Full-Time: Real Madrid 0-1 Real Betis
Real Madrid fell 7 points behind leaders Barcelona in the La Liga standings, after they were beaten 1-0 by Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu, on Wednesday night, courtesy of a late goal from Antonio Sanabria.
After having missed a horde of opportunities, Zinedine Zidane’s men were made to pay late in the game, in the 95th minute, when Sanabria slotted past Keylor Navas to condemn the current Liga holders to a disappointing defeat.
The result means that Madrid have failed to win three out of their five league outings and are already well behind Barca in the title race. Here’s how the Real Madrid stars fared on the night.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Keylor Navas – 7/10
Made two saves to keep his team in the game – including a brilliant one to deny Fabian, but was not at fault for the late goal conceded.
Dani Carvajal – 6/10
Made a great goal-line clearance very early in the game, then struck the woodwork late on. In between, it was a bit of an uncharacteristic display from the Spaniard, who made quite a few mistakes.
Raphael Varane – 6.5/10
Held the fort well under intense pressure from Betis late on, but it was a little too much for him to deal with all by himself.
Sergio Ramos – 5/10
Spent the final phase of the game up the field in search of goal, leaving his post exposed for Betis to attack. Was caught out of position for the Betis winner.
Marcelo – 6/10
Left spaces in behind him for the Betis players to attack and looked off pace. Taken off with a hamstring injury.
Luka Modric – 8/10
Was inarguably Madrid’s best player on the night. Kept playing some delightful balls one after the other for his attackers who spurned the chances. Hit a shot into the side netting, before coming close with a delightfully struck volley.
Casemiro – 6/10
Did little wrong, but was left isolated defending against wave after wave of counter attacks late in the game.
Toni Kroos – 6/10
Unlucky to see a well-hit shot from range saved by Adan. Kept things ticking in the middle, without really unlocking the Betis defence.
Isco – 5/10
A rather poor outing for the Spain international. Had a shot brilliantly saved by Adan, but other than that, he didn’t do a lot to impact the game. Kept losing possession regularly.
Gareth Bale – 7.5/10
Another bright spark on a poor night for Madrid. Put on a very good display to silence his detractors. Could have had a couple of assists, had his teammates finished better. Had an audacious backheel attempt saved.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 5/10
A suprisingly poor performance from the talisman, making his much-awaited return after the five-match ban. He struggled to find the clinical edge and just 2 shots on target out of 12 attempts sums it all up.
Substitutes
Marco Asensio – 6/10
On for Isco in the 67th minute. Apart from a single darting run, he couldn’t contribute a great deal and was managed well by the Betis defence.
Borja Mayoral – 6/10
Replaced Modric in the 72nd minute. Had two chances denied brilliantly by the heroic Adan.
Lucas Vazquez – 6.5/10
Added more purpose to the Madrid attack and put in some dangerous crosses into the box.