Jose Mourinho faces the toughest test of the early stages of his second reign as Real Madrid head coach when they head to Real Betis on Friday.
Los Blancos have looked sharp in wins over Espanyol (2-1), Real Sociedad (4-1) and Malaga (4-0) and face a Betis team on the rebound.
After 1-0 victories against Sociedad and Valencia, Los Beticos lost 5-2 at Levante on Saturday, but had 60 per cent possession and more shots and more corners.
They are also unbeaten in their last four home meetings with Madrid, most recently a 1-1 draw on 24th April at their temporary home, La Cartuja.
Mourinho's men head to the Island of the Carthusians aiming to end a poor run of results against Manuel Pellegrini's side, and their superstars could shine in Seville.
Real Betis v Real Madrid Tips Summary
Best Bet - Real Madrid to win & both teams to score @ 7/5
Alternative Bet - Jude Bellingham anytime goalscorer @ 13/8
Bet Builder - Kylian Mbappe to Score, Kylian Mbappe: 4+ Shots on Target, Antony: 1: Shots on Target & Total Goals Between - 2-5 Goals @ 9/2
Real Betis v Real Madrid Prediction
Best Bet - Real Madrid to win & both teams to score @ 7/5
This game is on Friday, giving both clubs more time to prepare for their opening UEFA Champions League games, with Real Betis away at Lille and Real Madrid hosting Inter, both on Tuesday.
Qualifying for that tournament again will be Los Beticos' aim for the campaign and they have a strong 'home' record against Los Blancos and Mourinho will view a victory at La Cartuja as a chance to show he is the man to run Barcelona closer than in the last two seasons.
His team have looked bright, but flaws remain. A lack of defensive midfield options saw them concede against Espanyol and Sociedad; Malaga failed to score but registered 14 shots.
Betis are a fine attacking unit, bolstered by Troy Parrott's arrival from AZ Alkmaar and can test Los Blancos.
However, the away victory is the selection, but it may not be straightforward for Mourinho's men.
Alternative Bet - Jude Bellingham anytime goalscorer @ 13/8
Jude Bellingham spoke after the win over Malaga about his different role this season, telling reporters that Mourinho has stationed him further up the field.
The Portuguese manager's theory appears to be that the Englishman's mixed club form has resulted from his desire to help the team, often using his energy to support his defence and leaving him unable to contribute fully going forward.
After his brilliant numbers at the World Cup, Bellingham has already scored twice and provided two assists in La Liga.
The 23-year-old scored at the Benito Villamarin in September 2023 and can find the net again on Friday.
Real Betis v Real Madrid Bet Builder Tip
Kylian Mbappe to Score
Kylian Mbappe: 4+ Shots on Target
Antony: 1: Shots on Target
Total Goals Between - 2-5 Goals
Pays 9/2
Kylian Mbappe has already scored four goals this season and is backed to net again. The Frenchman is nothing if not efficient, finding the target with 14 of his 24 efforts at goal.
That's an average of 4.67 shots on target per 90 minutes and he could have four or more again, while Antony could also land an effort between the sticks.
Of the Brazilian's 15 efforts at goal, five have fallen between the frame, an average of 1.67 per 90 minutes.
All this could lead to an entertaining game and, for the fourth Real match in a row, expect a goal range of between two and five.
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Key Match Stats
Real Betis are unbeaten in their last five meetings against Real Madrid in Seville
Los Beticos have won two of their opening three La Liga games, losing at Levante
Jose Mourinho's second Bernabeu reign has begun with three wins at an aggregate score of 10-2, with all their games featuring three or more goals
The last three meetings in Seville have featured both teams scoring
Jude Bellingham has scored twice and provided two assists already this season
Real Madrid colleague Kylian Mbappe has already netted four times this season
Real Betis' Rodrigo Riquelme has scored twice in 2026/27, while Antony averages 1.67 shots on target
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
