Mbappe Out, Bellingham In: Madrid's Bold XI for Betis as Alonso Bets on Vinícius and Rodrygo
4 January 2026
Mbappe's absence shapes Madrid's plans
Real Madrid start 2026 with a La Liga showdown against Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu, a must-win to keep pressure on Barcelona in the race for the top spot.
According to AS, Xabi Alonso will have to cope with a notable absence: Kylian Mbappé is sidelined as the starting XI is set for the match.
The French star is nursing a knee twist and has played through discomfort lately, but doctors advised rest to avoid bigger risks, so he will miss the Betis game.
For now, the attack will be led by Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo Goes, with Jude Bellingham deployed as the advanced playmaker, a role from which he has delivered many goals in the past two seasons.
With Endrick on loan to Lyon, Gonzalo García remains a substitute option on the bench to be called upon if the match demands it.
Projected Madrid starting XI vs Betis
The complete predicted lineup for Real Madrid in today’s match is as follows:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois.
Defence: Fede Valverde - Asensio - Rudiger - Carieras.
Midfield: Chouaméni - Guler - Camavinga - Bellingham.
Attack: Rodrygo - Vinícius.
Notes: Alonso will lean on a flexible setup, with substitutions ready if the game needs a spark.
