It’s safe to say that defending La Liga champions and Champions League titleholders Real Madrid have struggled to impress in the early stages of the new season.
The signing of Kylian Mbappe was meant to send a strong message, but he has yet to make an impact, failing to contribute to a goal in his first three La Liga outings for Los Merengues.
Madrid began their campaign with a 1-1 draw at Mallorca and followed that up with another 1-1 draw at Las Palmas on Thursday, although they did secure a 3-0 home victory against Real Valladolid in between those two results.
Los Verdiblancos, on the other hand, struggled mightily in their last matchup with Alaves, which resulted in a scoreless stalemate. The visitors are still hunting for their first La Liga win of the season after drawing their opening two league games.
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The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Real Madrid vs. Real Betis live stream, TV channel in US
Here's how to watch this La Liga match in the US:
- TV channel: ESPN Deportes (Spanish-language)
- Live stream: ESPN+, ESPN app
In the United States (US), the game is available for live TV broadcast on ESPN Deportes for Spanish language viewers. Streaming options are available on ESPN+ and ESPN app.
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What time does Real Madrid vs. Real Betis kick off in the US?
This La Liga clash takes place at Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain, and kicks off on Sunday, September 1 at 9:30 p.m. local time (CET).
Here's how that time translates across US:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sun, Sep. 1 | 3:30 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sun, Sep. 1 | 2:30 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sun, Sep. 1 | 1:30 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sun, Sep. 1 | 12:30 p.m. |
Real Madrid vs. Real Betis lineups, team news
Real Madrid will still be without England international Jude Bellingham, who is sidelined with a leg injury sustained before their recent home match against Real Valladolid.
David Alaba is also recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while Eduardo Camavinga is nursing a knee issue picked up before the UEFA Super Cup.
Defender Jesus Vallejo remains uncertain for Sunday’s game, having missed the last two matches due to injury. Following some squad rotations in midweek, Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti might bring Dani Carvajal, Arda Güler, and Rodrygo back into the lineup.
Real Madrid predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy — Valverde, Tchouameni — Rodrygo, Guler, Vinicius — Mbappe.
Injured: Alaba, Bellingham, Camavinga, Vallejo
Suspended: N/A
Real Betis are likely to be without Nobel Mendy, Cedric Bakambu, and former Real Madrid playmaker Isco for their upcoming match. Defender Marc Bartra, who missed Thursday's European game, is doubtful about Sunday's visit to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Chimy Ávila was also absent midweek due to illness but is expected to recover in time to start. However, Betis will be without attacker Nabil Fekir, who has recently transferred to UAE side Al-Jazira Club.
Real Betis predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Silva (GK) — Sabaly, Llorente, Natan, Perraud — Carvalho, Roca — Fornals, Ruibal, Ezzalzouli — Chimy.
Injured: N/A
Suspended: N/A
Real Madrid vs. Real Betis prediction
Real Madrid are the likely favorites in this match, especially as they look to bounce back following the recent draw with Las Palmas. A loss to Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu would be a major setback for the former La Liga champions.
Despite their current form, Betis may struggle to defeat Carlo Ancelotti's team, especially after drawing their last two league games.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Real Betis
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