The stakes are high in La Liga for this match. Real Madrid can’t afford to fall any further behind in the title race than they are, especially with league-leading Barcelona holding a game in hand. Real Betis can’t afford to fall any closer to the relegation zone, with just a three-point cushion on 18th-placed La Palmas. This may not be a top-shelf derby between two top of the table teams, but with both teams in dire need of three points, this match won’t be short of effort or action.
Real Madrid vs. Betis 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Madrid are streaking and Betis are struggling, and there’s a lot on the line in this match at the Villamarín Sunday.
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The question is whether or not Betis will have what it takes to knock Zinedine Zidane’s high flying club off-kilter. They got blasted by a Rafa Benitez-lead Madrid at the beginning of the season and have earned just four points this season against teams currently in the top half of the table -- all of them draws. Even just one point against Madrid would be a huge coup with the way their season has gone, but that’s going to be extremely difficult to pull off given the form of each team recently.
Key player -- James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
With Gareth Bale sidelined for a while, James has a chance to step up and re-establish himself as one of the horses Madrid’s attack can run on. He hasn’t had the best of seasons, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s an immensely talented player, and facing a team that’s had issues against players with his skillset this season should give him a good chance to put in a strong performance. James needs a jump-start in a bad way, and if he can get one Sunday, La Liga’s going to be in trouble.
Key matchup -- Joaquin (Betis) vs. Marcelo (Real Madrid)
Madrid’s mercurial left back is, at his best, one of the best in the game. He’s got his weaknesses, though, and consistency is one of them. If anyone can figure out how to knock Marcelo off his pedestal and open him up for punishment, it’s Joaquin; the veteran Spaniard has been playing like a much younger man for much of the season, and his vast depth of knowledge and trickery could be just the key to help unlock Madrid’s defense and open them up for some fun for the rest of Betis’ attack.
Real Betis injuries and suspensions
Out: Cristiano Piccini, Keiko Westermann, Pedro Lopez
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Gareth Bale
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 2:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Benito Villamarín, Seville, Spain
TV: beIN Sports en Español (U.S. & Canada - Spanish), Canal+ Partidazo (Spain), Sky Sports 2/HD (U.K.)
Online: beIN Sport Connect, Fubo TV (U.S. & Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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