Three takeaways from Real Madrid’s shocking 0-1 loss to Betis

Real Madrid are seven points behind Barcelona in La Liga table after just five games played. Who would’ve thought this when Los Blancos easily dismantled Manchester United and Barça for the UEFA and Spanish Super Cup a month ago?

Yes, Los Blancos have had injuries and suspensions, but they still should’ve managed to beat Levante and Betis even without key men starting —not the case yesterday—. So what’s wrong with the team?

1. Zidane’s substitutions cost Real Madrid the game. I do believe that. Isco was playing very poorly and it’s fine to enter Marco Asensio when you need to create more chances, but taking Modric off for Lucas Vazquez is just incomprehensible. Real Madrid didn’t need to cross the ball more and Modric was easily Madrid’s MVP until Zidane took him off. The Croatian midfielder can score from long range, create chances and just help the team play better.
2. Ceballos would’ve helped the team. Real Madrid rushed things and started crossing the ball too much. Sometimes that can be effective but it should not be Real’s road to success with 20 minutes to go. Ceballos is a quality playmaker who’s capable of completing surprising, quality assists and he would’ve been far more useful than Vazquez or even Mayoral.
3. Have Real Madrid lost La Liga after just five games? It’s hard not to think so. Of course Barcelona will drop points, but so will Los Blancos. After this terrible start, Madrid will desperately need to beat Barcelona the two times they meet this season. If they do that they will still be in the race for La Liga.