Real Madrid did not open their 2015-16 Liga BBVA campaign as expected.
Los Blancos traveled to newly-promoted side Sporting Gijon last Sunday in search of victory in their opening game, but returned with a point after a disappointing goalless draw.
Despite fielding the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Isco, and Luka Modric, Les Merengues were unable to find the back of net, but will look to make amends in their weekend clash.
The 10-time Champions League winners will welcome Real Betis to Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, a venue where the Madrid giants have enjoyed 9 wins and 3 draws in their last 12 encounters with the Andalusian side.
Furthermore, the last time these two sides met, Real Madrid came out victorious 5-0 at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.
In addition to their brilliant record against Real Betis, Real Madrid will see the return of their fearsome BBC attacking trio, with French striker Karim Benzema expected to make a return to the starting eleven having spent a month on the sidelines with a thigh injury.
The former Lyon ace has made a habit of scoring past Real Betis, netting in three straight games against Los VerdiBlancos.
30-year-old Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will also be looking to rekindle his unrivaled goalscoring form with this weekend's tie, motivated by the fact that he is merely a hat-trick shy of equaling Raul's all-time goalscoring record for the club in La Liga.
Cristiano Ronaldo (225 goals) is just a hatrick away from equalling Raul (228 goals) as Real Madrid's ALL-TIME top goal scorer in La Liga.
— Real Madrid Stats (@RMadrid_Stats) August 23, 2015
And to compile Real Betis’ woes, summer signing Rafael van der Vart will miss the trip due to an ankle injury.
Team sheets for Real Madrid vs Betis
Real Madrid's Starting Lineup: Navas; Varane, Ramos, Ronaldo, Kroos, Benzema, James, Bale, Marcelo, Modric, Danilo.
Real Betis' Starting Lineup: Adán; Piccini, Pezzella, Bruno, Molinero; Xavi Torres, N’Diaye, Cejudo, Vargas; Dani Ceballos, Rubén Castro.
Real Madrid's bench: Casilla, Pepe, Casemiro, Carvajal, Kovacic, Jesé, Isco.
Real Betis' bench: To follow.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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