The champions, Real Madrid, were handed a lifeline after Barcelona lost at Almeria. They will be looking to keep their title hopes alive in the run-in when they travel to the Benito Villamarin to face 5th-placed Real Betis on Sunday at 20:00 GMT.
Real Betis are in fine form after three consecutive wins in La Liga, they will look to make it four wins on the trot when they face Real Madrid on Sunday.
Los Blancos will feel the hope of surmounting Barcelona’s lead after they dropped points last week. They will focus on winning the match and keeping pressure on the league leaders.
Key Highlights
Real Betis’ Good Form
Real Betis have won the last three matches by beating Almeria away 2-3, Valladolid at home 2-1, and Elche away 2-3. Although this is not an illustrious line of fixtures, you can only beat what is in front of you.
Betis have been in fine form and will be looking to extend this run. However, they face challenges after they conceded 5 goals in these three fixtures.
Manuel Pellegrini hopes his side can tighten up in the clash against Madrid and make it hard for opponents to create and take chances. Pellegrini will also look to maintain a sharp and dynamic attacking style for the team.
Can Real Madrid Catch Barcelona at the Top of La Liga?
After dropping two points in the derby last weekend, most observers and pundits ruled Los Blancos out of the title race. However, Barcelona’s shocking 1-0 reverse away to Almeria gave the defending champions a chance.
With the gap standing at 7 points, there is some hope that Carlo Ancelotti’s men have a chance to reel the Blaugrana in during the run-in.
Real Madrid have to improve their current form and bolster their consistency to catch Barcelona. In their last 5 outings, Ancelotti’s men have won thrice, drawn once, and lost once.
They need to be flawless to stand a chance of cutting the gap to Barcelona, which currently stands at 7 points.
Injury Report
Real Betis
Pellegrini will be without attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir for the visit of Real Madrid on Sunday. The offensive midfielder has been nursing a cruciate ligament rupture since February 27, 2023. The 29-year-old is expected to be back fit by September 17, 2023.
Real Betis will also miss the services of defensive midfielder Paul Akpuokou who is recovering from appendicitis since February 4, 2023. The 25-year-old enforcer has missed 4 matches for Betis and the club has set no return.
Right-back Martin Montoya is unavailable due to suspension.
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti cannot call on left-back Ferlan Mendy, who is nursing a muscle injury. The 27-year-old fullback has been out for 8 matches.
Los Blancos will also miss center-back David Alaba with a hamstring injury; the 30-year-old has been out since February 22, 2023, and is expected to return by March 22.
Real Madrid will also be without the services of Rodrygo, who is facing problems with his left hip flexor. Central midfielder Luka Modric is suspended for the clash against Betis.
Possible Lineups
Real Betis
C. Bravo; Abner, L. Felipe, G. Pezzella, A. Ruibal; A. Guardado, W. Carvalho; Juanmi, Joaquin, L. H; A. Perez
Real Madrid
T. Courtois; D. Carvajal, E. Militao, A. Rudiger, Nacho; F. Valverde, T. Kroos, D. Ceballo; M. Asensio, K. Benzema, V. Junior
Prediction
Real Betis will look to play on the front foot and enjoy some possession of the ball. They will seek to pressure Real Madrid and create chances.
Los Blancos will look to dominate the ball and control the match’s tempo. They will use quick passing to progress the ball and create chances.
Real Madrid will win the match and take the three points they need.
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