Real Madrid vs Betis: can Real start the new year with a win and extend their positive run?
On Sunday, January 4, we will witness a match from the 18th round of Spain’s La Liga, in which Real Madrid will host Betis at home. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:15 CET, and I am offering a betting pick for this fixture.
Real Madrid vs Betis: match facts and head-to-head
- Real Madrid have won three consecutive matches.
- Betis are unbeaten in four straight games: three wins and one draw.
- Betis have kept clean sheets in their last three matches.
- Real Madrid have scored at least one goal in four consecutive games.
- Betis are unbeaten away from home in 15 consecutive matches.
- Real Madrid have lost two of their previous three home games.
- Real Madrid boast the second-best attack in La Liga with 36 goals scored and the second-best defense with 16 conceded.
- In 44% of their matches this season, Real Madrid have scored in both halves.
- Only 8% of Real Madrid’s matches this season have ended in a defeat without scoring, while Betis have an even lower figure at 4%.
- Real Madrid have recorded more clean-sheet victories: 36% compared to 31% for Betis.
- In the most recent head-to-head meeting, Betis defeated Real Madrid 2–1.
Real Madrid vs Betis: match preview
Real Madrid started the season in excellent fashion under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, but the team suffered a dip in form in November and surrendered top spot. At one point their lead stood at seven points, but they are now four points behind. The Royal Club closed out the previous year with three consecutive victories. In their most recent outing, Real defeated Sevilla 2–0. Madrid currently have 42 points after 18 rounds and, as mentioned above, trail Barcelona by four points.
Betis currently sit sixth in the table. The team are fighting for a place in the UEFA Champions League, although the gap to fourth place is significant at seven points. Moreover, Villarreal, who occupy fourth spot, still have two games in hand. As a result, overturning such a deficit will not be easy. Nevertheless, Betis are in solid form. They are unbeaten in their last four matches, winning three and drawing one. In their previous game, Betis thrashed Getafe 4–0 at home.
Probable line-ups
- Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Huijsen, Rudiger, Carreras; Bellingham, Tchouameni, Guler; Rodrygo, G Garcia, Vinicius
- Real Betis: Valles; Bellerin, Natan, Bartra, Gomez; Deossa, Roca; Antony, Fornals, Ruibal; Hernandez
Prediction
Real Madrid found their rhythm toward the end of 2025, something that can also be said of Betis. We are set for an intriguing encounter, but I see the Madrid side as the favourites. They boast superior quality across the squad and will be playing at home. I recommend a bet on a home victory in this match.
