Real Madrid vs Real Betis: Preview, when and where to watch in India?

Real Madrid faces a crucial match against Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu, marking their first game of 2026. Manager Xabi Alonso is under pressure after losing the La Liga lead to Barcelona.

Kylian Mbappe will not be available for Real Madrid against Real Betis tonight. Image | X

Real Madrid return to the Santiago Bernabéu this afternoon for their first fixture of 2026, facing a stern test against Manuel Pellegrini’s resilient Real Betis. After a turbulent end to 2025 that saw Los Blancos surrender their La Liga lead to Barcelona, manager Xabi Alonso finds himself under immediate pressure to start the new year with a statement victory. With a seven-point gap separating them from the summit, Madrid can ill afford any further slip-ups, especially with the Spanish Super Cup looming in Saudi Arabia next week.

Match details

Match: Real Madrid vs Real Betis, LaLiga 2025-26

Dates: January 4

Venue: 8.45 PM IST

Read Also: LaLiga 2025-26: Three matches to watch out for in the first week of January.

Where can I watch Real Madrid vs Real Betis, LaLiga 2025-26 online?

Football fans in India can watch the Real Madrid vs Real Betis, LaLiga 2025-26 on FanCode, via OTTplay Premium.

Team news

The biggest blow for the hosts is the confirmed absence of Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar, who has netted 18 goals in 18 league games this season, is nursing a knee sprain sustained in training. Alonso’s attacking reshuffle will likely see Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo shoulder the scoring burden, with academy graduate Gonzalo García potentially earning a rare start.

Madrid’s injury woes aren't limited to the frontline. The defensive unit is stretched thin with Dani Carvajal Éder Militão, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all unavailable. Young defender Dean Huijsen is also a major doubt, likely forcing Federico Valverde to once again deputize at right-back.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side thrashed Getafe 4-0 in their final game of 2025 and will arrive in Madrid brimming with confidence. For Real Madrid, the mission is simple: find a way to score without their talismanic No. 9.

If Bellingham can rediscover his "clutch" goalscoring form from 2024, the hosts should edge a tight contest, but another 0-0 draw is certainly not off the cards given Betis' defensive discipline.

Read also: The 10 future stars to watch: Top 'wonderkids' of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026

Head-to-Head (H2H) Stats

While Real Madrid dominate the historical record with 77 wins in 141 encounters, Real Betis have become a notoriously difficult nut to crack in the capital.

Read also: FA Cup 2025-26: Five big matches to watch out for in January 2026 and streaming details.

Predicted lineups

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1):

Real Betis (4-2-3-1):

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