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. Their record shows two wins and one loss from three games, having scored four goals and conceded five. The Verdiblancos are looking to get back on track after a negative result last time out.
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.
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.
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. Their next match after the trip to Madrid is against Athletic Club on December 20th.
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.
