In-depth Analysis
Facing Betis at this moment represents a major challenge for Real Madrid, even with the advantage of playing at the Santiago Bernabeu. Under Manuel Pellegrini, Betis have been in excellent form, losing just once, drawing three times and winning nine of their last 13 matches in all competitions.
Balancing their commitments between La Liga and the Europa League has helped Betis maintain consistency, placing them sixth in the standings ahead of round 18, just outside the top four. Since their 3-5 home defeat to Barcelona in early December, Betis have recorded three wins and one draw in four matches, keeping clean sheets in their last three outings.
As a result, Betis pose a significant obstacle for Real Madrid this round. However, despite growing uncertainty surrounding Xabi Alonso’s situation, Los Blancos have managed to grind out three successive victories and head into 2026 with cautious optimism.
After beating Alaves and Talavera in the Copa del Rey, Real went on to claim a comfortable 2-0 win over ten-man Sevilla a few weeks ago, with goals from Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, who is now sidelined for at least three weeks with a knee injury.
Real Madrid can still draw confidence from their formidable home form. They have won 13 of their last 15 matches at the Santiago Bernabeu across all competitions, losing just twice. In La Liga alone, they have recorded 11 wins and only one defeat in their last 12 home games.