Player Ratings: Real Madrid 0-0 Real Betis
Real Madrid suffer a major blow to their hopes of retaining the LaLiga title after an uneventful 0-0 draw at home to Real Betis. Los Blancos’ inability to find a way through Betis’ dogged backline could see them lose significant ground to rivals Atletico and Barcelona if both manage to win on Sunday.
It was a game of very little chances with both teams not creating much in the first half. Things improved in the second half and Rodrygo came the closest for Real Madrid, hitting the crossbar with what looked like a mishit cross. Borja Iglesias then came close to finding a breakthrough for Betis but Courtois made a great save to deny the striker.
Madrid pushed to find the all important goal but it was too little too late. The Champions have dropped four points in their last three games and will now need a miracle to defend their title. Our player ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10
Courtois made a couple of big saves to deny Betis on a number of occasions. The Belgian didn’t have much to do but did his job well when called upon.
Dani Carvajal: 7/10
Eder Militao: 8/10
Another excellent performance. The Brazilian has been in sensational form recently and he continued that tonight. Eder dealt with Betis’ attackers pretty well and was solid throughout.
Raphael Varane: 7/10
Varane looks to be slowly getting back to where he left off before testing positive for Covid-19. The Frenchman was rarely troubled and is starting to form a good understanding with Militao.
Nacho: 7/10
Luka Modric: 7/10
Casemiro: 7/10
The workhorse in midfield. Casemiro was always on hand to challenge for the ball and press his opponents. The Brazilian found himself in advanced areas on a number of occasions but couldn’t create or score.
Isco: 7/10
With Kroos and Valverde missing, it was down to Isco to add some spark and creativity to Madrid’s game from midfield. The Spaniard had a number of bright moments but didn’t do enough to really make a difference.
Rodrygo: 6/10
Karim Benzema: 6/10
Marco Asensio: 6/10
Substitutions:
Vinicius Jr: 6/10 – Came on replace Rodrygo around the hour mark. The Brazilian added speed and directness to Real Madrid’s attacks but wasted a number of good opportunities to find the back of the net.
Odriozola: 6/10 – Came on to replace Carvajal. The right-back came close to making an instant impact, crossing from the right to find Marcelo who scuffed his shot well wide.
Marcelo: 6/10 – Came on to replace Isco. The Brazilian came on as Zidane looked to add more width to Real Madrid’s game. Marcelo found himself in good positions but couldn’t do much to change the game.
Antonio Blanco: 6/10 – Came on to replace Modric. The young Spaniard was introduced to allow Modric some rest heading into Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final against Chelsea.
Eden Hazard: 7/10 – Came on to replace Asensio. The Belgian has finally made his long awaited return. Hazard looked sharp on the ball and was very involved in Madrid’s play during his short stint on the field. Great to see him back.
