Los Blancos are currently second on the league table with 70 points, three behind city rivals Atletico Madrid; while Betis sit on fifth with 49 points in 32 matches.
A brace from Karim Benzema and a first-half Alvaro Odriozola goal brought Real back to the title race after managing a goalless draw against Getafe last weekend. Zinedine Zidane had to make a number of changes against Cadiz, with several core players being rested for the latter games. Still, Zizou managed to come out on top and momentarily knocked off Atletico Madrid from the first position.
Benzema was once again the star performer for his side, opening his account from the spot in the 30th minute after VAR was called upon when Isaac Carcelen tripped Vinicius Junior. The French forward then assisted his team’s second with a perfect cross to Odriozola before heading the third himself in just 10 minutes.
With just six more games remaining for the season, the Merengues must make a final push and continue their great form in the next few weeks. They also have the Champions League semi-final first leg against Chelsea waiting next weekend, and a good performance against Betis would boost their momentum going into the big match.
Real Betis will be travelling to the Spanish capital, hoping to catch Real on an off-day. Manager Manuel Pellegrini has led Los Verdiblancos to a respectable position so far this campaign, recording 14 wins, seven draws and 11 losses from 32 league outings. The Seville-based club has collected 49 points, level terms with Villareal at sixth. Their 16 points gap from the top four suggests a Champions League spot for next season is dubious, but Pellegrini’s side will be determined to finish the season in style with some free-flowing counter-attack football.
However, Betis’ inconsistent form on the road, winning six, drawing two and suffering defeat in seven of their 15 La Liga fixtures, is something worrying for the Chilean coach. Although they have only lost once in La Liga since early February, a 0-0 at home to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday evening will certainly dent their morale heading into Sunday’s clash.
Key Players
Following his double against Cadiz, Karim Benzema has now scored against 35 different La Liga opponents, equalling Raul’s tally as the most opponents scored against for the Galacticos. But more importantly, the Frenchman has found the net in nine successive league appearances scoring 11 in the process. A backheel flick against Barcelona in the Clasico and the late equaliser against Atletico Madrid in the Madrileno derby prove that Benzema has been carrying Real’s attack all by himself. His 18 goals in La Liga this season have contributed to a 12-match unbeaten run for Real Madrid, and Zidane would definitely love more of the same.
Casemiro has been performing his socks out for yet another season running. The 29-year-old Brazilian is often a goalscoring threat thanks to his unbelievable flair and is his club’s second top scorer this season behind Benzema. The four-time Champions League winner has been stellar this term, with 85% accurate passes and 3.8 shots on goal per match. Often seen as the defensive balance among the trio of Modric Kroos and himself, Casemiro is surely establishing as one of Santiago Bernabeu greatest.
A former Real Madrid prospect Sergio Canales is one of Betis’ best players this season. The 30-year-old performed his very best against Valencia in a recent 2-2 draw, scoring a magnificent wonder goal from long range. The Spaniard has eight goals to his name so far this season and manages two key passes per game. Frequently orchestrating the game for his side, Canales is a natural threat for Madrid’s defence, and Zidane will have to put extra attention on the attacking midfielder.
Labelled as one of La Liga’s most exciting young talents, Emerson’s overlapping runs down the wing has been Betis’ stronghold this season. Although the 22-year-old has faced criticism for his farther movement up the pitch, his pace and strength have been many talking points. If Betis are to qualify for a European spot for next season, Emerson would have to consistently deliver for his manager.
Prediction
Real Madrid are clear favourites to win their 33rd matchday fixture, but will face a serious challenge from Pellegrini’s side. Los Blancos will be without the services of Lucas Vazquez, Ferland Mendy and Sergio Ramos through injury, with Federico Valverde missing out due to coronavirus. There have also been distractions off the field for Real Madrid, with club president Florentino Perez determined to create the European Super League amid heavy backlash from the footballing community. So, Real should let performance distract the critics.
Los Verdiblancos are more than capable of making this an extremely difficult tie for Real Madrid, who have been in hot waters for wrong reasons this week. A draw would be a happier set of results for the Betis faithful. Still, with Villarreal closing in on with points and a European qualification spot in question, Pellegrini’s men require no further motivation.
