Match Overview

Real Madrid returns to La Liga action on January 4, 2026, hosting a resilient Real Betis side at the Santiago Bernabéu. This Matchday 18 fixture is crucial for Xabi Alonso’s men, who currently sit second in the table, four points behind leaders Barcelona. The visitors, led by Manuel Pellegrini, occupy the 6th spot and remain a serious threat to any top-tier side.

How to Watch

Date:	Sunday, January 4, 2026
Kick-off Time:	4:15 PM CET / 3:15 PM GMT
Venue:	Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
TV Channels (UK):	Premier Sports 1
TV Channels (USA):	ESPN Deportes, ESPN+
Live Stream:	STV Player (UK), FuboTV (USA), Movistar+ (Spain)

Tactical Analysis

Xabi Alonso has revolutionized Real Madrid's tactical flexibility. Without the injured Kylian Mbappé, Madrid is expected to lean heavily on the creative movements of Arda Güler and Vinícius Júnior. Defensively, they must beware of Betis's ability to exploit the wings through Antony and Pablo Fornals. Betis typically employs a structured 4-2-3-1 that relies on quick transitions, often catching Madrid’s advanced full-backs out of position.

Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid (4-3-3)

Formation: 4-3-3

• Goalkeeper: Courtois
• Defenders: Valverde (RB), Huijsen, Rüdiger, Carreras
• Midfielders: Bellingham, Tchouaméni, Güler
• Forwards: Rodrygo, G. García, Vinícius Júnior

Real Betis (4-2-3-1)

Formation: 4-2-3-1

• Goalkeeper: Valles
• Defenders: Bellerín, Natan, Bartra, Gomez
• Midfielders: Deossa, Marc Roca
• Attacking Mid: Antony, Fornals, Ruibal
• Striker: Cucho Hernández

Match Preview

The headline for this match is the absence of Kylian Mbappé, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Real Madrid also continues to deal with the long-term absences of David Alaba and Dani Carvajal. However, the return of Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy to the squad provides a much-needed boost for the hosts.

Real Betis arrives with their own set of challenges, missing key players like Isco and those away on AFCON duty (Abde Ezzalzouli, Cedric Bakambu). Despite this, Betis has a history of frustrating the "Kings of Europe" at the Bernabéu, having secured several draws and a famous win in recent seasons.

Recent Head-to-Head

Date	Fixture	Result	Competition
March 1, 2025	Real Betis vs Real Madrid	2-1	La Liga
Sept 1, 2024	Real Madrid vs Real Betis	2-0	La Liga
May 25, 2024	Real Madrid vs Real Betis	0-0	La Liga
Dec 9, 2023	Real Betis vs Real Madrid	1-1	La Liga

Prediction

While Real Madrid is missing their star forward, their squad depth remains superior. With Vinícius Júnior in fine form and the Bernabéu crowd behind them, we expect a hard-fought victory for the home side.

Final Score Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Real Betis