La Liga - How to watch Real Betis vs Real Madrid on March 5, 2023

Topics: La Liga, Real Betis, Real Madrid, , TV Schedules, TV Listings

Los Merengues want to go back to winning ways following two disappointing results, but winning again will not be easy when they face the team from Andalucía.

Things are getting closer in La Liga with each passing week, and the game between Real Betis and Real Madrid will certainly be one to keep an eye on. The recent matches between these clubs have been quite interesting, and with both fighting to accomplish their objectives, Sunday's game could be one of those that are remembered for a few years.

Real Betis make it to this game in better form than their rivals, having won three games in a row. Their streak includes wins against Almería (3-2), Valladolid (2-1) and Elche (3-2), which saw them come from behind in the final minutes thanks to a penalty by Borja Iglesias. Nevertheless, those wins will be futile if they cannot show the same form against Real Madrid. Right now, Betis are fifth in La Liga, two points behind Atlético Madrid and four away from Real Sociedad, who were unable to beat Cádiz on Friday evening.

On the other side of the pitch, Real Madrid enter this clash after a one-all draw against Atlético in last week's Derby, while their recent match against Barcelona ended in a one-nil defeat. This last game was quite worrying for Los Merengues, who were unable to get a shot on goal when facing Los Culés. Real Madrid's chances of winning La Liga are starting to look slim, but winning a match at Benito Villamarín Stadium could keep them close to Barcelona, considering that Los Blaugranas will be playing hours prior to their kickoff on Sunday evening.

As of now, Real Madrid sit five points behind Barcelona in the title race, which means that dropping points in this clash is not an option for Ancelotti's men if they want to keep their hopes alive. Luckily for them, recent history between these teams shows they have been able to take advantage of Betis' flaws at home, meaning that a win for the Spanish giants may not be as far-fetched as people think.

Here are some interesting facts to keep an eye prior to the start of this game.

Real Betis vs Real Madrid - Team news

The home team makes it to this clash following devastating injury news, as Nabil Fekir has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Nonetheless, Manuel Pellegrini and his team have proven to have what it takes to overcome such injury problems. The team's efforts up front will be led by top scorer Borja Iglesias, who has scored ten times in La Liga.

Real Madrid enter this game after a crushing loss in El Clásico against Barcelona, which incidentally confirmed the absence of one of their top players for this match. The team will also have to make do without Ferland Mendy and David Alaba, leaving a huge gap at left back that will be filled with Nacho. Up front, the team might rely on Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, who gave Los Merengues the three points in the earlier fixture between these teams and who have stepped up during Karim Benzema's dry spells in the competition.

Here are the names of unavailable players for each team

Real Betis - Injured: Juan Cruz, Sergio Canales, Nabil Fekir.

Real Madrid - Injured: David Alaba, Ferland Mendy. Suspended: Luka Modric.

Real Betis vs Real Madrid - Head-to-head

The most recent game between these teams ended in a 2-1 win for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last five fixtures against Real Betis, with three wins and two draws in that run.
Betis' last win against Real Madrid took place on March 8, 2020. The Green and white claimed that win with a 2-0 score at home.
Real Madrid have kept three clean sheets against Betis in their last five games. Unluckily for them, only one of those games ended in a win for Los Blancos.
Seven of the last ten games held at Betis' stadium have ended with Real Madrid winning the match. Betis have only won two, while the other match ended in a draw.
Carlo Ancelotti will face Betis for the sixth time in his career. The Italian boss has never lost against Los Verdiblancos, with four wins and a draw in his record.

Real Betis' boss Manuel Pellegrini will face his former club for the 25th time. So far, the Chilean coach has only beaten Los Blancos three times, while he has lost a whopping 13 times against Los Blancos.