Real Madrid have had a disappointing start to the Kylian Mbappe era and are already a long way off classic rivals with Barcelona in the race for the title.
The reigning La Liga champions started the campaign with a win in the UEFA Super Cup, but have since managed just one win against newly promoted Real Valladolid. Their other outings have seen them draw 1-1 in the top flight with Mallorca and, more recently, Las Palmas.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side cannot afford any more mistakes in the opening weeks of the season and a determined Real Betis are next. Manuel Pellegrini’s men are unbeaten in 2024/25 and have drawn four of their last five meetings with Madrid, including three goalless draws.
This is how Madrid could line up for the visit of Betis on Sunday.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Madrid’s erratic form at the start of the season has nothing to do with the Belgian capper, who has produced some impressive displays so far. He will be hoping for a second consecutive home goal.
RB: Dani Carvajal – Lucas Vázquez replaced the veteran midweek and did well, but Carvajal should return this weekend. The Euro 2024 champions could have a tough time of it for Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, who scored a brace in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.
CB: Eder Militao – Madrid he’s been questionable defensively at times this season and Militao hasn’t been at his best. The centre-back may still be working to get fit after his ACL injury last season.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – The former Chelsea defender has played every minute of every game for Madrid this season, highlighting his importance to a team that still struggles with defensive cover despite having a summer to recruit reinforcements.
LB: Ferland Mendy – Caught off at half-time against Las Palmas after a disappointing return from the penalty. Ancelotti will offer him the chance to redeem himself on Sunday.
DM: Federico Valverde – Valverde, Madrid’s standout player against Las Palmas, has made a very fast start to the season. He proved to be a threat at both ends and created a game-high four chances last time out.
DM: Aurelien Tchouameni – The Frenchman was again a bit sloppy in his distribution and defense on Thursday, although he finished the game with more touches (92) and passes in the final third (17) than any other player.
RW: Rodrygo – Ancelotti quickly realized his mistake after starting Rodrygo on the bench in the recent 1-1 draw. The speedy winger came on at the break and had a positive impact in the final third.
AM: Arda Guler – The young man impressed when he started at the Victory by 3-0 in Valladolid last weekend and could return to the XI in place of 38-year-old Luka Modric. He boasted eight touches in the opposite box and an expected assist figure of 0.43 in his last outing.
LW: Vinicius Junior – He got on the scoresheet against Las Palmas when he scored from the spot after winning the penalty. The Brazilian international is always live in the opposing half.
ST: Kylian Mbappe РMadrid created many chances against Las Palmas and Mbapp̩ he fired nine shots. However, only two were on target and he finished with an expected goals figure of just 0.52.
