Real Madrid-Betis: looking to open 2026 with a win
Xabi Alonso's boys play their first game of the year at the Bernabéu (4:15 pm CET).
Real Madrid get 2026 underway by hosting Betis at the Bernabéu on LaLiga matchday 18. Our team, who closed out last year with a win over Sevilla, will now look to claim another three points against tough opposition (4:15 pm CET).
This afternoon’s clash with the Andalusian outfit marks the start of a very intense January for Madrid, who face games across four different competitions this month. Next Thursday, our boys are set to travel for the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Atlético de Madrid in Saudi Arabia.
“We’re approaching this second half of the season with desire, excitement, and a fresh outlook. Against Betis we want to play well at home and win the game,” said Xabi Alonso in the pre-match press conference.
The opposition
Betis began the weekend in sixth place. Away from home, they have two wins and six draws and are the only team in LaLiga yet to lose on the road. They are unbeaten in their last four matches, including Copa del Rey and Europa League fixtures. In the previous round, they thrashed Getafe at the Benito Villamarín. This afternoon, all eyes are on a Bernabéu win for the madridistas to start the year on a high.