After having close to a week off after their elimination from the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid returned with a bang and won their clash against Deportivo Alaves.

Now, however, they are back to the hectic schedule and face a second game in less than a week, this time against a higher-placed opposition in Real Betis.

The game is scheduled for Friday night in Seville and will see the league’s fifth-placed side take on Alvaro Arbeloa’s men who are in second place.

Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini spoke to the media ahead of his side’s clash against Real Madrid this weekend and spoke about Alvaro Arbeloa’s team in the process.

First, he admitted that it was hard to overlook Real Madrid’s poor run of form but remained wary of the threat they pose.

“[Real] Madrid is not having a good time because not winning titles in Madrid is difficult. They’re still Madrid, and they have standout players who can punish you instantly for any lapse in concentration.”

Pellegrini wary of Real Madrid. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

“With more defensive solidity than in recent games, that might have been the factor holding us back,” he added.

The manager then opened up on what made Real Madrid such a dangerous opponent to face at any point in time, irrespective of the run of form they find themselves in.

“The most dangerous thing about [Real] Madrid is its individual quality. You can try to stop it, but they still have the quality.”

Looking forward to the challenge and explaining how even his side will undoubtedly have their opportunities on the night, Pellegrini said,

“We are going to have opportunities and we must convert them. When you have that level of players, anyone can make a difference.”