All eyes will be on the Bernabeu as Real Madrid and Real Betis battle for three valuable points in the 18th round of La Liga on Sunday, 4 January 2026.
View our free Real Madrid vs Real Betis predictions below.
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Real Madrid vs Real Betis predictions: Visitors to hold their own
Key stats
- Real Betis lost only two of their last eight trips to this stadium.
- At least five cards were awarded in five of Real Betis' last seven matches.
- Four of the last six H2Hs at this stadium ended goalless.
Correct score prediction: Real Madrid 0-0 Real Betis
Real Madrid are currently on a three-match winning run and have won seven of their eight home games in La Liga this season. However, they are up against a Real Betis side that have not lost a single away game across all competitions this campaign.
Interestingly, Betis are on a four-match unbeaten run and did not concede a single goal in their last three games. They have held their own against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in recent years, losing only twice in their last eight visits (W2, D4).
Keeping in mind that four of the last six meetings between these teams at this stadium ended goalless, we believe the spoils will be shared after all is said and done.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Betis up against it
- HOME: 4/9 (1.44) – 69.2%
- DRAW: 19/5 (4.80) – 20.8%
- AWAY: 5/1 (6.00) – 16.7%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Real Madrid extended their winning run to three games with a 2-0 victory over Sevilla just before the Christmas break. Xabi Alonso’s troops are second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona after 18 games.
On the other hand, sixth-placed Real Betis cruised to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Getafe in their last encounter. They are now unbeaten in four matches (W3, D1) and have not conceded in three consecutive games.
Ahead of this skirmish, Real Madrid are the expected winners at 4/9 (1.44). Teams with these odds usually have a 69.2% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Real Madrid vs Real Betis predictions.
Also, keeping in mind that there were at least 11 corners in four of Real Betis' last five games, over 10.5 total corners has an appealing look at 1/1 (2.00). That one has a 50% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Madrid have bragging rights
It is important to note that Real Madrid have lost only once in their last 10 clashes with Betis. However, Los Blancos won only four of those encounters, and Real Betis were victorious in their most recent meeting.
Spain La Liga 01/03/25
Real Betis
Real Madrid
Spain La Liga 01/03/25
Real Betis
Real Madrid
Spain La Liga 01/09/24
Real Madrid
Real Betis
Spain La Liga 25/05/24
Real Madrid
Real Betis
Spain La Liga 09/12/23
Real Betis
Real Madrid
Real Madrid preview: Some key absences
Top scorer Kylian Mbappe, who has a knee injury, is one of the high profile names sidelined for Los Blancos going into this crucial game. The others include Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Eder Militao.
Morocco international Brahim Diaz is enjoying his first Africa Cup of Nations involvement with the Atlas Lions, and he's not expected back anytime soon, considering his country are hot favourites to reach the final.
Predicted lineup: Courtois (GK), Valverde, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Guler, Mastantuono, Rodrygo & Vinicius.
Last five matches
- Sevilla 0-2 Real Madrid
- Talavera 2-3 Real Madrid
- Alaves 1-2 Real Madrid
- Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
- Real Madrid 0-2 Celta Vigo
Real Betis preview: Injury woes continue
Real Betis have an even longer list of injured players ahead of this trip to Madrid, as Isco Alarcon, Diego Llorente, Junior Firpo, Chimy Avila, and Adrian are definitely unavailable, while there are also doubts surrounding the availability of Antony and Natan.
Other key absentees for the visitors will be the three AFCON contingents in the team: Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco), Cedric Bakambu (DR Congo), and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Morocco).
Predicted lineup: Valles (GK), Gomez, Natan, Bartra, Bellerin, Roca, Deossa, Fornals, Antony, Ruibal & Hernandez.
Last five matches
- Real Betis 4-0 Getafe
- Real Murcia 0-2 Real Betis
- Rayo Vallecano 0-0 Real Betis
- Dinamo 1-3 Real Betis
- Real Betis 3-5 Barcelona
Player to watch: Cucho Hernandez
Cucho Hernandez put in a solid performance last time out, scoring once and providing an assist in Real Betis' 4-0 victory over Getafe. The former Watford forward has four goal contributions in his last four appearances and will fancy his chances against Real Madrid.