La Liga: Two Reals can Sit Back and Relax at the Bernabeu

Real Madrid vs Real Betis

So, it’s time to wrap up, domestically at least, another fine season for the giants from Madrid.

Call them what you wish: The Galacticos – not so much now but as they were – Madridistas or Los Blancos, they really are a force to be reckoned both in La Liga and the wider world.

I prefer to call them Carlo Ancelotti’s aces as the astute Italian has been superb during both his spells in charge at the club – the latter without many of the star names who glittered during his first tenure in the Spanish capital.

As they prepare for next weekend’s Champions League Final, where they will start as white-hot favourites against Borussia Dortmund, it’s understandable their final league match of the campaign may not occupy their full attentions.

However, even though they have received and paraded the trophy Spanish league trophy, they will still want to finish their victorious league campaign on a high in front of their own fans inside the Bernabeu.

Standing in their way, another side with nothing to play for.

Talking Points

What of Real Betis then?

Well, both they and Real can afford to relax, the latter with one eye on Wembley, so this may be an ideal time for Betis to grab something on Madrid’s turf.

Although Manuel Pellegrini’s side were beaten at home by Real Sociedad last weekend, not helped by a penalty miss, they are now confirmed as landing the Europa Conference League spot in seventh and cannot be caught.

It may not be the European competition they wanted to be in next term but it means Saturday night’s contest will be very much an end-of-term affair.

Pellegrini knows more than anyone what is needed to lead his side to a loftier league position next term, starting in defence where several players are heading for the exit door after this weekend.

Sokratis is retiring, while Juan Miranda, Abner Vinicius and now Chadi Riad are expected to head to pastures new. The club’s defensive options were already somewhat underwhelming, so club bosses need to get things right this summer and back their manager.

They may well face an understrength Real, similar to the outfit which drew 4-4 in a contest full of La Liga highlights against Villarreal last weekend.

A much-changed Real side had led 4-1 at half-time after goals from Joselu and Lucas Vazquez, with a brace in between from Arda Guler.

However, Alexander Sorloth’s four goals inspired the ‘Yellow Submarine’ to battle back to earn a point.

Sorloth’s goals, against a Real side that did not include Jude Bellingham or Vinicius Jr, saw him move two goals clear of Girona’s Artem Dovbyk at the top of scoring charts with 23 goals and one round of games remaining.

The main focus on Saturday, though, will likely be a fond farewell to midfield maestro Toni Kroos who has this week announced his retirement.

The 34-year-old German midfielder is to hang up his boots after a trophy-laden decade at the Bernabéu.

Signed from Bayern Munich, Kroos made 463 appearances for Madrid and won 21 trophies including four Champions Leagues, five Club World Cups and four La Liga titles.

He will deserve every moment of the ovation he receives!

History

Sixty-five Real wins, 26 Betis victories and 26 draws.

That is the overall record in meetings between these sides in league and cup.

Madrid won their inaugural clash 4-1 in December 1932, helped by a hat-trick from Olivares.

Betis last won at the Bernabeu in 2019 when second-half goals from Loren Moron and Jesé sealed a 2-0 victory.

They have actually drawn three of the last four in Madrid since then too, although went down to a 2-1 defeat in the corresponding fixture last season when Vinícius and Rodrygo were on target either side of a Sergio Canales equaliser.

The game earlier this season finished 1-1 as Bellingham and Aitor Ruibal traded second-half goals.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP La Liga betting odds back the champs and so do I.

Betis are an attractive proposition when you consider they are priced 1X2 @ 6.30 and Asian Handicap +1.25 @ 2.25. Even the draw will earn you a tidy payday @ 5.10.

Real are on offer 1X2 @ 1.33, Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 1.95 and a repeat of the corresponding match last term, will pay out @ 8.60 with a Correct Score 2-1.

I do think it will be close again and I’m plumping for a *** tip of Total Goal 2-3 @ 2.32.

 

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