Player Ratings: Real Betis 0 - 1 Real Madrid; 2021 La Liga

Three consecutive away matches has resulted in 7 points out of 9. Not a bad start fo Carlo Ancelotti and the boys considering the injuries within the squad. A lone goal from Dani Carvajal, starting for the first time since his injury, secured the win for Real Madrid.

Full match ratings below:

Thibaut Courtois—7: A solid clean sheet with Betis offering very little threat outside long distance shots that the Belgian handled with ease.

Dani Carvajal—6: Scored the game winning goal with a sublime one time volley. Ran up and down the right flank to provide a wide option. Though, the rust was apparent with Carvajal losing possession 14 times and winning only 3 of his 7 ground duels. His performance was riddled with heavy touches and sloppy passes. But he goes home brimming with confidence after securing the three points with a game winning goal.

Militao—5.5: At times was disconnected to the rest of his backline. Had a few clumsy moments, including tripping over the ball prior to Madrid’s goal where Miguel Guttierrez came up big with a crucial interception when faced 2 v 1.

David Alaba—6.5: Started at center back with Nacho absent through injury. Was the leader of the backline, constantly barking orders to push up or press.

Miguel Gutierrez—6: Had some difficult moments in the first half — struggled defending Aitor RubiALEs 1 v 1 and was turned too easily. Had a few clumsy tackles, but gradually grew into the match. Seemed more settled in the second half, producing a quality cross into the box and some cleaner touches under pressure. His defining moment came during a 2 v 1 inside Madrid’s box with the left back astutely positioning himself to win the ball and ignite the counter attack which resulted in the game-winning goal.

Casemiro—6.5: A theme through Carlo’s first three Liga matches, has been Casemiro’s high usage on ball role. He had the most touches and most passes vs Betis. He produced a couple of Hollywood passes, one to Vinicius and one to Bale, that nearly resulted in goals. Though, there were numerous times where he was caught on the ball or passed the ball straight to the opposition.

Isco—5.5: Attempted to replicate the role and form that was exhibited vs Levante, but Betis prevented Isco from having as big of an impact. 1 of his 5 dribble attempts were completed, only 4 of 14 ground duels were won, and Isco lost possession 16 times. The effort was there, but the execution was lacking.

Fede Valverde—5.5: A quiet performance from Fede — his strengths seem to be magnified when playing with Kroos and, or Modric, but his weaknesses are highlighted when they are not present.

Gareth Bale—6: It was Bale’s off ball movement that was more impactful then any on-ball actions. It was the Welshman’s central driving run that attracted Miranda and opened up the space for Dani Carvajal’s game-winning goal.

Vinicius JR—7.5: The Brazilian was a live-wire throughout the match. He tormented Montoya and Guido Rodriguez. Vini attempted 13 dribbles, with 7 completed. He set-up Benzema for a great opportunity in the opening 10 minutes, and attracted two defenders for a pre-assist on Carvajal’s goal.

Karim Benzema—7: Another assist added to Benzema’s goal contributions over the last three games. Benzema has provided five goal contributions in three matches. His cross to Carvajal was inch-perfect. Finished the game with 3 key passes.

Substitutions:

Lucas Vazquez—5.5: Played both right wing and right back to provide defensive solidity and see-out the result.

Rodyrgo Goes—5: Limited impact with only 12 touches and 9 passes. Little to note from this match.

Marco Asensio—5.5: Played as a central midfielder again and seem to run around with no clear direction on where he should be positioned. Had two long distance shots, one of which would have been better off slotting a pass to Vinicius inside the box.

Eden Hazard—5.5: The Belgian was benched for this match and came on just before the 80th minute for Vinicius Jr. Had one big opportunity at the end of the match to try and put the result to bed, but his shot was saved.