Real Madrid Faces Tough Test Against Real Betis in La Liga

Image credits: SI Soccer

Real Madrid has published their squad list for the upcoming match against Real Betis in La Liga, with key players like Kylian Mbappe and Thibaut Courtois returning to the team. The squad list includes goalkeepers Courtois, Lunin, and Fran González, defenders Alaba, Lucas V., Fran García, Rüdiger, Mendy, and Asencio, midfielders Camavinga, Modrić, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, and Chema, and forwards Vini Jr., Mbappé, Rodrygo, Endrick, and Brahim. As expected, Mbappe and Courtois are back in the squad, while Jude Bellingham will serve the last game of his suspension, and Federico Valverde will get one more chance to rest ahead of the first leg against Atletico de Madrid.

The match against Real Betis will be a tough test for Real Madrid, with the seventh-placed side coming into the match on the back of two consecutive wins. The hosts will also have in-form winger Antony available after successfully appealing against the red card he was shown at Getafe last week. Real Madrid's manager Carlo Ancelotti has stated that he will not field a weakened team against Betis to keep the squad fresh for their Champions League round of 16 first-leg tie against rivals Atletico on Tuesday. The team's dynamic is good, and they have done well by changing and rotating, but what worries Ancelotti is the strength of the rival, not their injuries.

The predicted lineup for Real Madrid against Real Betis includes Thibaut Courtois as the goalkeeper, Lucas Vázquez as the right-back, David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger as the center-backs, and Ferland Mendy as the left-back. The midfielders could be Aurélien Tchouaméni and Luka Modrić, with Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, and Vinícius Júnior forming the attacking trio. The match will be played on March 1, 2025, at 18:30 CET, 12:30 pm EST, at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla, Spain, and will be available to watch on Movistar La Liga, ABC, and ESPN+.

Here are the match details and squad statistics:

• Match scores:
  • Real Madrid's last match: 2-0 win against Girona
  • Real Betis's last match: 2-1 win against Getafe
• Player statistics:
  • Kylian Mbappe: 15 goals in 20 La Liga matches
  • Vinícius Júnior: 9 goals in 22 La Liga matches
  • Antony: 3 goals and 2 assists in his last 5 appearances
• Tournament schedules:
  • La Liga standings: Real Madrid is in second place, level on points with leaders Barcelona
  • Champions League round of 16: Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday
• Team rankings:
  • La Liga: Real Madrid is in second place, Real Betis is in seventh place
  • Champions League: Real Madrid is in the round of 16, Atletico Madrid is in the round of 16

The La Liga title race is heating up, and Real Madrid needs to maintain their momentum to stay ahead of their rivals. The team's defensive efforts have improved in recent weeks, with the forwards working hard to defend and help the team. The midfield line will be depleted due to injuries and suspensions, but Ancelotti is confident that his team can still get the win.

In conclusion, the match between Real Madrid and Real Betis will be a crucial one in the La Liga title race. With key players returning to the squad and the team's defensive efforts improving, Real Madrid is looking to maintain their title defense and keep pace with leaders Barcelona. The match will be a tough test for both teams, but with the right lineup and strategy, Real Madrid can come out on top.

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