Two clubs sitting on different halves of the La Liga table aim to better their records this Sunday as Real Madrid pay Real Betis a visit at Estadio Benito Villamarín.
Real Madrid are currently third on the table with 43 points, just behind the league-leading and defending champions Barcelona (48 points), and second-placed Atletico Madrid (47 points).
Unfortunately for Los Blancos, midfielder Gareth Bale might not play in Sunday's game, according to a report by Goal.com.
Bale had a calf woe in Real's most recent La Liga outing versus Sporting Gijon, with the injury likely to sideline him for an expected three weeks, the report added.
The 26-year-old is a crucial piece in Real's offense and in 17 La Liga appearances this season scored 13 goals.
Los Blancos are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak in La Liga play and are hoping to extend it to six games versus Betis, but will have to be ready to accomplish that without Bale.
A win over Betis gives Real 46 points, still not enough to catapult them to the top spot in the La Liga table, but may benefit them as the tourney continues.
Meanwhile, Betis is 15th on the table with 21 points, tied with Real Sociedad which is on the 14th spot.
The club is aiming to end a 10-match winless streak in all competitions against Los Blancos.
In Goal.com's report, Betis manager Juan Merino spoke about the possibility of Bale not playing for Real Madrid and did not sound complacent heading to the match.
"In Madrid you take away one [player] and put in another who is equal. They will continue to be the same team because they have the same quality," Merino said.
The La Liga showdown between Real Madrid and Real Betis takes place this Sunday, Jan. 24 at 2:25 p.m. EST. To watch via live stream, click here.
