Verdict: Real Betis double chance
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Unibet
Simply looking to sign off their title-winning campaign with a flurry on Friday night, Los Blancos will welcome Real Betis to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid
Starting with the hosts, managing to recapture their La Liga crown with plenty of time to spare, there is no doubt that the mood in Real Madrid’s camp should be at a red-hot high. Enjoying what has become almost a party atmosphere around the Spanish capital over recent weeks, Los Blancos will be looking to sign off their domestic success with a flurry this weekend. While Carlo Ancelotti’s side might have been last seen having to settle for a 1-1 draw away at Cadiz, the one-time AC Milan boss has seen his star-studded squad gain a lost list of admirers. Storming their way to that famous 6-5 aggregate victory against Premier League giants Manchester City earlier in the month, Real Madrid also have a Champions League final on the horizon. Looking to pick up some perfect momentum before they meet Liverpool on May 28th, Ancelotti’s side also picked up a 1-0 victory when they faced off against Betis back in August.
Team News
After returning to training earlier in the week, Real Madrid could welcome back defensive talisman David Alaba on Friday night.
While Eden Hazard will once again miss out here, Los Blancos are hopeful that the likes of Marcelo, Gareth Bale and Isco could feature.
Real Betis
As for the visitors, while Real Betis might still hold a mathematical chance of clinching their own Champions League spot this season, Los Verdiblancos know they face a huge task. Sat three points adrift of fourth-place Sevilla ahead of their trip to the Spanish capital this weekend, Head Coach Manuel Pellegrini will be calling on a miracle in Madrid. However, although the one-time West Ham boss might have been disappointed to see his side get hit with a last-gasp 2-1 loss against Barcelona earlier in the month, his side have come roaring back. Finding a way to build off of a 3-0 romp away at Valencia on May 10th, Betis were also last seen landing a routine 2-0 victory against Granada on home soil. Likewise, while the Verdes might have suffered that 1-0 defeat when they faced off against Los Blancos back in August, they have largely impressed on their travels. It should be noted, Betis have suffered just a single loss away from the Estadio Benito Villamarín since December 19th.
Team News
Real Betis will once again be without the trio of Claudio Bravo, Victor Camarasa and Martin Montoya here.
However, former Barcelona defender Marc Bartra is available again on Friday night after serving a suspension.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides faced off at the Estadio Benito Villamarín back in August, Real Madrid picked up a 1-0 victory.
- However, Friday’s guests have remarkably only just a single away fixture across all formats since December 19th.
- Karim Benzema has racked up 27 La Liga strikes in just his 31 appearances this season.
- Eight of Madrid’s last nine matchups at the Santiago Bernabéu have finished with over 2.5 goals.
- Real Betis are remarkably unbeaten in each of their last four trips to the Bernabéu, recording a clean sheet in each of those visits.
Conclusion
While Real Madrid might open Friday’s meeting as a standout pick with the bookmakers, Los Blancos could face a stern test on home soil. Already wrapping up their La Liga crown with plenty of time to spare, Real Betis will be hoping that the Spanish heavyweights have taken one eye off the ball. Still dreaming of pinching Sevilla to the final Champions League spot, Los Verdiblancos will be boosted by a stunning record at the Santiago Bernabéu. Unbeaten in each of their last four trips to the newly-crowned Spanish champions, Pellegrini’s side have also continued to shine on their travels this season. Suffering just a single defeat on the road since way back on December 19th, we’re backing an away double chance here.
Verdict: Real Betis double chance
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Unibet
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