Vini Jr. plays today? where to watch Real Betis vs Real Madrid in La Liga clash

Spanish football takes center stage this Saturday, March 1, 2025, as Real Betis face Real Madrid in the 26th round of La Liga. Scheduled for 2:30 PM Brasília time, the match will unfold at the Estadio Benito Villamarín in Seville, promising an electrifying showdown between a home side aiming to solidify its standing and a visiting giant battling to reclaim the top spot in the league. With a recent history of tightly contested matches, anticipation runs high for a game filled with intensity and decisive moments, spotlighting stars like Giovani Lo Celso and Kylian Mbappé.

The rivalry between these teams, while not as fierce as some in Spanish football, holds significant weight for Betis fans, who see a victory over Real Madrid as a chance to make a statement. Last season’s encounter at the same venue ended in a 1-1 draw, underscoring the competitiveness that has defined recent clashes. Fresh off a 2-1 win over Getafe, Real Betis enter with momentum, while Real Madrid arrive buoyed by a 1-0 victory against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semifinal, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle this weekend.

Set for a Saturday afternoon, the game will be broadcast live in Brazil on ESPN and the Star+ platform, with additional options for real-time updates via apps and specialized websites. In Spain, Movistar LaLiga and DAZN will cover the action for local fans. With a packed Benito Villamarín expected, the match also pits two seasoned tacticians—Manuel Pellegrini and Carlo Ancelotti—against each other in a test of strategy and execution.

Live broadcast and options for fans

Watching the Real Betis vs Real Madrid clash live is straightforward for Brazilian fans, with choices spanning television and streaming. ESPN kicks off its coverage at 2:00 PM, 30 minutes before the first whistle, offering tactical breakdowns, interviews, and the latest team news. Meanwhile, Star+ provides the flexibility to stream the game on mobile devices like phones and tablets or on smart TVs, delivering an immersive experience with Portuguese narration for subscribers.

For those seeking convenience, apps such as the ESPN App and Star+ enable viewing from anywhere with an internet connection. Additionally, digital sports platforms provide minute-by-minute updates, perfect for fans unable to watch the full broadcast. In Spain, Movistar LaLiga and DAZN are the go-to options, offering comprehensive La Liga packages for viewers who won’t be at the stadium.

The atmosphere in Seville is set to be a spectacle in itself, with the Benito Villamarín anticipating over 60,000 fans. Tickets, available through Real Betis’ official website, range from 50 to 150 euros, and high demand suggests only a few remain. For those missing out on stadium seats, the city’s bars and restaurants promise big screens and a lively vibe to enjoy the matchup.

Lineups and on-field strategies

Real Betis are expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, balancing defensive solidity with attacking flair to challenge the mighty Real Madrid. Adrián is likely to guard the goal, backed by a back four of Sabaly, Natan, Diego Llorente, and Perraud. In midfield, William Carvalho and Marc Roca will anchor the double pivot, while Fornals, Giovani Lo Celso, and Ezzalzouli form the creative trio behind striker Chimy Ávila. Manuel Pellegrini faces key absences, such as the injured Isco, but Marc Bartra’s return to the bench bolsters his options.

On the Real Madrid side, Carlo Ancelotti is set to stick with his favored 4-3-3, despite Jude Bellingham’s injury absence. Thibaut Courtois will be in goal, protected by Carvajal, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy in defense. The midfield trio of Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Luka Modric will support an attacking line of Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior. The pace of the wingers and Modric’s playmaking will be pivotal in breaking down Betis’ defense.

Tactically, the game pits contrasting approaches. Pellegrini favors a pragmatic style with high pressing and quick transitions, while Ancelotti leans on individual brilliance and defensive resilience to fuel counterattacks. The duel between Lo Celso, Betis’ top scorer this season with seven goals, and Mbappé, who netted against Betis earlier this campaign, is poised to be a standout feature.

Historical head-to-head record

Real Betis and Real Madrid have met 58 times in La Liga, with the latter holding a clear edge, winning 28 matches to Betis’ 11, alongside 19 draws. Their last meeting at the Benito Villamarín, in the previous season, ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with Johnny Cardoso scoring for Betis and Vinícius Júnior replying for Madrid. Over the past five encounters, parity has prevailed: two Real Madrid wins and three draws, including tight scorelines like the 0-0 in 2023.

Here are some notable facts about the rivalry:

• Real Madrid have not lost to Betis in La Liga since March 2020, when the home side triumphed 2-1 in Seville.
• Kylian Mbappé opened his La Liga scoring account against Betis, finding the net in a 2-0 win at the Santiago Bernabéu in September 2024.
• Giovani Lo Celso leads Betis’ stats this season, with seven goals and two assists in 16 games.
• The largest crowd for this fixture in Seville was 61,421, recorded in 2019.

Despite Real Madrid’s historical dominance, Betis have proven a tough nut to crack at home in recent years. The passionate Betis faithful hope their team can repeat the 2020 upset and snap Madrid’s unbeaten streak.

Current form and recent performances

Real Betis approach the game in solid La Liga form, sitting seventh with 35 points. Over their last five matches, they’ve secured three wins, one draw, and one loss. A 2-1 victory over Getafe in the previous round, courtesy of goals from Lo Celso and Chimy Ávila, boosted morale, while progression in the Conference League against Dinamo Zagreb added to their momentum. However, a 1-0 loss to Real Valladolid away exposed defensive flaws that Pellegrini aims to address.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, sit second with 54 points but have experienced an up-and-down season. In their last five games, they’ve notched three wins, one draw, and one defeat. A 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey, with Endrick scoring, followed a disappointing 1-1 draw with Las Palmas in La Liga. Prior results included a 3-0 thrashing of Girona, though a 2-1 loss to Barcelona in the Clásico highlighted areas for improvement under Ancelotti.

The 19-point gap in the standings underscores Real Madrid’s favoritism, yet Betis have shown they can trouble top teams. With Betis chasing European spots and Madrid eyeing the title, this match carries critical weight for both sides.

Refereeing and game conditions

Juan Martínez Munuera will officiate the match, supported by assistants Miguel Martínez Munuera and Ignacio Alonso López, with César Soto Grado on VAR duties. Known for his strict approach, Martínez Munuera refereed the 0-0 draw between these teams in 2022-23 and brings experience handling high-pressure fixtures. His presence will be key to managing a game that could turn fiery given the expected intensity.

Seville’s weather should enhance the occasion, with forecasts predicting 18°C in the afternoon, partly cloudy skies, 60% humidity, and light winds up to 15 km/h. With no rain expected, conditions are ideal for football and the thousands of fans filling the Benito Villamarín. The prospect of a full house amplifies the match’s significance for the city.

Tickets, priced between 50 and 150 euros, are nearly sold out, but fans can catch the action in local bars, a tradition for La Liga games. For Real Madrid supporters in Spain, organized trips to Seville add to the event’s buzz.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams

Beyond this Saturday’s clash, both sides face demanding schedules in the coming weeks. Here’s a look at their next games:

• Real Betis:
  • March 6: Vitória de Guimarães (Conference League, away).
  • March 9: Athletic Bilbao (La Liga, home).
  • March 16: Osasuna (La Liga, away).
• Real Madrid:
  • March 5: Celta de Vigo (Copa del Rey, home).
  • March 9: Sevilla (La Liga, away).
  • March 16: Mallorca (La Liga, home).

These matches will shape their seasons, particularly as European campaigns and La Liga’s final stretch loom.

Expectations and predictions for the matchup

Analysts tip Real Madrid as favorites, predicting a 2-1 win driven by the attacking prowess of Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Yet Betis have the tools to upset the odds, with Diego Llorente’s defensive nous and Lo Celso’s flair posing threats. The Benito Villamarín crowd could tip the scales, pressuring Madrid and disrupting Ancelotti’s game plan.

Physicality will be a defining factor. Betis aim to stifle Madrid’s build-up with aggressive pressing, while the visitors will look to exploit rapid counters. Players like Rodrygo, hungry for minutes, and Betis youngster Assane Diao could emerge as game-changers.

Regardless of the outcome, the match promises technical quality and drama, with major implications for the La Liga standings. For fans, it’s a chance to witness elite stars and a contest that could define the trajectory of both teams’ campaigns.