Real Madrid Defeats Real Betis

With the first La Liga match in 2026 Real Madrid defeats Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Full time, Real Madrid 5 – 1 Real Betis, Real Madrid held majority possession across the match at over a 60% rate, while also having 19 total shots, and almost half of them, 9 total, being on target accumulating in an expected goal of 2.94 compared to Betis whose 1 goal reflected their expected goals of 1.06.

Real Madrid early have been on the offensive producing multiple chances, with Vinicius Jr. attacking aggressively on the left flank of the pitch. With momentum picking up for Madrid it seems unfavourable for Betis already in the first half. 

Angel Ortiz receives yellow card early in the match inside of 20 minutes, after a tackle on Vini Jr.  getting booked at this stage. Real Madrid get a set piece from outside the 18 yard box, taken by Rodrygo who crosses it to the far post, and is perfectly waited by Gonzalo Garcia, who heads past the outstretched arms of Álvaro Valles, making it 1-0 in favour of Real Madrid. This is Rodrygo’s second assist of the Laliga campaign and third goal contribution overall. 

With Betis trying to make a comeback creating a few clean chances however not being able to capitalise on these opportunities with Anthony and Deossa who have had shots on target. 

After a lobbed pass from Valverde, Gonzalo Garcia again controls the ball of his chest and strikes it right off the volley to the bottom left corner to give Real Madrid a 2-0 cushion over Betis early in the 2nd half. Garcia has been filling in nicely within the absence of Mbappe. 53rd minute. Vini Jr. gets booked now instead after a slightly unwarranted challenge on Fornals. 56th minute, Real Madrid are given a corner kick opportunity, taken by Rodrygo again, who serves it in and is met by Raul Asencio. It is now a 3-0 advantage for Madrid, off the boot of Rodrygo for his second assist of the match, both coming from set pieces.

Lo Celso in the 60th minute makes quick impact in the match with an arching shot over Courtois in net, but unfortunately hits the post, Betis seem close to getting a goal back in this match but fail to capitalize yet at this stage of the match. 

82nd minute, Gonzalo Garcia flicks a ball that is served across the middle by Arda Guler to make it 4-1 in favor of Madrid. That makes it a hat trick for Garcia, who started in the 11 due to Mbappe’s absence, and has done his job effectively, helping Madrid take a firm command of the match. 90+3 minute, Federico Valverde once again serves a pass inside the 18-yard box that is met by Garcia, Fran Garcia this time, and makes it a 5th goal for Real Madrid who are capping off a dominating performance. 

Real Madrid’s next Laliga match is against Levante on the 17th of the month, while Real Betis aim to get back in the win column against Real Oviedo on the 10th of January, in a bit under a week.