Real Madrid: 5 takeaways from 3-2 win over Real Betis

Isco changed the game for Real Madrid

I’ve said it before, and I’m going to say it again. When Isco is on the pitch for Real Madrid and in form, Los Blancos are a much, much better team. He showed this when he led a comeback win in Pamplona earlier this season and in both Clasicos. And Isco changed the game again as a substitute in this Saturday’s win over Real Betis.

No goals and no assists? A missed chance? Those basic observations shroud the ingenious ball-carrying and vision of the center midfielder. Isco means so much to Real Madrid when he’s in his element, because he transitions into attacks and keeps the ball moving progressively. Los Blancos miss that badly when he’s not around, and he injected new life into the team in the second half with his clever movement.

Both Isco and Martin Odegaard are very different players, but they both fit the kinds of things Zinedine Zidane asks in ways that allow them to co-exist. Both players have roles to play for Real Madrid in this long, grueling season. Last week, Odegaard was one of the stars of the show in San Sebastian. This weekend in Sevilla, it was Isco’s turn to shake things up.

It says a lot that in multiple road games this season, Isco has been the guy to turn things around by pulling the strings. I hope the few Madridistas who were criticizing him or pining for James Rodriguez think twice about undervaluing the 28-year-old.