Betis face stern Real Madrid test as La Liga leaders target fourth straight win

Real Madrid’s explosive start to the 2026-27 La Liga season will be tested when they visit Real Betis at La Cartuja in Seville on Friday, 4 September. The visitors are joint leaders after winning all three of their opening matches, while Betis will be looking to recover from a heavy defeat by Levante.

Nasser Eddy, a consultant for NCI Sport and presenter of the European Champions League on Nostalgie radio, has shared his assessment and predictions for the match.

Real Betis began the campaign with consecutive 1-0 victories over Real Sociedad and Valencia CF, but their unbeaten start ended abruptly last Saturday as they were beaten 5-2 by Levante.

The result was unexpected against an opponent considered winnable, particularly after Manuel Pellegrini’s side had enjoyed an encouraging pre-season in which they recorded emphatic victories over Arsenal and Lyon. Betis had more than 60% possession against Levante and won eight corners to their opponents’ five, but were punished for failing to turn their control of the ball into defensive security.

An element of overconfidence may have contributed to the defeat, although it does not erase the positive features of Betis’ opening weeks. They remain a balanced team, willing to attack and capable of maintaining their approach throughout a match. They have scored in all three league games so far, with half of their four goals coming in the first half and the other half after the interval.

That consistency, however, has come against teams closer to Betis in overall strength. Real Madrid represent a considerably tougher challenge.

The Spanish giants are once again among the leading favourites for the title alongside FC Barcelona, and their early results have underlined those expectations. Following a high-profile transfer window, Real Madrid began with a narrow 2-1 victory over Espanyol, before beating Real Sociedad 4-1 and Malaga 4-0.

They are averaging more than three goals per game, with their attacking threat led by Kylian Mbappe, who has scored four times, Jude Bellingham, who has two goals and two assists, and Vinicius Junior, with one goal and two assists.

Real Madrid also have considerable depth in reserve. Yan Diomande, Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono are among the younger players competing for opportunities behind the established stars.

That strength in depth gives manager Jose Mourinho the option to rotate his squad without expecting a significant drop in performance. Real Madrid have had the greater share of possession in each of their first three matches and have averaged seven corners per game. They have also scored first every time, on each occasion before half-time.

However, the club’s recent record in Seville suggests this fixture could provide a danger for the capital side.

Real Madrid lead the overall head-to-head record, winning 17 of the past 30 meetings, including a 5-1 victory at Santiago Bernabeu in January 2026. Their recent away record against Betis is far less convincing, though. They have not won on any of their past four visits to either Estadio Benito Villamarin or La Cartuja, suffering one defeat and drawing three times.

The most recent of those matches ended 1-1 in late April, a result that proved costly for Florentino Perez’s side in the title race.

Diomande waiting for a bigger role

One of the headline additions to Real Madrid’s new-look 2026-27 squad is Yan Diomande, who arrived after a remarkable season with Leipzig in a deal worth about 40m euros, including bonuses.

The young Ivory Coast international has already offered glimpses of his ability. He made an impression during his first league appearance against Espanyol with several of the skilful changes of direction for which he is known.

Diomande has started each of Real Madrid’s three league matches on the substitutes’ bench, but he has come on every time. Although he has not yet secured a starting place, his progress is expected to bring increased playing time in the longer term. Mourinho has indicated that the winger will have further opportunities as he competes with the club’s extensive collection of attacking talent.

On paper, Real Madrid are overwhelming favourites because of their form and outstanding individuals. Betis, however, have regularly caused them problems at home since 2021 and had been moving in a positive direction before last weekend’s setback.

A draw is priced at 5.13, while a match in which both teams score is available at 1.53. Real Madrid are expected to open the scoring, and a scenario in which Betis fall behind before earning a draw is priced at 6.3.

A total of more than 11.5 corners is offered at 2.78, while Kylian Mbappe to score is priced at 1.49.

Real Betis v Real Madrid kicks off at 19:00 GMT on Friday, 4 September 2026.

Odds may change.