Real Madrid vs Betis prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2026-01-03 15:15.
[p]Real Madrid begin 2026 with a potentially awkward encounter against an in-form Real Betis as they try to close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona.[/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]Real Madrid finished 2025 trailing La Liga leaders and great rivals Barcelona by four points despite winning their last two league fixtures, as Xabi Alonso’s tough initiation as head coach continues. Such are the high expectations at the Bernabéu that he remains under enormous scrutiny even though he’s only overseen one defeat across their last 11 league fixtures (W7, D3). Winning 2-0 here against Sevilla prior to Christmas was therefore a much-needed tonic for him and Los Blancos after they had lost two competitive home games in a row for the first time since April.[/p]
[p]Betis rounded out 2025 in style by thrashing Getafe 4-0 to end the year inside the top six and targeting European qualification, but they may set their targets even higher if they can continue the form that’s seen them only lose one of their last seven in La Liga (W3, D3). Los Verdiblancos have kept clean sheets in three of their last four league outings (W2, D1, L1), which should inspire confidence as they head to the capital, while boasting La Liga’s only unbeaten away league record this term must also offer encouragement (W2, D6).[/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]Madrid’s 2-1 defeat at Betis in March was their first in this fixture since March 2020 (W4, D5) and they’re unbeaten across the last six H2Hs here (W2, D4). All four of those draws were goalless.[/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Madrid have won all 12 La Liga matches this term in which they scored first.[/p]
[p]Madrid have earned more corners than their opponents in each of their last six home league fixtures.[/p]
[p]Betis have conceded a league-high seven times inside the opening 15 minutes in La Liga this term.[/p]
[p]Six out of Betis’ eight away league games this season saw both teams score.[/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]Rodrygo’s recent resurgence has been a huge boost for Madrid as he has three goal contributions across his last four appearances (G2, A1), while four of his last five club goalscoring outings saw him open the scoring. Pablo Fornals has scored in two of Betis’ last four league games and each of his last six goals arrived after half-time.[/p]
[p]Madrid remain short of defensive options with Federico Valverde recently joining Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão on the sidelines. Isco will definitely be missing for Betis as he is set to undergo a leg operation.[/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]As Madrid are not at their fluent best, and Betis have been difficult to beat on the road this season, our tip is to back the draw.[/p]
[p][i]Author: John Pennington[/i][/p]