Ahead of the match against Betis in Seville, the Real Madrid coaching staff released the list of players traveling for the game. The main surprise was the absence of Ceballos — the midfielder was left out of the squad by the coach’s decision. This stands out given that, after returning from injury, the Spaniard hasn’t played a single minute, remaining on the bench four times.
Another significant loss for Madrid is Tchouaméni: the French midfielder will miss the game due to muscle problems in his left calf. As a result, both central midfielders will be unable to help the team in this important match at the La Cartuja stadium. The list of absentees also includes Rodrygo, Courtois, Militao, and Güler — all of whom are still recovering from injuries.
Asencio returns
Against the backdrop of these absences, Asencio’s return stands out. The central defender missed the previous two matches due to a bacterial intestinal infection, but is now ready to return to the pitch. His absence was particularly felt in the games against Bayern and Alavés, when the team had to reorganize the defense at the last moment.
The squad for the game against Betis also includes young players: goalkeepers Mestre and Javi Navarro, as well as Thiago Pitarch, Cestero, Aguado, and Manuel Ángel. Their inclusion is due to personnel shortages and the need to expand rotation as injuries and illness continue to affect the first team.
Context and details
The situation with staffing decisions at Real Madrid is reminiscent of other high-profile changes in the lineups of Spanish clubs. For example, a possible consolidation of the left-wing forces was recently debated in Valencia amid the housing crisis — details on the return of Mónica Oltra and reactions from politicians sparked wide public response in the region.
The match against Betis at the La Cartuja stadium takes on special significance for Real Madrid, given the limited choice of players. Coaching decisions and the return of key players could affect the final result of the game and the club’s further plans for the season.
