Real Madrid is set to face Real Betis at La Cartuja on Friday, aiming to maintain their perfect record in the 2026-27 season. The team, known as Los Blancos, has started the season strong, winning their first three matches with a combined score of 10-2. However, the upcoming match against Betis is expected to be their most challenging test yet.
In the lead-up to this crucial fixture, head coach Jose Mourinho addressed the media during a pre-match press conference. He shared his thoughts on the match and provided insights into the competitive landscape of La Liga. Mourinho emphasized the need for his team to perform at their best to secure a victory against a formidable Betis side.
“It has to be a great Real Madrid that plays on Friday. Betis are a very good team. To win, we have to be at our highest level,” Mourinho stated, highlighting the quality of their opponents.
Mourinho also touched on the broader context of La Liga, noting the competitiveness of the league. He mentioned Atlético de Madrid as title contenders and acknowledged the strength of teams like Betis and Villarreal. “For me, it’s not an easy league. There is a pressure that does not exist in other championships, which is to always have to win,” he added, contrasting the pressures of La Liga with those in leagues like Germany and France.
One of the key storylines heading into the match is the potential return of former Real Madrid player Dani Ceballos, who recently rejoined Real Betis after terminating his contract with Madrid. Mourinho revealed details of his conversation with Ceballos that led to his departure, explaining that he informed the midfielder he was not part of his plans. “We spoke on the phone for three minutes. I told him that I didn’t count on him,” Mourinho said, noting that Ceballos expressed a desire for more freedom in deciding his future.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid has bolstered their squad with the addition of 19-year-old Sergio Martinez from Racing de Santander. Mourinho confirmed that Martinez has been training with the first team and will be part of the squad for the upcoming match. “He has potential and a little experience in the First Division. He has to work, but the level of quality and intensity here is different,” Mourinho noted, indicating that the young player could play a role in the match.
Additionally, Mourinho addressed the recent controversy surrounding Raul Asencio, who has been in the spotlight due to a drunk driving conviction. While he did not explicitly criticize Asencio, Mourinho sent a clear message about the responsibilities of a Real Madrid player. “A Real Madrid player is a Real Madrid player 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 12 months a year,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the club's prestige.
Lastly, Mourinho briefly commented on Lionel Messi’s recent announcement of his international retirement, expressing the difficulty of discussing such a legendary player. “Talking about Messi is complicated. There are no words. That’s what we’ve seen; he’s one of those players you’re going to miss,” he remarked, acknowledging Messi's significant impact on the sport.
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