Real Madrid: Player Ratings from the win away at Real Betis

Real Madrid player ratings as they come away with vital three points from their 3-2 win against Real Betis at Benito Villamarin.

Real Madrid gains three points as they beat Real Betis 3-2 away from home. Betis took a 2-1 lead going into halftime, but Los Blancos made a comeback in the second half with an own goal from Emmerson Royal and a Sergio Ramos Penalty.

Zinedine Zidane decided to change the formation from last week from a 4-3-3 to a 4-1-2-1-2 diamond. Luka Jovic got a surprise start alongside Karim Benzema while Fede Valverde and Casemiro both started in the midfield. Here is how the players performed.

Manager

Zinedine Zidane – 7.5/10

Zinedine Zidane set his team out in a 4-1-2-1-2 diamond, and they looked strong in the first 15 minutes. Los Blancos lost control in the middle of the park as the first half ended. The Merengues manager got it right in the second half with his substitutions and pushing Valverde further up the pitch.

Goalkeeper

Thibaut Courtois – 6.5/10

Thibaut Courtois made two fantastic saves to deny Sanabria and Carvalho, respectively. However, he also should have done better to keep out Carvalho’s strike for Betis’s second goal. Other than that, he had a safe pair of hands.

Defenders

Dani Carvajal – 6/10

Dani Carvajal did not have the best of games but did well to restrict Canales and Fekir in the second half. He also put in the cross that led to Emerson’s own goal.

Raphael Varane – 7.5/10

Raphael Varane gave another solid outing in the back. The World Cup winner had three clearances, two tackles, two blocks, and an interception per Fbref.com. The Frenchman was at not fault for the two Betis goals.

Sergio Ramos – 7.5/10

Sergio Ramos had a tricky first half as some of his positionings were questionable but got better in the second half. He took the penalty and scored the winner with a beautiful ‘Panenka.’

Ferland Mendy – 6.5/10

Once again, a sound defensive performance from Ferland Mendy, but his decision making in the final third lacked precision. The French left-back dragged his shot wide in the first half when he could have squared the ball to Jovic.

Midfielders

Casemiro – 5/10
Casemiro had a poor first half. He did not look match fit and let his marker go for the first goal. He grew into the game in the second half as Los Blancos gained more control in the match. He finished the game with five blocks, four successful tackles, and three clearances.

Fede Valverde – 8.5/10

Fede Valverde got the start against Real Betis and did not disappoint. He was full of energy and a presence both in attack and defense. The Uruguayan scored the first goal and had two key passes. Valverde deservedly got the man of the match.

Toni Kroos – 5.5/10

Toni Kroos started the game well but faded out in the last 20 minutes of the first half. Real Madrid subsequently lost control of the match. The German midfielder got replaced but Luka Modric in the 45th minute because of discomfort in his hip.

Martin Odegaard – 6/10

Martin Odegaard needs more time with his new teammates. There were signs of his quality but often seemed out of sync with his teammates. He got replaced by Isco at halftime.

Forwards

Luka Jovic – 5.5/10

Luka Jovic had energetic first 15 minutes of the game but gradually drifted out of the game. His movements inside the box had a lot to be desired. He did make the run that led to Emerson’s red card, but Los Blancos will need a lot more from the Serbian in the future.

Karim Benzema – 7.5/10

Karim Benzema benefited from having Luka Jovic next to him. He was able to move around freely as Jovic occupied the central defenders and got into great positions. The Frenchman did brilliantly create the first goal for Valverde. However, his finishing was sub-par and missed a couple of fantastic chances in the second half.

Substitutes

Luka Modric – 7/10

Luka Modric replaced an injured Kroos at the end of the first half. The Croatian was a key player for the Royal Whites in the second half. He, along with Isco, controlled the midfield for Los Blancos and kept the ball moving.

Isco Alarcon – 7.5/10

Isco replaced Odegaard at the start of the second half and brought much-needed control to Real Madrid’s game. The Andalusian helped Los Blancos bring calmness to their game and opened up spaces for his teammates.

Borja Mayoral – 6.5/10

Mayoral had a lovely cameo. He moved well off the ball and won the penalty that led to the game-winner.