<p>Real Madrid’s last away victory against Betis came on 28 August 2021, when a Dani Carvajal goal secured a narrow 1–0 win. Since then, Madrid have failed to take all three points from their trips to the Andalusian side. The meetings have produced two draws and a Betis victory, including Betis’ 2–1 win over Madrid in March 2025. Mourinho has wasted little time reminding everyone that Friday’s game will not be another routine assignment.</p><p>Real Madrid have started the campaign impressively, winning their opening three matches and scoring ten goals. The early signs under Mourinho have been encouraging, but Betis represents a very different test. Mourinho knows it. Speaking before the game, the Madrid coach was blunt: Real Madrid will have to be at their best to win in Seville. He knows the atmosphere. And he knows that Betis have repeatedly made life uncomfortable for Madrid on their own ground. This is arguably the first fixture of the season where Madrid's impressive start will be properly examined.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(17, 24, 39); font-size: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Betis have already shown two sides</span></p><p>Betis have had a mixed beginning to the season. They opened their league campaign with victories over Valencia and Real Sociedad, keeping clean sheets in both games. Then came a completely different performance against Levante, where they were beaten 5–2. That result could easily encourage Madrid. But it could also be exactly what makes this game dangerous. Betis will be desperate to respond, and there is perhaps no better opponent to make a statement against than Real Madrid. At home, Betis have repeatedly shown that they can turn this fixture into a battle.&nbsp;</p><h2>Madrid have the firepower.&nbsp;</h2><p>This is where the game becomes fascinating. Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham give Madrid an attacking threat that Betis will have to respect. Madrid have already shown an appetite for goals this season, and their attacking play under Mourinho has offered plenty of reasons for optimism. But Betis do not need to win the talent battle. They need to win the moments. And Betis have already proved that they are capable of hurting Madrid.</p><p>The 2025 meeting is a perfect reminder. Madrid arrived as favourites but left empty-handed after Betis produced a 2–1 victory. Mourinho's return to Real Madrid has generated plenty of excitement, and currently sit on nine points after three matches, level with Barcelona at the top of the table. Betis have six points from their opening three games.</p><p>For Betis, it is an opportunity to put the Levante defeat behind them and remind everyone why this fixture has become such a difficult one for Madrid. For Real Madrid, it is an opportunity to erase a frustrating piece of recent history. And for Mourinho, it is the first serious test of whether this new Madrid side can handle a match where talent alone may not be enough.</p><p>Betis vs. Real Madrid comes off on Friday 4 September 2026, at 7pm.</p><p>Photo credit: TNT Sports</p>