Opponent watch: Real Betis defender ruled out of Real Madrid clash due to suspension | OneFootball

The race for the La Liga title could not be more exciting. Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Girona have joined Real Madrid in the pursuit of the elusive honour, setting up an exciting set of months ahead.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side most recently took on Granada on match day 15 of La Liga EA Sports, coming out 2-0 victors on the night.

Their next clash sees them pitted against Real Betis, a side sitting just outside the European berths on the standings and vying for three crucial points.

Pellegrini loses a key player

As revealed by Mundo Deportivo, the mood in the Verdiblancos’ camp is not all positive ahead of the game against Real Madrid.

For starters, Real Betis dropped two key points against last-placed Almeria in their most recent match. Considering that their opponent on the night had not won a single game all season, the two lost points come as a big miss.

Further, Manuel Pellegrini lost a key player for the team’s clash against Real Madrid in the game against Almeria.

Hector Bellerin was sent off in just the 27th minute of the game for a dangerous tackle on Adri Embarba, earning him a direct red card.

He will thus be unavailable for selection against Real Madrid, depriving Pellegrini of his first-choice right-back. Aitor Ruibal, in all probability, is expected to take his place on the field.

Ancelotti in similar waters

While Real Betis will be without their key right-back, Real Madrid are concurrently in a world of pain of their own in terms of player availability.

For starters, Ancelotti lost his first-choice right-back, Dani Carvajal, through a calf injury and his participation on the night is under a cloud of doubt.

Further, the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, and Vinicius Jr continue to be unavailable apart from the list of long-term injuries.