Real Madrid at Real Betis Player Ratings: Benzema, Ramos make critical errors

Real Madrid traveled to the Benito Villamarin on Matchday 27 to face Real Betis, and the came home with the feeling that they may have just squandered their advantage in the title race.

Los Blancos were riding high after last week’s 2-0 win over FC Barcelona in El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid knew they wouldn’t have it easy on the road against Real Betis, who are a dangerous counter-attacking side with talented players like Emerson and Nabil Fekir. Furthermore, Real would be without key starters Isco and Dani Carvajal for this big La Liga fixture at the Benito Villamarin.

Instead of rising to the occasion and defending their lead in the title race after defeating Barcelona, Los Merengues were woeful. Everyone from the manager to the players were culpable I this defeat, as Real lost 2-1 to Los Verdiblancos and fell behind La Blaugrana in the table again.

Here are the full player ratings from a truly atrocious performance. Real Madrid could have easily lost by three goals.

GK Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois could do nothing for either of the goals scored by Real Betis. The first was a wondergoal by La Liga veteran center back Sidnei, of all people. And the second goal was on a counterattack by Cristian Tello in which the player was one-on-one with the keeper.

Courtois did make one excellent save, stopping Nabil Fekir from scoring a wondergoal of his own. That maintains Courtois’ streak of making one amazing save in the first half when he’s left out to dry by his defense.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10