Edgar González remain doubtful, adding to the uncertainty ahead of the trip to Madrid.
With those injuries, Pellegrini is expected to lean on his senior core. Luiz Felipe and Germán Pezzella will anchor the defense, with Guido Rodríguez and William Carvalho operating in the double pivot. Luiz Henrique and Juanmi Jiménez will push from wide positions as Borja Iglesias leads the line, the focal point in attack. Whether Rodri Sánchez or Ayoze Pérez steps into the midfield remains a question, though veteran Andrés Guardado could be deployed to shield the middle of the park if needed.
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LINEUPS OF REAL BETIS VS. REAL MADRID
Real Betis (1-4-2-3-1): Claudio Bravo/Rui Silva; Sabaly, Pezzella, Luiz Felipe, Juan Miranda/Abner; William Carvalho, Guido Rodríguez; Luiz Henrique, Rodri Sánchez/Ayoze Pérez, Juanmi; Borja Iglesias
Real Madrid (1-4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho; Kroos/Rodrygo, Tchouaméni, Dani Ceballos/Camavinga; Fede Valverde, Benzema and Vinicius
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