Real Betis vs. Real Madrid: Key Absences and High Stakes in LaLiga Clash

Real Betis vs. Real Madrid: Key Absences and High Stakes in LaLiga Clash

EFE | Mar 1, 2025, 09:10 ET

Real Madrid faces a challenging trip to Seville to take on Real Betis in a crucial LaLiga match, with several key players missing due to injuries and suspensions. The match comes just days before Real Madrid’s highly anticipated Champions League derby against Atlético Madrid, adding further pressure to secure a positive result.  

Real Madrid’s Challenges

Carlo Ancelotti’s side is dealing with significant absences in midfield. Dani Ceballos is sidelined for nearly two months due to a tendon injury in his left leg, while Jude Bellingham serves the second game of his suspension following a red card against Osasuna. Bellingham’s appeal to overturn the suspension was unsuccessful, leaving Brahim Díaz to fill his role in the starting lineup.  

In midfield, Luka Modric is expected to start alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni, with Eduardo Camavinga also in contention. Thibaut Courtois returns to the starting lineup after missing the Copa del Rey match due to discomfort in his right leg. The defense will feature Lucas Vázquez and Ferland Mendy on the flanks, with Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio in the center. Asencio, who was substituted at halftime in the Copa del Rey due to being “affected” by fan insults, will look to put the incident behind him.  

Up front, Kylian Mbappé, fully recovered from a dental procedure, will lead the attack alongside Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo Goes. Mbappé has been in stellar form, contributing goals and assists in recent matches, including a hat-trick in the Champions League against Manchester City.  

Betis in Strong Form 

Real Betis enters the match in excellent form, having secured back-to-back league victories against Real Sociedad (3-0) and Getafe (1-2). The team also advanced to the round of 16 in the UEFA Europa Conference League after defeating Belgian side Gent.  

Key to Betis’ resurgence has been the stellar performances of Isco Alarcón, who has been the creative engine in midfield, and the dynamic wing play of Antony Dos Santos and Jesús Rodríguez. Antony, whose red card against Getafe was rescinded, will be available for selection. Colombian striker Cucho Hernández will lead the attack, supported by Isco and Antony.  

Defensively, Betis will rely on the experience of Diego Llorente and Marc Bartra to contain Real Madrid’s potent attack. Manager Manuel Pellegrini is expected to field a similar lineup to the one that defeated Getafe, emphasizing continuity and balance.  

Probable Lineups

Real Betis: Adrián; Sabaly, Bartra, Llorente, Ricardo; Altimira, Johnny; Antony, Isco, Jesús Rodríguez, Cucho Hernández.  

Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Luka Modric, Brahim Díaz; Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior.  

Match Details

Referee: Alejandro Hernández Hernández (Canarian Committee)  

Stadium: Benito Villamarín  

Time: 9:30 am PT | 11:30 am CDMX | 12:30 pm ET  

This high-stakes clash promises to be a thrilling encounter as Real Madrid aims to maintain its title challenge, while Betis looks to continue its impressive run and secure a third consecutive victory.  

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President Trump to Pardon MLB Legend Pete Rose

ESPN News Service | Mar 1, 2025, 11:36 ET

President Donald Trump announced on social media that he will pardon baseball legend Pete Rose, who was banned from Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1989 for gambling on games. Rose, who passed away last year at the age of 83, remains MLB’s all-time hits leader but was barred from the Hall of Fame due to his lifetime ban.  

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “In the next few weeks, I will be signing a full pardon for Pete Rose, who should not have bet on baseball, but only bet on his team to win. He never bet against himself or the other team. He was by far the biggest hitter in the history of baseball and won more games than anyone in the history of the sport.”  

Rose admitted in 2004 to betting on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds but maintained he never bet against his own team. Despite multiple appeals, including a 2015 request to Commissioner Rob Manfred, Rose was never reinstated.  

Trump did not specify the scope of the pardon, but it is expected to address Rose’s 1990 conviction for tax evasion, for which he served five months in prison. The announcement has sparked debate, with some praising the move as a recognition of Rose’s contributions to the sport, while others argue it undermines MLB’s integrity policies.  

Rose, a three-time World Series champion, remains one of baseball’s most iconic figures, holding records for most games played, at-bats, singles, and putouts. His legacy continues to be a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike.  

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