José Mourinho has finalized Real Madrid's squad list for Friday's match against Real Betis Balompié, with the notable inclusion of new signing Sergio Martínez. The Portuguese manager has left out seven players, including key figures. The La Liga matchday four fixture will be played at the Santiago Bernabéu at 9:00 PM.
Betis arrives at this challenge after an irregular start to the season, sitting seventh in the standings with six points. Their record shows two wins and one loss from three games, having scored four goals and conceded five. The Verdiblancos are three points behind leaders Barcelona and are looking to get back on track after a negative result last time out.
Who is the new face in Madrid's squad?
The main novelty in the Madrid squad is the presence of Sergio Martínez. The centre-back, recently signed from Racing de Santander, joins Mourinho's group and could see minutes against Betis. His arrival covers one of the absences in Madrid's defence. On the opposite side, Betis is also managing a significant injury list, which includes Aitor Ruibal, Diego Conde, Giovani Lo Celso, and Ángel Ortiz, updated information available on our injuries page.
Which players will miss the match?
On Real Madrid's side, Mourinho will be without seven players for Friday's clash. The confirmed absences are Marco Asensio, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Thiago Pitarch, Rodrygo Goes, and the young Brazilian Endrick. This situation forces the coach to reshuffle his starting eleven and bench. Carlo Ancelotti's visit to Madrid's training session, where he greeted his former players and the Brazilian internationals, was an anecdotal moment in the preparations.
What is Betis's form heading to the Bernabéu?
Real Betis Balompié faces one of the toughest fixtures on the calendar at a time of rebuilding confidence. Following defeat last matchday, the team needs a positive result to stay in the upper part of the table, which can be followed in our standings section. Their next match after the trip to Madrid is against Athletic Club on December 20th. The season's schedule, available on fixtures, marks a demanding period for Manuel Pellegrini's side.
Friday's match represents a major test for Betis's aspirations this season. With several absences on both teams, the contest shapes up as a tactical duel between Mourinho and Pellegrini. The inclusion of Sergio Martínez adds an element of uncertainty to the Madrid defence, which the Betis attack will try to exploit. Betis will play their next match away at San Mamés on December 20, 2026.
