Real Betis welcomes Real Madrid at the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Saturday (28/8/2021) night or Sunday morning WIB.
The hosts are looking for a first win of the new season, having only drawn the first two games.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are trying to get back on track after last week failed to bring home the three points from Levante.
Interestingly, the last meeting of Real Betis vs Real Madrid also ended with the score 0-0 at Alfredo Di Stefano in April 2021.
Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid actually started 2021-2022 very well when they won 4-1 at Deportivo Alaves.
However, when they visited Levante, Los Blancos had to come from behind twice despite taking an early lead to draw 3-3.
A visit to Villamarin will also be Madrid's third consecutive away game at the start of the 2021-2022 season, pending the completion of the Santiago Bernabeu renovation work.
At the last meeting at Villamarin, Madrid successfully won 3-2. However that was due to Betis' penalty and own goal in the second half.
The defeat was also Los Verdiblancos' only loss to Los Blancos in the last five meetings between the clubs.
In that period, Betis are superior because they won two wins, the remaining three matches ended in draws.
Former Madrid coach, Manuel Pellegrini also plans to improve that record when accompanying Betis this weekend.
However, to report cards playing at Villamarin, Madrid is quite confident. In the last five visits, they won four and lost only once.
For the composition of the squad, Pellegrini is still unable to reduce Diego Lainez (ankle injury) and Youssouf Sabaly.
Marc Bartra is already available for Betis but he may have to stay on the bench due to the constant presence of the duo of Edgar Gonzalez and Victor Ruiz at the heart of defence.
Meanwhile, Andres Guardado is likely to start in midfield, giving Sergi Canales a chance to operate in his favorite attacking position.
Willian Jose was brought in to strengthen Los Verdiblancos' attack, but the striker who is on loan at Real Sociedad may come off the bench.
One Betis player who will be the center of Madrid's attention is Nabil Fekir. The French playmaker played a key role in Betis' success in finishing sixth last season, contributing 5 goals and 6 assists.
In the Madrid camp, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are still struggling with injuries. While Martin Odegaard has been sold, and Dani Ceballos has not been able to play.
Ferland Mendy is also out of action, Marcelo can return to play alongside Dani Carvajal, while David Alaba and Eder Militao are in the middle of defence.
Isco, who performed well last week, can secure his position. Likewise with Vinicius Junior who became Madrid's savior at Levante, and has scored three goals in two matches, deserves to be a starter.
Gareth Bale, who has rediscovered his form under Ancelotti, is likely to partner Vinicius and Karim Benzema to pound the Betis defence.
Estimated Line-up:
Real Betis (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; Martin Montoya, Edgar Gonzalez, Victor Ruiz, Juan Miranda; Guido Rodriguez, Andres Guardado; Juanmi, Sergio Canales, Nabil Fekir; Borja Iglesias
Coach: Manuel Pellegrini
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Marcelo; Federico Valverde, Isco, Casemiro; Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti