50,000 people witnessed! La Liga new and old golden boy showdown: 31-year-old superstar reversed Real Madrid's 6 consecutive wins
At 23:15 Beijing time on Saturday night, in the 16th round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Betis away. In this La Liga battle, the golden boy duel between Isco and Bellingham has become the hottest topic. Real Madrid have won five in a row in all competitions and have a strong momentum, and Betis are unbeaten at home in La Liga.
31-year-old Isco VS 20-year-old Bellingham The old and new golden boy duel
On December 9, the front page of the Marca newspaper was Isco.
"Be wary of our friends (cuidado con los amigos)", reads the front page of the newspaper Marca. In the Betis team, there is an old friend that Real Madrid fans are most familiar with: Isco. During his nine years at Real Madrid, Isco made 353 appearances, scoring 53 goals and providing 57 assists, winning 20 trophies, including five Champions League titles.
This summer, Isco returned to football after a half-year hiatus to join Betis. In the 2023-24 La Liga season, Isco performed well, contributing two goals and two assists in 15 appearances. In WhoScored's rating, Isco averaged 7.22 points per game, ranking 10th in La Liga, playing a superstar style.
Isco is the old golden boy (2012 Golden Boy winner), and Real Madrid have the 2023 Golden Boy winner in the Real Madrid squad: Bellingham. After joining Real Madrid for 100 million euros, Bellingham shined, scoring 11 goals and 2 assists in 13 games in La Liga and 4 goals and 2 assists in 4 Champions League games. Isco and Bellingham are both playing in the front midfield, and in this game, Isco turned against the old master, and the new and old golden boys had a direct dialogue, which is exciting.
50,000 people witnessed! Real Madrid hit 6 consecutive wins
Betis' Villamarin Stadium has a very good atmosphere at home. The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 spectators and has an average home attendance of 51,000 this season. In the clash with Real Madrid, Betis fans are full of expectations: can the team continue its unbeaten run at home?
In La Liga this season, Betis has won 5 and drawn 2 in 7 home games, with a very good record, which is also one of the reasons for the popularity of the home team. Facing Real Madrid at home, can Betis create an upset amid the cheers of 50,000 fans?
Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid is also in very good form, winning five consecutive games in all competitions. In La Liga, Real Madrid are at the top of the table, and in the Champions League, Real Madrid are confirmed to qualify early. Facing Manuel Pellegrini's Betis, Real Madrid hit a six-game winning streak in all competitions.
Expected to start
Betis (4231): Rui Silva/Ruival, Pezzella, Riad, Miranda/Roca, Guido Rodriguez/Dio, Isco, Perez/William José
Real Madrid (433): Lunin/Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy/Valverde, Kroos, Bellingham/Rodrygo, Joselu, Dias