Real Betis Balompié hosts Real Madrid this Friday at the Estadio La Cartuja for Matchday 4 of La Liga, with the visiting team hampered by a significant injury crisis. Madrid manager José Mourinho announced the squad list for the game, which includes a first senior call-up for youngster Sergio Martínez.
Betis enters the match after an irregular start to the season, sitting seventh in the table with six points. Their record shows two wins and one loss, with four goals scored and five conceded. In the title race, the Verdiblancos start three points behind the leaders, Barcelona.
Who is missing for Real Madrid?
The Real Madrid squad list confirms the absence of seven key players due to injury. The players who will not be available are Éder Militão, Endrick, Aurélien Tchouameni, Raúl Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo Goes, and Thiago Pitarch. This significant depletion in the rival's defensive and offensive lines could present an opportunity for Betis, who will look to earn points at home.
Manuel Pellegrini's team also has its own concerns in the treatment room. According to the latest verified data, players Aitor Ruibal, Diego Conde, Giovani Lo Celso, and Ángel Ortiz are currently sidelined. You can check the full team status on our injuries page.
Who is the new face in the Madrid squad?
The main novelty in Mourinho's list is the inclusion of Sergio Martínez. This 19-year-old midfielder was signed this summer for three million euros from Racing Santander. Although his signing was primarily seen as reinforcement for the reserve team, Castilla, the Portuguese manager decided to integrate him into the first-team dynamics after training him over the past couple of days.
Alongside Martínez, other youngsters like Javi Navarro, Mario Rivas, and Jorge Cestero have also been called up for the match. Mourinho is looking to cover the numerous absences with academy talent. Real Madrid arrives with three consecutive league wins, so Betis must be wary of their offensive power despite the missing players.
What is the context for Real Betis?
The Verdiblanco squad faces this clash after a week of specific preparation. With a team seeking greater defensive solidity after conceding five goals in three matchdays, the encounter against a giant like Madrid is a stern test. Betis's next fixture on the calendar is away at Athletic Club on December 20th.
To follow the team's progress in the standings, fans can visit our standings page. Performance in these matches against title contenders will be key to defining the season's objectives. The team needs to improve its goal difference, which currently stands at -1.
What is expected from the match at La Cartuja?
The stage will be the Estadio La Cartuja, a neutral ground hosting a high-voltage duel. Betis, with their fans cheering them on, will try to exploit the forced absences in the Madrid defense. The presence of young and inexperienced players in the visiting squad adds an element of uncertainty to the game.
The official Real Madrid squad, announced by Mourinho, is now public. The match is an opportunity for Betis to earn points against a direct rival and improve their position in the table. Their next league commitment will be at San Mamés in three months.
