Real Betis Takes On Real Madrid: Key Matchup Breakdown, Bold Predictions, and Expected Lineups

José Mourinho's second stint at Real Madrid is off to a promising start.

Los Blancos have made a flawless beginning to the La Liga campaign, claiming three wins from three matches, netting 10 goals while conceding only two. It's a stark contrast to how last season ended.

Despite the optimism and acclaim, critics have argued that Mourinho's squad hasn't yet been truly tested. That changes this week.

Madrid head to Real Betis on Friday, a ground that has brought the club mixed fortunes in recent years. A victory would send them to the top of La Liga, with Barcelona not due to play until Sunday.

Next up is the Champions League, with Inter making the trip to the Bernabéu on Tuesday. If Mourinho can maintain a perfect record heading into midweek, he may well win over a few more skeptics.

Real Betis vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction

Los Blancos Edge Tricky Test

Following convincing home wins over Real Sociedad and Málaga, Madrid hit the road to face a considerably tougher challenge in Real Betis.

Manuel Pellegrini's outfit may have been thrashed 5–2 by Levante in their last outing, but they remain one of the strongest sides in La Liga outside the traditional top three.

Madrid's underwhelming recent record against Betis, combined with the hosts' quality in midfield, means this fixture will be a genuine gauge of how far Mourinho's revamped side has come.

Looming Champions League commitments for both clubs—Real Betis return to European competition for the first time in 21 years when they face Lille on Tuesday—add extra intrigue to the contest, and Madrid's formidable attacking threat may just be enough to edge it. A repeat of their four-goal margin, though, seems unlikely.

Prediction: Real Betis 1–2 Real Madrid

Real Betis Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Defenders Ángel Ortiz and Aitor Rubial are both ruled out through injury, and former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso—yet to appear in the 2026–27 season—is also unavailable.

Summer arrival and fellow ex-Spurs player Troy Parrott is still searching for his first Betis goal, while two former Real Madrid players could line up against their old employers on Friday. Left back Fran García left Madrid this summer after three years at the club, while Isco spent nine seasons with Los Blancos and was a key figure during one of the most trophy-laden eras in the club's history.

The shared history extends to the touchline as well. Manuel Pellegrini, now 72, had a one-year spell as Madrid manager in 2009–10 and still holds the record for the most points accumulated by a La Liga runner-up (96).

Real Betis predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Vallés; Bellerín, Bartra, Natan, García; Bernal, Roca; Antony, Isco, Ezzalzouli; Parrott.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Real Betis

Aurélien Tchouaméni continues to sit out with a muscle problem and is not expected to return until later in the month. Young midfielder Thiago Pitarch further depletes Mourinho's central options as he works his way back from a knee injury.

In defense, Éder Militão, Raúl Asencio, and Ferland Mendy remain sidelined—though Militão has stepped up his rehabilitation and could be available again next month.

Endrick and Rodrygo are the two other senior players currently on the injury list.

Record acquisition Yan Diomande could be handed his first start here, while Mourinho may also be mindful of the midweek Champions League clash with Inter when finalizing his selection.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Málaga (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Silva; Diomande, Bellingham, Vini Jr; Mbappé.

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