Liga Preview: Real Madrid v Real Betis
Real Betis know how to beat Real Madrid in the Bernabeu as they boast the best record of any visiting side in the past decade.
Real Betis know how to beat Real Madrid in the Bernabeu as they boast the best record of any visiting side in the past decade.
With two wins, two draws and three defeats under their belts in their last seven visits, since winning promotion in 1994, the Andalucians are in confident mood.
They will also be looking to regain their Champions League spot that they lost last week to Deportivo after the Galicians won 2-0 in the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera.
Coach Victor Fernandez also had to contend with disruptive questions over his star player, Joaquin, who is rumoured to be a transfer target of their opponents.
The skilful midfielder is a well-known Madrid fan and rumours were rife this week that he will be wearing the white of beloved Real next season.
Both Fernandez and Joaquin were quick to deny the speculation, but when Madrid set their sights n a player mid-season they normally end up signing him.
Vicente Del Bosque's side are also failing to fire on all cylinders as they go into the match on the back of three consecutive draws in the league.
Madrid have also been fending off unwanted attention in midweek following Guti's outburst in the Spanish press.
The Spain striker attacked the club for leaving him on the bench for the last four games and mooted the idea of a move away from Madrid in the summer.
A meeting between the coach, Real's sports director, Jorge Valdano and the player have seen him restored to the squad for the Betis match, but the move has clearly upset the club.
FORM GUIDE
Real Madrid: Last Six Matches: WDDDLD
Madrid have missed the opportunity to overtake league leaders Real Sociedad, as they have only picked up three points from their last three matches. After conceding a late goal against Atletico in the Madrid derby, Del Bosque's side have earned two points from their trips to Athletic Bilbao and Espanyol. They also suffered a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Mallorca, which may have come following the coach's decision to field a weakened team, but still had some affect on overall morale.
Real Betis: Last Six Matches: DDLWWL
After picking only one point from their first two games of the New Year, Betis recorded two consecutive victories to lift themselves back into the Champions League places. But defeat last weekend against Deportivo saw the Galicians leapfrog Betis into fourth spot.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid: Del Bosque is definitely without Michel Salgado, who is suspended, and will call up young Oscar Minambres to slot into the right-back position.
Real Betis: Betis welcome back Luis Fernandez to their defence after he served his suspension against Depor, while Fernando will battle it with Joao Tomas to lead the attack.
David Belenguer and Gaston Casas have both been left out by coach Fernendaz and Alfonso, David Rivas, Juanito, David, Benjamin and Washington Tais are all still injured.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Real Madrid: (4-4-2) Casillas, Minambres, Hierro, Helguera, Roberto Carlos, Makelele, Flavio, Figo, Raul, Zidane, Ronaldo.
Real Betis: (4-2-3-1) Prats, Varela, Melli, Filipescu, Luis Fernandez, Assuncao, Arzu, Joaquin, Capi, Denilson, Fernando or Joao Tomas.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid): The Brazilian's battle with Joaquin could be the key to this match. As well containing Betis' flying winger, Carlos will be looking to repeat his strike of last week when he pulled Madrid back into the match at Espanyol with a trademark thunderbolt goal.
Marcos Assuncao (Real Betis): Betis have a superb Brazilian of their own in Assuncao, whom they bought off Roma last summer. He controls the Betis midfield and creates all their attacking moves as well as battling back to help out in front of his own defence. Assuncao is a free-kick specialist.