Real Madrid‘s next test in the 2021/22 LaLiga Santander season is a trip to Real Betis on Sunday evening as Los Blancos looks to get back to winning ways.
Things seemed comfortable for Real Madrid against Levante last time out, but had to come from behind to eventually secure a 3-3 draw on Matchday 2 of the LaLiga Santander season. The match against Betis kicks off at 22:00 CEST and we’ll be covering the build-up and the game itself on this live blog.
Betis vs Real Madrid LIVE – Latest updates
Our Betis vs Real Madrid live blog starts here, with the team news as soon as it’s out and then minute-by-minute updates from the game itself. Remember, the updates nearest the top are the most recent ones.
Minute 30 – Canales gives Real Madrid their first warning
Betis are growing into the game and Canales did well against Miliato, showing excellent pace and power, before firing a long range effort towards Courtois’ goal, though it goes just over and lands on the roof of the net.
Minute 25 – Betis claim penalty
Fekir went down in the penalty area with Fede Valverde closing in to make the tackle, and the Frenchman throws himself to the ground. He was booked for simulation.
Minute 20 – Dominance from Real Madrid
The away side had a log spell with the ball, but were unable to fashion a scoring opportunity before Dani Carvajal gave the ball away to Betis.
Minute 15 – End to end stuff
Both teams are having a go here. Real Madrid started well, but Betis came back strong. Now we have something of an end to end encounter.
Minute 10 – Vinicius looking good
Vinicius is clearly full of confidence as he glides down the left side. Just like last week, the Brazilian looks to be Real Madrid’s most dangerous player. At the other end, Courtois palmed a Fekir freekick clear.
Minute 5 – Benzema goes close
A brilliant move which was started by Vinicius winning the ball in his own half, before running the length of the pitch and playing a nice one-two with Benzema and as he tried to get the cross in, the ball fell to the Frenchman on the edge of the area, but he could only side-foot wide.
Kick off
Betis vs Real Madrid is underway at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
21:45 CEST: Brazilian duo get ready
Real Madrid’s Brazilian pair Casemiro and Eder Militao are getting warmed up for the match against Betis.
21:30CEST: Vinicius gets his chance
After a brilliant display against Levante, Vinicius has the chance to stake his claim for a permanent spot in the Real Madrid starting XI. The Brazilian has been in great form this season. In two games played, he has four shots on goal, three goals and one key pass. Can he keep it up against Betis?
21:00 CEST: Betis make their way to the stadium
Huge crowds greet the Betis players on their way to face Real Madrid
20:45 CEST: Betis vs Real Madrid – Official line-ups
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be hoping to take all three points from the Estadio Villamarin and have dropped Hazard in their bid to do so. Los Blancos have opted for a front three of Benzema, Bale and Vinicius, Meanwhile, Isco keeps his place in midfield, with youngster Miguel Gutierrez coming in at left-back, meaning Alaba can move to central defence.
Betis: Rui Silva; Montoya, Pezzella, Victor Ruiz, Miranda; Guido, Guardado, Canales; Ruibal, Fekir, Juanmi
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Miguel Gutierrez; Casemiro, Valverde, Isco; Bale, Vinicius, Benzema
A sneak peek
A look inside the Real Madrid changing room ahead of their clash with Betis.
The stage is set
Real Madrid visit the Estadio Benito Villamarin as they look to bounce back from a disappointing draw with Levante.
Ancelotti wants a better defensive performance
“You can’t defend with seven or eight in the football of nowadays, as you need to defend with 11,” the Real Madrid boss said.
“It’s about sacrifice. It’s about effort and focus. We have to improve defensively. In attack, we’ve already been playing well, but it’s in defence that we have to improve.”
What is Real Madrid’s probable XI vs Betis?
Real Madrid started life under Carlos Ancelotti with numerous positives, and the Real Madrid boss is expected to name a similar side to that which drew with Levante. Vinicius Jr and Eden Hazard will likely partner Karim Benzema up top. Meanwhile Isco and Fede Valverde are set to get the nod in midfield, with a central defensive pairing of Eder Militao and David Alaba expected.
What time does Levante vs Real Madrid start?
Given the summer heat, kick off times are a little different to the norm and all matches are taking place in the evening. So, this one is a 22:00 CEST kick off local time, which is 16:00 EDT for those on the USA’s east coach and which is 21:00 BST for those in the UK.
