Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid could not find a way past Sporting Gijon's defence Reuters

Real Madrid will look to secure their first win of the 2015/16 La Liga season when they face Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu on 29 August.

Where to watch live

Kick-off is set for 9.30pm BST. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 3 HD.

Overview

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez is under pressure just one game into his Real Madrid reign after his first competitive match in charge of the club ended in a disappointing goalless draw at newly-promoted Sporting Gijon. Real had 27 attempts on goal at El Molinon, but failed to create too many clear-cut chances, as a stubborn and well-organised Sporting side held on for a valuable point.

The Spanish giants have now failed to score in five of the nine matches they have played under Benitez (including pre-season friendlies), but received some much-needed good news this week with the return to training of Karim Benzema. The France striker has not returned to full match fitness after a thigh injury, however, and is likely to be placed on the bench.

Meanwhile, Real Betis earned a promotion to the Primera Division after securing the Segunda Division title last season, and marked their return to La Liga with a 1-1 draw at home to Villarreal. The Andalusian club have brought in several new faces in the transfer window such as Rafael van der Vaart and Juan Manuel Vargas, and are also looking to seal a deal for Fiorentina winger Joaquin.

Former Madrid midfielder Van der Vaart is out through injury, however, and will not play at the Bernabeu. Midfielder Javier Matilla is also a doubt.

What managers say

Rafael Benitez: "We lacked precision in the final pass and accuracy in the shots on goal (against Sporting Gijon). In general, we lost the ball too much in the first half and gave them a lot of opportunities to counter-attack. In the second half, we had more control, more possession, more danger but without that final pass to leave you with a clear chance at goal. We will continue to tweak and improve things like the physical condition, the precision and the co-ordination between the players and in that sense I remain optimistic."

Pepe Mel: "The reality is that the match against Real Madrid is going to be difficult, but if we thought it is impossible we wouldn't play. The other day Sporting Gijon obtained a good result. Every year there are chances for a surprise to happen at the Santiago Bernabeu, so why can't it be us? Logically, we know that we are going to face one of the best teams in the world, at their home, and in the first match they play in front of their fans. But we are excited to compete there."

Form guide

  • Real Madrid (all competitions): D W W D D
  • Last result: Sporting Gijon 0-0 Real Madrid (La Liga)
  • Real Betis (all competitions): D L L W W
  • Last result: Real Betis 1-1 Villarreal (La Liga)

Betting odds (888sport)

  • Real Madrid win: 2/17
  • Draw: 10
  • Real Betis win: 20

Team news

Real Madrid probable XI: Navas; Danilo, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric; Rodriguez, Bale, Ronaldo; Jese.

Real Betis probable XI: Adan; Piccini, Pezzella, Gonzalez, Vargas; Cejudo, Torres, N'Diaye, Portillo; Molina, Castro.

Real Madrid