Following the final training session of the week and ahead of their trip to the Spanish capital this afternoon, Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has announced his squad for tomorrow’s match against
Real Madrid, corresponding to Matchday 18 of LaLiga EA Sports. The Andalusian side will open their 2026 campaign at the Santiago Bernabéu with a largely intact group, registering just one injury-related absence alongside three players away on international duty.
The only player ruled out through injury is Isco Alarcón, who will miss the visit to his former club after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on Monday. The midfielder required the procedure to address persistent ankle problems stemming from a heavy collision with Sofyan Amrabat in early December.
Amrabat himself is also absent, though for different reasons. The Moroccan international, along with compatriot Abde Ezzalzouli and DR Congo forward Cédric Bakambu, is currently competing in the Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco face Tanzania tomorrow, while the Democratic Republic of Congo are set to play Algeria on Tuesday in the round of 16.
Beyond those absences, Pellegrini has been able to call upon the remainder of his squad. Brazilian winger Antony, who missed the early part of the week’s training due to muscle fatigue, has been included. Defenders Diego Llorente and Junior Firpo also return to the matchday group after recovering from muscle issues sustained prior to the Christmas break and have been training normally for several days.
In total, Betis will travel with a 22-man squad, which includes two players holding reserve-team squad numbers but fully integrated into first-team plans.
Real Betis Squad vs Real Madrid
Goalkeepers:
Adrián, Pau López, Álvaro Valles
Defenders:
Héctor Bellerín, Ortiz, Marc Bartra, Diego Llorente, Natan, Valentín Gómez, Ricardo Rodríguez, Junior Firpo
Midfielders:
Sergi Altimira, Marc Roca, Deossa, Pablo Fornals, Giovani Lo Celso, Antony, Aitor Ruibal, Riquelme
Forwards:
Chimy Ávila, Pablo García, Cucho Hernández
Betis will look to start the new year with a strong performance against the reigning champions, as Pellegrini’s side aims to build momentum in the second half of the LaLiga season.
