Football is back at the Santiago Bernabéu, after 106 days since Real Madrid last played at their home stadium. The last time they did so was when they clinched their 35th LaLiga title against Betis, who the Whites will also be taking on this afternoon on matchday four of the competition (4:15pm CET). Madrid, who are joint top of the standings with a 100%-win record, go head-to-head with the only other side who boast the same record after three fixtures.
Real Madrid will be back playing in front of their fans as a new playing surface has now been laid at the Santiago Bernabéu ahead of this season's home games. Ancelotti’s men are level on points with the Andalusian outfit and will be looking to make it four wins out of four in LaLiga to move clear at the summit of the table, by producing a solid performance on their return to home soil.
The work to lay the new playing surface began in the early hours of last week’s Monday morning and was completed on Wednesday following several days of intense work. The new surface will make the game easier for every player, helping them especially with the ground passes and will eventually allow teams’ playing styles be fully expressed. Another important part is the fact that a great surface will decrease the chance for the players to catch injuries or suffer unexpected strains.
“It's a great feeling to be back at the Bernabéu”, said Ancelotti in the press conference ahead of the clash. The coach will be looking to two players who have been decisive so far this campaign: Benzema and Vini Jr. They are Real Madrid’s top goal scorers and have netted five times between them in the last two games (three for the Frenchman and two for the Brazilian).
The opposition: Betis go into the clash on the back of wins against Elche, Mallorca and Osasuna. They have only conceded one goal so far this season. The madridistas will have to keep an eye on Borja Iglesias, as the striker has scored four goals in three games.
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