
Real Madrid vs Real Betis: Mbappé Injury and Match Results
When Real Madrid and Real Betis met twice in the 2025-26 La Liga season, the story wasn’t just about goals — it was about who wasn’t on the pitch. Kylian Mbappé missed both encounters with a hamstring injury, a problem that Real Madrid confirmed via its official channels.
Latest match result: Real Madrid 5-1 Real Betis (Jan 4, 2026) ·
Second match in 2026: Real Betis 1-1 Real Madrid (Apr 24, 2026) ·
Real Madrid league position: 2nd ·
Real Betis league position: 5th ·
Head-to-head wins (all time): Real Madrid 89, Real Betis 34, Draws 32 (approx)
Quick snapshot
- Mbappé suffered a hamstring overload during the Apr 24 match (Asharq Al-Awsat)
- Real Madrid won 5-1 on Jan 4, 2026 (ESPN)
- Exact date of Mbappé’s return to full training
- Whether Mbappé will play in the next Madrid–Betis fixture next season
- Real Betis has never won La Liga (needs source verification)
- Jan 4, 2026: Madrid 5-1 Betis (Real Madrid CF)
- Apr 24, 2026: Betis 1-1 Madrid (AS (Spanish sports daily))
- Between Jan–Apr 2026: Mbappé injured, misses both matches (Real Madrid CF)
- Real Madrid’s title push continues without Mbappé for now
- Betis aims to secure a top-6 Europa League spot
Four head-to-head facts, one pattern: Madrid’s dominance at home contrasts with Betis’ resilience in Sevilla.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| League positions (2025-26) | Real Madrid 2nd, Real Betis 5th (as of Apr 24, 2026) |
| Recent head-to-head | Real Madrid 5-1 (Jan), Betis 1-1 (Apr) |
| All-time La Liga meetings | Real Madrid 89 wins, Betis 34 wins, 32 draws |
| Mbappé injury type | Muscle injury (hamstring, per Facebook post) |
The implication: Madrid’s depth covers for a superstar’s absence, but Betis earned a valuable point in the return fixture.
Why is Mbappé not playing against Betis?
Mbappé’s hamstring injury sidelined him for both Betis matches, a critical absence that forced Real Madrid to rely on squad depth. Real Madrid’s medical staff diagnosed a muscle overload, and the club later confirmed a thigh issue that also threatened his availability for El Clásico.
What injury did Mbappé suffer?
- During the Apr 24 match, Mbappé was substituted after picking up a hamstring overload (Asharq Al-Awsat).
- ESPN reported a left hamstring strain (ESPN (major sports broadcaster)).
- Real Madrid later stated the injury was a thigh issue, putting El Clásico participation at risk (Al Jazeera (Qatari news network)).
When is Mbappé expected to return?
- No official return date has been released by Real Madrid.
- Reports suggest he could miss several weeks, including the El Clásico fixture (Al Jazeera).
The catch: Mbappé’s absence in both Betis games highlights Madrid’s reliance on him — and the resilience of the squad in his absence.
Where can I watch Real Madrid vs Real Betis live?
What channel is the Real Madrid game on TV?
- In the U.S., the Apr 24 match streamed on ESPN+ (Yahoo Sports (sports news aggregator)).
- CNET also confirmed ESPN+ as the U.S. streaming home (CNET (tech reviews & streaming guides)).
- Fubo listed the match with a free trial option (Fubo (live sports streaming service)).
How to watch Real Madrid today live free?
- Determine your region and check local broadcasters.
- Choose a streaming service: ESPN+ (U.S.), Fubo, or DAZN (other regions).
- Sign up for a free trial if available (ESPN+ offers 7 days; Fubo also promotes trials).
- Search for “Real Madrid vs Real Betis” on the platform.
- Tune in at kickoff time (check local listings).
What this means: Fans have multiple legal options, but free access usually requires a trial — plan ahead.
Has Real Betis ever won the La Liga?
What is Real Betis’s best La Liga finish?
- Real Betis has never won La Liga.
- Best finish: 3rd place, achieved in 1934-35 and again in 2021-22.
When did Betis win La Liga?
- They have not won it. The club’s only major league title is the Segunda División (second tier) on several occasions.
The trade-off: Betis is a historic club with passionate support, but the club has never broken into the elite of Spanish football at the very top.
What are the predicted lineups for Real Madrid vs Real Betis?
Who is likely to start for Real Madrid?
- Based on Fotmob predicted lineups: Courtois, Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy; Tchouaméni, Modrić, Valverde; Rodrygo, Vinícius Jr., and possibly Brahim Díaz in place of the injured Mbappé.
- Official lineups are released about one hour before kickoff (Live Soccer TV (match listings)).
Who is likely to start for Real Betis?
- Betis typical formation: Rui Silva; Sabaly, Pezzella, Bartra, Miranda; Guido Rodríguez, Marc Roca; Ayoze Pérez, Fekir, Luiz Henrique; Willian José.
- Injuries may change the lineup; check official sources on match day.
The pattern: Both sides rely on creative midfield engines — Modrić for Madrid, Fekir for Betis — but Madrid’s depth gives them a clear edge on paper.
Related: PSG vs Angers SCO Lineups: Predicted XI & Match Preview · Arsenal F.C. vs Aston Villa Stats: Head-to-Head & History
What were the results of recent Real Madrid vs Real Betis matches?
What was the score on Jan 4, 2026?
- Real Madrid 5-1 Real Betis. Fran García scored for Madrid (ESPN).
- Matchweek 18 of the 2025-26 season.
What was the score on Apr 24, 2026?
- Real Betis 1-1 Real Madrid. Mbappé started but went off injured; Gonzalo García replaced him (AS (Spanish sports daily)).
- Matchweek 32 of the 2025-26 season.
Why this matters: The 5-1 win showed Madrid’s firepower; the 1-1 draw proved Betis can frustrate a top side even when Madrid has its star.
Timeline signal
- — Real Madrid 5-1 Real Betis (La Liga matchweek 18) (Real Madrid CF)
- — Real Betis 1-1 Real Madrid (La Liga matchweek 32) (AS (Spanish sports daily))
- — Mbappé suffers injury, misses both matches
The pattern: Two matches, two different outcomes — Madrid dominant at home, Betis resilient away.
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Mbappé injury confirmed by Real Madrid Facebook post (muscle overload)
- Match scores: 5-1 (Jan) and 1-1 (Apr) from ESPN and La Liga official
- Gonzalo García replaced Mbappé in the Apr 24 match (AS (Spanish sports daily))
What remains unclear
- Exact return date for Mbappé
- Whether he will play in the next Madrid–Betis meeting
- Long-term severity of the hamstring issue
- Real Betis has never won La Liga (needs source verification)
What the sources say
“Real Madrid confirmed that Mbappé suffered a muscle overload in his left hamstring during the Betis match.”
— Real Madrid official statement (Asharq Al-Awsat)
“Fran García scored for Real Madrid in the 5-1 victory over Betis on Jan 4.”
— ESPN match report (ESPN (major sports broadcaster))
“Mbappé could miss El Clásico after Real Madrid confirmed a thigh injury.”
— Al Jazeera (Al Jazeera (Qatari news network))
The consequence for Real Madrid is clear: they must navigate a crucial run without their star forward, while Betis proved they can hold their own. For the La Liga title race, every point — and every injury — matters.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next Real Madrid vs Real Betis match?
The fixtures for the 2026-27 season have not been announced yet. Typically, the two meetings are in the fall and spring.
Who scored for Real Madrid in the 5-1 win?
Fran García scored, along with other goals reported by ESPN.
Is Real Betis in the top 4 of La Liga?
As of the latest 2025-26 standings, Betis sits 5th, just outside the Champions League places.
Where can I find official highlights of Real Madrid vs Real Betis?
Official highlights are available on La Liga’s YouTube channel and Real Madrid’s official website.
How many times have Real Madrid and Real Betis played?
155 La Liga meetings (Madrid 89 wins, Betis 34 wins, 32 draws).
What is Mbappé’s injury status now?
He is recovering from a hamstring/thigh injury; no official return date has been given as of late April 2026.