Real Betis vs Real Madrid: Mourinho's Madrid aim to keep pace at top
Real Betis host Real Madrid in a La Liga Matchday 4 encounter on Thursday, 4 September 2026. The Andalusians opened their campaign with a gritty 1-0 win over Real Sociedad, while José Mourinho's Real Madrid obliterated the same opponent 4-1 last time out.
Team News and Injury Latest
Betis will be without influential midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, who is sidelined with a muscle injury. Dynamic winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli is also out as he continues to recover from a knee problem. Goalkeeper Diego Conde, defender Aitor Ruibal, and forward Gonzalo Petit are all doubts for the home side.
Real Madrid's injury crisis still bites. Long-term absentees Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Rodrygo remain unavailable, while Raúl Asencio and Thiago Pitarch are also out. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Endrick missed the Sociedad win with muscle discomfort but could be back in the squad. Jude Bellingham started against Sociedad despite nursing an ankle knock and is expected to feature again.
Real Madrid Form Guide
Mourinho's side have picked up maximum points from their opening two fixtures, scoring six goals in the process. Kylian Mbappé announced his arrival in style with a hat-trick against Real Sociedad, with Bellingham supplying two assists. The depth in attack is terrifying: Vinícius Júnior, Arda Güler, and record signing Yan Diomande all offer game-changing quality.
Real Betis Tactical Set-up
The hosts snatched their win over Real Sociedad via a well-worked counter-attack finished by Riquelme. That front three — Riquelme, Cucho Hernández, and Antony — gives Betis a genuine threat on the break. Without Lo Celso's craft in midfield, the creative burden will fall heavily on that trident's chemistry. Betis will likely sit compact and look to spring forward quickly when Madrid over-commit.
Key Battle: Antony vs. Madrid's Left-Back
Antony's direct running from the right flank could be Real Betis's most dangerous weapon. The Brazilian's pace and trickery pinned back Real Sociedad's defenders, and he will look to isolate whichever left-back Mourinho selects. Álvaro Carreras started at Espanyol, but new signing Marc Cucurella was tipped to make his first start against Sociedad. Whoever gets the nod faces a stern examination.