Carlo Ancelotti is not concerned by Real Madrid's struggles in front of goal and is confident Karim Benzema will soon get back to scoring ways.
Madrid failed to register a single shot on target in Thursday's 1-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg loss to Barcelona – the first time that has happened in a home game since 2010.
Los Blancos managed seven attempts on target in their most recent LaLiga outing, but they found the net from just one of those in a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid.
Benzema played a full part in both games without scoring, but his mini drought was preceded by a two-goal showing in Madrid's stunning 5-2 Champions League win at Liverpool.
The former France international has 18 goals in 26 appearances this season, and Ancelotti defended Benzema's displays ahead of facing Real Betis.
"It's not possible to be 'at the top' in every game," Ancelotti said at Saturday's pre-match press conference. "Karim doesn't worry me because I see him in good shape.
"He's in a good physical condition, certainly better than in the first part of the season. At the offensive level, collectively, we are very good.
"We are the team with the most goals in the league. Benzema has failed at some specific moments, nothing more. But there is no 'offensive problem'. We scored five at Anfield."
Vinicius Junior was fouled a game-high five times against Barca and has now been fouled 130 times this term – 32 times more than any player across Europe's top five leagues.
The Brazil winger reacted angrily to a couple of challenges, but Ancelotti is not concerned about the 22-year-old being sent off for retaliating.
"It doesn't worry me at all," Ancelotti said. "The important thing here is that Vinicius doesn't lose the love of playing.
"In recent games they have defended against him very well, that's why it has cost him at times."
Madrid are aiming to avoid going three games without a win in all competitions for the first time this season when they face Betis.
Ancelotti's side, who trail leaders Barcelona by seven points, have won five of their past six visits to Betis in LaLiga.
"We enter the game in good shape and we are recovering players," Ancelotti said. "We know Sunday's game will be difficult against a great team who play attractive football.
"There is no margin for error. We will have to give everything to get the win."
Nashville SC v San Jose Earthquakes: ‘A win would change everything’ - Godoy
Anibal Godoy insists that Nashville are already looking at their game against San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday as a must-win.
Nashville have won just once in the MLS this season and sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference after a run of four without a win.
The Earthquakes, meanwhile, are bottom of the Western Conference having lost eight of their matches and recording just one win.
Godoy is aware of how their poor start to the season could affect their playoff hopes later down the line but is confident that Nashville can turn things around.
He said: “For us, it's an important week. It's a day we have to win, or we'll start to feel the pressure from other teams as they start to separate in the table.
“This league is long but if we want to get to the playoff you have to win games early on, especially at home.”
Liverpool agree compensation deal for Slot
Liverpool and Feyenoord have reached an agreement in principle over a compensation deal for Arne Slot to become the Reds’ manager next season, according to widespread Dutch media reports.
The Dutchman is reportedly poised to take over from Jurgen Klopp, who announced in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the campaign.
Slot led Feyenoord to their second Eredivisie title last season after taking over the club in 2021.
It is believed that he topped the list of Liverpool’s favoured candidates due to his attacking playing style and ability to develop players.
Former Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title, and Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim were also reported contenders to take over from Klopp.
Slot had already confirmed his interest in managing in the Premier League, both earlier this week and previously when he was linked to Tottenham in 2023.
QPR 4-0 Leeds United: Shock loss for Farke's men seals Leicester's promotion
QPR thrashed Leeds United 4-0 in the Championship on Friday, ensuring Leicester City booked their promotion straight back to the Premier League.
Ilias Chair was the star for the Hoops as he scored the opener and assisted two more goals to ensure QPR will stay in the Championship for another season.
Lucas Andersen, Lyndon Dykes and Sam Field also got their names on the scoresheet in an emphatic win for Marti Cifuentes' side.
Leeds' heaviest defeat of the season was a huge blow in the race for an automatic promotion spot, with Ipswich Town just one point behind them in third place with two games in hand going into their away clash against Hull City on Saturday.
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