Madrid Faces Challenges Against Rising Betis in 2026 Opener

The opening match of the 2026 season at the Santiago Bernabéu promises to be significant. Real Madrid, led by Xabi Alonso, despite their struggles, remains engaged in the league race as they take on a vibrant Real Betis under Manuel Pellegrini, who was the first coach of the former Madrid player, Xabi Alonso. The stakes are high for the verdiblancos, who are eyeing Champions League qualification, while Madrid faces considerable risks without their star player and with several key players, including Vinicius, under scrutiny even in their traditional stronghold.

Kylian Mbappé’s absence due to a knee injury, reportedly exacerbated in an attempt to achieve an inconsequential record, adds to Madrid’s challenges as they strive to remain competitive in a league where they once held a commanding lead. The situation worsened with the recent crisis triggered by Celta’s incursion into the Bernabéu, which nearly cost Xabi his position. He has been retained due to the lack of dependable replacements available to the club, deprived this time of the safety net provided by Zidane, the modern-day Molowny. While Alonso seems to have weathered the storm, the tranquility at Madrid, much like happiness, is fleeting. A setback in today’s match could thrust the Basque coach back into the spotlight, particularly as it would overshadow their focus on the Supercopa de España, which they hope will serve as a turning point for the season.

Injuries continue to plague Madrid, with Isco also sidelined against the team that propelled him to global stardom. The absence of their top scorer compromises the team’s defensive stability. Huijsen remains trapped in a cycle of muscular issues, and there is no fit right-back available, forcing Xabi to improvise with Asensio or Fede. Up front, Rodrygo is expected to fill the void left by Kylian, although his skill set aligns more with the role of a false nine, allowing him to interplay with Vinicius and Bellingham. Both players, however, have sparked debate regarding their contributions, with the Brazilian enduring a drought of 14 matches without a goal, while the Englishman, although more inspired in front of goal, falls short of being the playmaker the team desperately needs. It is unlikely that solutions will be sought in the winter transfer market, which typically offers limited, expensive, and debatable options.

For Real Betis, this visit to the Bernabéu comes at an opportune moment, both in terms of performance and results. The verdiblancos are thriving in all three competitions, having entered the holiday break following a decisive victory over Getafe. Even the absences of Isco due to injury, and Abde and Amrabat participating in the Africa Cup of Nations alongside Bakambu, do not seem to have diminished their potential. With Antony keen to showcase his talent to convince Ancelotti for a spot in the Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup, Betis will aim to win the physical battle in midfield alongside Deossa and Roca, giving Fornals the freedom to play a pivotal role in pursuit of a positive outcome.