Real Betis vs Real Madrid

Resurgent Real Madrid head to Estadio Benito Villamarin to take on European hopefuls Real Betis in a handsomely-looking La Liga clash.

Back-to-back league victories over Getafe and Real Sociedad have fired Real Betis back into contention for a coveted European finish, putting them level on points with sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano. Furthermore, Manuel Pellegrini’s charges have only lost one of their last eight home league outings (W3, D4) while netting 2+ goals in the most recent two. High scoring has been a common theme in Betis’ recent league fixtures as the last four produced an average of 3.75 goals per game (W2, D1, L1), highlighting the potential for an exciting contest. Against this backdrop, Los Verdiblancos’ last three home meetings with Real Madrid have featured under 2.5 goals, with only one ending in defeat for the home team (W1, D1, L1).

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s title-defending campaign is back on track after goals on either side of halftime saw them beat Girona 2-0 at home last weekend to halt an underwhelming three-game winless run (D2, L1). However, Carlo Ancelotti’s men still trail table-topping Barcelona on goal difference. Los Blancos consolidated their return to form with a narrow 1-0 Copa del Rey win at Real Sociedad during midweek, conceding a second consecutive clean sheet after conceding in six matches beforehand. Another positive result is on the cards, considering Los Merengues have only suffered one defeat on their last ten visits to Benito Villamarin in La Liga (W6, D3).