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 – Madrid created many chances against Las Palmas and Mbappé he fired nine shots. However, only two were on target and he finished with an expected goals figure of just 0.52.