Real Madrid - Real Betis predictions and free betting tips [25/05/2024]

Real Madrid and Real Betis will played tomorrow at 19:00.

Predicted Line-ups

Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius.
Real Betis: Bravo; Ruibal, Sokratis, Riad, Miranda; Roca, Cardoso; Ezzalzouli, Fekir, Perez; Willian Jose.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid have already celebrated their 36th La Liga title. However, this upcoming match has taken on a new significance. Club legend and German football icon Toni Kroos recently announced his retirement after the Euros, making this his farewell match at Bernabeu. Last Sunday, Carlo Ancelotti's men drew 4-4 with Villarreal, despite leading 4-1 at half-time. Goals came from Arda Guler (brace), Joselu, and Lucas Vazquez. Was it just a slip-up or a form dip just days before their Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund? Prior to that, Los Blancos thrashed Alaves (5-0) and Cadiz (3-0), not to mention their triumph over Bayern Munich in the continental semi-finals (2-1). 

Importantly, Real Madrid have remained unbeaten at home this season in all competitions. In 18 home league matches, they netted 48 goals, leading La Liga. The only absentees on Saturday are Aurelien Tchouameni and Austrian defender David Alaba (expected return by late September/early October). Arda Guler, who scored twice against Villarreal, now has six goals in 10 league matches and is likely to start. Brazilian Rodrygo (10 goals, 5 assists) and Ballon d'Or frontrunner Vinicius (15 goals, 5 assists) will occupy the attacking flanks, while Jude Bellingham (19 goals, 6 assists) will orchestrate play from midfield.

Real Betis

Sevilla's Real Betis have failed to win in their last two league outings. Last weekend, they lost 2-0 to Real Sociedad, missing out on a Europa League spot. Goals from Mendez and Merino in the first half settled the contest, as the Basques held on for a clean sheet. Prior to that, they drew 2-2 with Las Palmas at home, meaning the Verdi-blancos will play in the Conference League next autumn. Betis can even thank Real Madrid for taking a point off Villarreal, as the Yellow Submarine trail Manuel Pellegrini's side by four points. Thus, the trip to Bernabeu holds no real significance for the visitors competition-wise, other than ending the season on a high note.Betis rank ninth in away points tally (22 from 18 games, scoring 21 and conceding 26). Missing from their squad are Champions League winner Isco (8 goals, 5 assists), winter signing Chimy Avila, Bartra (returning in December), and Bakambu (only 4 appearances). Argentinian World Cup winner German Pezzella and his compatriot Guido Rodriguez are also sidelined. Willian Jose (10 goals, 5 assists) and Ayoze Perez (9 goals) had individually impressive seasons and should start. Aitor Ruibal will take up the left-back spot. In Isco’s absence, Nabil Fekir will lead the team’s attacks from midfield.

Head-to-Head

The first-round duel between these teams ended 1-1. Remarkably, three out of their last four meetings have also ended in draws.

Match prediction: Real Madrid vs Real Betis

In their season finale at Bernabeu and last league match for Kroos, Real Madrid will aim to celebrate their title and boost confidence before the Champions League final. Ancelotti is unlikely to shuffle his line-up much, as leaders need to stay sharp before their crucial tie in London. Betis have no competitive motivation and are weakened by injuries, making a Real Madrid victory with a -1 handicap a sound bet.

Total Prediction

I do not expect a goal-fest since both teams lack competitive incentives. I'll bet on a total under (TU) 3.5 goals.