Omo, the action don start as Real Madrid go face Real Betis for their first match of 2026 on Sunday afternoon!

Na for the Bernabéu wey dem go battle am. Last year, e no too dey sweet for Madrid as dem no fit win any major trophy, and dem drop their leadership to Barcelona. So na serious matter dey ground for Xabi Alonso level now.

As dem dey enter 2026, dem go need to step am up. Na seven points dem dey behind Barcelona, and without better points wey dem fit gather on top Betis, e fit hard for dem. A win go gree dem reduce the distance to just four points! But make we no forget sey Betis dey on fire recently, dem don dey strong, wey make last five meetings with Madrid no too sweet for dem.

Betis self no go come easy. Dem don chop sweet form lately, and dem be confident sey dem fit run things for the Bernabéu. Na so e be actually, as Real Madrid don win just once in their last five matches against Betis.

Now MBappé dey carry injury wahala, no be say na small matter; because nobody fit replace am when e don dey score 18 goals for La Liga dis season. Alonso go need to think well on top how to arrange his attack. All eyes go dey on Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham to deliver the good, as dem no fit gree to allow pressure spoil their game.

For Betis side, dem too dey manage injuries. Dem no go get Junior Firpo, Diego Llorente, and Isco who fit cause wahala for Madrid if e play. But despite all the absentees, Pellegrini don manage to find his best fit players wey don dey fire well.

Madrid need win this one, because dem go face Atlético Madrid for Super Cup next week. No be joke matter o! E be like sey every match now be battle for their pride and manager’s job. Mbappé no go dey around, but the team get enough firepower to chop Betis small.

Predictions dey fly around, and many dey talk sey na 2-1 go end for Madrid side. We go see how e go be, but make no forget sey anything fit happen for football.