Image Source: Yahoo Sports
La Liga leaders Real Madrid travel to Seville on Friday to face Real Betis at Estadio La Cartuja, aiming to maintain their perfect start to the 2026/27 campaign despite a growing injury crisis.
Real Madrid have won each of their opening three league matches under new manager Jose Mourinho. Their early form has been built on attacking quality and defensive discipline, with Los Blancos scoring 10 goals and conceding only two.
The Madrid side will arrive in confident mood after a series of impressive results. They defeated Real Sociedad 4-1, edged past Espanyol 2-1 away from home and then produced a commanding 4-0 victory over Málaga. Those results have placed them second in the early standings, level on points with the teams around them and firmly among the leading contenders for the title.
La Liga Team News: Real Madrid Face Major Absences
Despite their excellent start, Real Madrid’s preparations have been complicated by several injuries and fitness concerns. The defensive unit has been hit particularly hard, with Éder Militão ruled out because of a hamstring injury and Ferland Mendy unavailable with a thigh problem.
Raúl Asencio and Thiago Pitarch are also missing from selection, further reducing Mourinho’s options at the back. The absences could force the manager to rely on a relatively unfamiliar defensive combination during one of the club’s most demanding away fixtures so far.
Real Madrid will also be without Rodrygo, who is sidelined with a knee problem. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni and forward Endrick underwent late fitness checks but did not make the final travelling squad.
The Football Faithful reports that the injury list leaves Madrid with seven notable players unavailable. However, the club still has considerable quality in key areas, with several of its biggest stars fit and ready to start.
Mbappé, Vinícius and Bellingham Lead the Attack
Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham are expected to form the focal point of Real Madrid’s attacking plan. The trio has the pace, movement and individual skill to trouble a Betis defense that will be determined to respond after a difficult result in its previous outing.
Mbappé remains the headline threat through the center, while Vinícius is likely to provide width and direct running from the left side. Bellingham should operate behind the front line, offering an additional goal threat and helping Madrid control possession in advanced areas.
New signing Sergio Martínez could also make an impact from the substitutes’ bench. His inclusion gives Mourinho another midfield option as the manager attempts to protect his players during a period of limited squad depth.
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup vs Real Betis
Real Madrid are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Thibaut Courtois should continue in goal, with a reshaped back four featuring Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté, Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella.
Federico Valverde and Silva are tipped to anchor the midfield, while Arda Güler, Bellingham and Vinícius are expected to support Mbappé in attack.
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella
- Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Silva
- Attacking midfielders: Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior
- Forward: Kylian Mbappé
The predicted lineup underlines both Madrid’s strength and their current vulnerability. The visitors still possess world-class attacking talent, but the absence of several established defenders could give Real Betis encouragement, particularly at home.
Kickoff Time and UK Broadcast Details
The Real Betis versus Real Madrid match is scheduled to begin at 8pm BST on Friday, September 4. Supporters in the United Kingdom can watch the contest live on Premier Sports 1.
Real Betis will hope home advantage can disrupt Madrid’s outstanding opening run. Although the hosts have already collected six points from their first three matches, they need a strong performance against the league’s early pace-setters to keep up with the leading group.
For Mourinho’s team, the objective is clear: secure a fourth consecutive league victory and continue building momentum. A win in Seville would strengthen Real Madrid’s position at the top end of the table while demonstrating that their squad can cope with significant injury problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Real Betis vs Real Madrid?
Real Betis and Real Madrid will meet on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville.
What time does the La Liga match start?
Kickoff is scheduled for 8pm BST, which is 9pm local time in Spain.
Which Real Madrid players are unavailable?
Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, Raúl Asencio, Thiago Pitarch, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Endrick are unavailable for the match.
Who is expected to lead Real Madrid’s attack?
Kylian Mbappé is expected to start up front, supported by Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.
Where can UK viewers watch the match?
Fans in the United Kingdom can watch Real Betis versus Real Madrid live on Premier Sports 1.
