Isco's Bernabéu homecoming curse continues as Betis star misses Madrid clash
The Málaga maestro's third consecutive absence from facing his former club at the Santiago Bernabéu due to injury woes - will he ever make it back to his old stomping ground?
Former Real Madrid star Isco Alarcón’s seemingly impossible quest to return to the Bernabéu as a Betis player continues, with injury ruling him out of today’s clash against Los Blancos.
The homecoming that never happens
It’s becoming something of a curse for the Málaga-born playmaker. Since swapping Sevilla for their cross-city rivals Betis, Isco has yet to set foot on the Bernabéu pitch wearing the green and white stripes - despite this being the third opportunity to do so.
While he’s managed to face his former employers twice at the Benito Villamarín (securing one draw and one victory), his return to the stadium where he spent nine seasons has repeatedly been scuppered by ill-timed injuries.
Three strikes and still out
The tale of Isco’s Bernabéu absences reads like a medical chart of misfortune:
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First season: A fractured fibula suffered at Gran Canaria Stadium weeks before Betis’ trip to Madrid. Despite being on crutches and sporting a protective boot, he attended the match as a spectator to bid farewell to his former teammate Toni Kroos from the stands.
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Second season: Just as he was expected to recover for the new campaign, which conveniently scheduled a Bernabéu visit in the fourth matchday, doctors discovered his fibula wasn’t healing properly. The bone callus hadn’t formed correctly, requiring another surgery and resetting his recovery timeline to zero. He wouldn’t return until December.
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Current season: A January training ground collision with teammate Amrabat resulted in a tibial wound and ankle problems, requiring arthroscopic surgery last Monday with no definite return date established.
Madrid missing their stars too
Today’s match, which kicks off 2026 for both clubs, will feature notable absences on both sides. While Betis are without their creative talisman, Real Madrid must cope without Kylian Mbappé as Xabi Alonso faces another crucial test before the Spanish Super Cup.
For Isco, now in his thirties, the clock is ticking on his chances to make that emotional return to his former home. One can’t help but wonder if the Bernabéu will ever see its former son grace its turf in Betis colours, or if this peculiar curse will continue to deny him his moment.