Travelling to the Benito Villamarin this Saturday to play the 26th matchday of La Liga, Real Madrid struggled against a strong Real Betis team. After the 2-1 defeat, here are the ratings for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
Real Madrid had a very difficult evening this Saturday. Needing a win to stay in touch with FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the top of the table, Carlo Ancelotti’s side largely disappointed under the eyes of Florentino Pérez and Pirri, honorary president of the White House. Things had started well with Brahim Diaz opening the score in the 10th minute, but the Betis team fought back and turned the game around. Much more enterprising, Pellegrini’s team caused significant damage to a fragile Madrid defence without Raul Asensio.
Before the break, the hosts equalised from a corner. In the second half, Rudiger conceded a penalty perfectly converted by Isco Alarcón, a former player of the White House. In the absence of Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos and Federico Valverde, it was very difficult for Real Madrid, who are now facing the Champions League round of 16 against Atletico Madrid next Tuesday with this defeat.
The Madrid Players’ ratings
Thibaut Courtois – 6/10
The Belgian goalkeeper made some important saves. Slightly absent on Betis’ first goal (as he could have come off his line), Thibaut Courtois tried to react afterwards. Unfortunately, he could not prevent Betis from taking the lead.
Lucas Vazquez – 6/10
Expected on the right side of the Madrid defence this Saturday, Vazquez was relatively good. Well assisted by Modric, the Spanish full-back saw his defensive shortcomings less exposed against Betis’ lively attackers. Offensively, he sometimes lacked precision in his passes. His offensive contribution was limited.
David Alaba – 4/10
A surprise starter, Alaba had a very difficult match. While he managed to break up some dangerous plays, the Austrian player was clumsy with several clearances. With several balls sent towards the attackers, the 32-year-old defender lost many balls and also committed several fouls. On aerial balls, he was notably absent. Before going off in the 58th minute, he made a beginner’s tackle that could have seen him sent off. It’s understandable that he hasn’t yet found the necessary rhythm to shine after his long knee injury.
Antonio Rudiger – 5/10
With a new look, Antonio Rudiger had a passable match. Using a lot of cunning, the experienced German defender disrupted Betis’ attackers, who were very dangerous, especially in the first half. Usually very present in aerial duels, the player of Sierra Leonean origin was, however, not seen much this Saturday. In the second half, he conceded a penalty that benefited Betis. Already slow, he had a difficult evening alongside an out-of-form Alaba.
Ferland Mendy – 6/10
Mendy was active on the left flank. Offensively present at the beginning of the game, the French left-back provided an assist, his first since October 2022. Defensively, he didn’t disappoint as he had a tough opponent in Antony, who is very dangerous. If a few judgment errors were noted, it’s not fair to blame the 29-year-old player who hasn’t been really threatening for several months.
Aurélien Tchouaméni – 6/10
Tchouaméni did well in midfield, intercepting several balls and helping to launch the play. In the first half, the task was much more difficult with Betis’ relentless offensive assaults. Dropping back into defence after an hour of play, he did his best… much better than Alaba, in any case.
Luka Modric – 7/10
What a match from the defender, pardon, the Croatian midfielder. Despite his 39 years, the veteran Croatian showed his experience by directing the play with intelligence. Seeing the danger posed by the Seville team with very mobile players, Modric defended ardently. Much more on the right side, he covered Vazquez on several occasions. Overall, a very good match for the Madrid captain.
Brahim Diaz – 6/10
Scorer for Real Madrid early in the match, Brahim Diaz got the debates started well for his team. But after the goal, he had little influence on the game as Betis took control and dominated the play. His willingness to dribble and attempt things is worth noting, even if it wasn’t enough.
Rodrygo Goes – 6/10
Rodrygo was dynamic and dangerous on the right flank as usual. He tried to penetrate the Seville defence with his speed, even though he didn’t have much luck in finishing. It’s hard to blame the Brazilian player, who didn’t get many opportunities to express himself.
Vinicius Junior – 5/10
A very difficult evening for Vinicius. Positioned at the forefront of the attack, the Brazilian winger, who is currently struggling, had very few opportunities to express himself. Unable to get past Sabaly, Vini simply wandered around the pitch without really contributing offensively. Even defensively, he didn’t put in the necessary effort. A match to forget for the 24-year-old player.
Kylian Mbappé – 5/10
Good at the beginning of the match with a perfectly managed play for Brahim Diaz’s opening goal, Mbappé struggled afterwards. With several missed controls, failed dribbles, the French striker wasn’t the same player he has been in recent weeks. Indeed, without Bellingham, Ceballos, or Valverde, the Madrid attackers saw little of the ball this Saturday against the valiant Betis team.
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