Player Ratings: Betis 0-1 Real Madrid – 2021/22
Dani Carvajal’s goal in the second half was enough to secure all three points for Real Madrid at the Estadio Benito Villamarin. It was an open game, especially in the first-half. Both teams had multiple chances to score but the opening half ended goalless.
Real Madrid came out for the second-half with a lot more vigour. Benzema came close to opening the scoring but Rui Silva pulled off a good save. Real Madrid finally managed to break the deadlock around the hour mark and it was Carvajal who found the back of the net with a wonderful volley. The Spaniard was picked out beautifully by Benzema following a swift counter-attack.
Despite some nervy moments, Carlo Ancelotti will undoubtedly be satisfied with his team’s performance. The win sees Real Madrid momentarily move to the top of the table with two wins from three games. Our player ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 9/10
A superb performance from the Belgian. Courtois made six saves on the night including one in stoppage time which helped Real Madrid secure all three points.
Dani Carvajal: 9/10
Eder Militao: 8/10
Solid performance from Eder. The Brazilian was rarely troubled throughout and looked fairly comfortable playing alongside Alaba.
David Alaba: 8/10
Continued his impressive start in a Madrid shirt with another classy performance. Alaba started at centre-back for the first time since joining Madrid and played a big part in building up play from the back.
Miguel Gutiérrez: 8/10
Fede Valverde: 7/10
Casemiro: 7.5/10
Real Madrid’s anchor in midfield. The Brazilian provided the balance and steel required so that Valverde and Isco could play further forward.
Isco: 7/10
Started the game brightly and was involved in Madrid’s buildup, especially in the first-half. The Spaniard’s influence on the game started to wane before Ancelotti decided to replace him with Asensio.
Gareth Bale: 7/10
Karim Benzema: 7.5/10
Vinicius Jr: 8/10
Substitutions:
Marco Asensio: 6/10 – Came on to partner Casemiro and Valverde in midfield. The Spaniard put in a decent shift and came close to scoring on the counter-attack.
Lucas Vazquez: 6/10 – Came on to replace Bale on the wing before reverting to right-back after Miguel was substituted. The Galician didn’t have much of an impact on the game after coming on around the hour mark.
Eden Hazard: 6/10 – Showed one or two good touches on the ball and looked eager to get involved but didn’t have much time to make an impact.
Rodrygo: N/A – Replaced Miguel late on.
