Real Madrid will kick off their 2026 season on Sunday afternoon when they welcome Real Betis to the Bernabéu. The match comes at a crucial time for the Spanish giants, who have struggled in recent months and are currently seven points behind Barcelona in La Liga.

The team’s poor performance at the end of 2025 led to them losing the league lead to their arch-rivals, putting Xabi Alonso under pressure just six months into his tenure as manager. Real Madrid will look to put an end to their trophyless year and start 2026 on a positive note.

With a chance to reduce the gap to four points, the match against Real Betis is essential for the team’s morale. A win would not only boost confidence but also set the tone for their upcoming challenge in Saudi Arabia, where they will face Atlético Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal.

Match Details

Location: Madrid, Spain

Stadium: Bernabéu

Date: Sunday, January 4

Kick-off Time: 10:15 a.m. ET / 7:15 a.m. PT / 3:15 p.m. GMT

Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

• Real Madrid: 1 win
• Real Betis: 1 win
• Draws: 3

Their last meeting ended in a 2–1 victory for Real Betis on March 1, 2025, in La Liga.

Current Form (All Competitions)

Real Madrid:
– Real Madrid 2–0 Sevilla – 12/20/25

– Talavera 2–3 Real Madrid – 12/17/25

– Alavés 1–2 Real Madrid – 12/14/25

– Real Madrid 1–2 Man City – 12/10/25

– Real Madrid 0–2 Celta Vigo – 12/7/25

Real Betis:
– Real Betis 4–0 Getafe – 12/21/25

– Real Murcia 0–2 Real Betis – 12/18/25

– Rayo Vallecano 0–0 Real Betis – 12/15/25

– Dinamo Zagreb 1–3 Real Betis – 12/11/25

– Real Betis 3–5 Barcelona – 12/6/25

How to Watch

United States: ESPN Select, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes, fuboTV

United Kingdom: Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports Player

Canada: TSN+, TSN 4

Mexico: Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+

For a full list of broadcasters around the world, check local listings.

Real Madrid Team News

The biggest concern for Real Madrid is the knee injury that will keep Kylian Mbappé out for at least three weeks. The French forward has been instrumental this season with 18 goals in La Liga, making his absence a significant blow.

Additionally, Dean Huijsen missed the last training session, raising doubts about his availability. Los Blancos could be without six key players: Huijsen, Mbappé, Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Brahim Díaz.

Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham will need to step up in Mbappé’s absence. Despite struggling to maintain their previous form, these three remain world-class talents. Gonzalo García is expected to lead the attack in what promises to be a tough match.

Predicted Lineup vs. Real Betis

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1):

Courtois; Valverde, Rüdiger, Asencio, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Güler; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; García.

Real Betis Team News

Real Betis will also face challenges due to several key absences. Junior Firpo, Diego Llorente, and Isco are all unavailable, while Cédric Bakambu, Ez Abde, and Sofyan Amrabat are away representing their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite this, Betis have found success thanks to players like Nelson Deossa, Antony, Pablo Fornals, and Juan “Cucho” Hernández, who has seven league goals this season.

Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Real Betis (4-2-3-1):

Vallés; Bellerín, Bartra, Natan, Gómez; Deossa, Roca; Antony, Fornals, Ruibal; Hernández.

Score Prediction

Mbappé’s absence is a major setback for Real Madrid, as the team has struggled offensively without their top scorer. However, the holiday break may provide a much-needed reset for the players.

Even without Mbappé, Real Madrid still has a strong attacking lineup. A single moment of brilliance could tip the balance in their favor. Vinicius Junior will be hoping to rise to the occasion in what is expected to be a tight contest at the Bernabéu.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2–1 Real Betis