Real Madrid will travel to Seville and have to face relegation-threatened Real Betis. The Madridistas are still not unbeaten under Zinedine Zidane's direction and will want to extend this run also at the Estadion Benito Villamarin.
Zidane brings the success back
Florentino Perez decided to sack coach Rafa Benitez after the disappointed 2-2 draw against Valencia and Zinedine Zidane was appointed as new coach of the most valuable club of the world. There were obviously some criticism to the even unexperienced coach, but he already showed in his first matches - against Deportivo and Gijón - that Real is definitely a different Real among the direction of the Frenchman.
Two matches, ten goals, one conceded and an unbeatable "BBC" in forward are the stats out of the last two matches. The offense is doing a better job, is enjoying to play football and has success, which is the most important point.
Nevertheless, Zidane has to chance something for the upcoming match against Betis, because Welshman Gareth Bale suffered an injury during the meeting against Gijón and will be out for a few weeks. The coach is forced to dissolve "BBC". On the press conference, Zidane said: "That is part of my job, I have to make decisions and choose. That gives us the opportunity to give another player a chance."
Betis in a difficult situation
Real Betis, on the other hand, is currently in a difficult situation and they also have a new coach. Pepe Mel got sacked a few weeks ago and caretaker manager, Juan Merino, didn't have as good as a start as his workmate Zidane. The 45-year-old Spaniard started his term with the "Derbi sevillano" and lost both matches against the rival in the Copa del Rey and the Green-Whites were eliminated.
The journey in towards to the relegation battle is going on and the promoted team need to find a way to improve and get good results again. For the club it would be a real success to reach the staying up after promoted to Primera Division after winning the title in Segunda Division last season.
The Beticos still have to wait for a comeback of former German international Heiko Westermann, who joined the club in summer from Bundesliga side Hamburger SV and had a massive amount to stick together the defense of Real Betis. The 32-year-old defender is currently in Germany and is treated by a doctor to look at his injury at his right toe.
In their last seven league matches, the promoted team didn't score a single goal in a match and still waiting to find a way to the opponent's target. For Betis it is currently an absolute shocking situation, the club want the staying up, but can't get the points for it.
Prediction
That Betis could spring a suprise at their own stadium against Real Madrid is not really likely and that's why the guests from the capital city might have another shooting match and topple Betis further in the relegation battle and their crisis.