Bellingham, Rodrygo start in a 4-4-2 – How Real Madrid can line up against Real Betis

Real Madrid are back in action later today as they get set to take on Real Betis in their first game of 2026 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Merengues ended the year on a positive note, registering three back-to-back victories, although the performances left a lot to be desired.

With Barcelona building up a lead at the top of the table, the pressure in on Xabi Alonso & co. to start the new year with a win and build momentum heading into the Spanish Super Cup next week.

Preparations, however, have been hampered by fresh injury concerns as Kylian Mbappe, the team’s top scorer, has been ruled out of the game, and Dean Huijsen is a doubt after missing training.

Eder Militao and Trent Alexander-Arnold are out injured as well, while Brahim Diaz is unavailable due to his involvement in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

So, the situation is far from ideal for Alonso and the fact that Real Betis have been going through a strong run of form makes it even more complicated. As such, here’s how Real Madrid could take the field today at the Bernabeu against Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois has been one of Real Madrid’s standout performers of the season so far and his presence in the goal will once again be vital for Alonso & co. to grab three points.

The defensive line poses concerns, given that Los Blancos do not have a natural right-back ready to start. Indeed, even though Dani Carvajal has trained with the group, he is unlikely to be risked before the Super Cup, while Trent remains unavailable.

As such, Federico Valverde will likely be forced to operate as a makeshift right-back once again. Meanwhile, Alvaro Carreras is the undisputed starter on the left side of the Merengues’ defence.

Another game at right-back for Valverde? (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

With no Militao, David Alaba’s fitness a concern, and Dean Huijsen’s availability uncertain, Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio ought to form the centre-back pairing.

Midfield

With Kylian Mbappe unavailable to lead the attack, there is a strong possibility that Xabi Alonso opts to revert to a four-man diamond midfield setup that had previously worked wonders for Real Madrid.

It would see Aurelien Tchouameni line up at the base of the midfield setup, providing cover to the backline. Support will come from his compatriot Eduardo Camavinga, who will look to string together a consistent run of matches after being bogged down by fitness woes.

Meanwhile, Arda Guler is likely to be the third central midfielder, in charge of providing the creative element moving forward. Jude Bellingham will return to the role of the attacking midfielder operating just behind the two attackers.

Both Guler and Bellingham will likely drift out wide during the defensive phase on the right and left, respectively, making it a midfield bank of four.

Attack

With no Mbappe, the onus will be on Vinicius Jr. to take over the mantle of Real Madrid’s leading attacker and deliver the goods in the final third of the pitch.

The Brazilian superstar will likely be paired with his compatriot, Rodrygo Goes, who has grown in stature in recent weeks and has impressed manager Alonso.

Gonzalo Garcia and Franco Mastantuono will be options off the bench if the coach wishes to change things up.