Real Madrid 5 Ups and Downs after 3-2 win over Real Betis

Up: Raphael Varane shines for Real Madrid

Raphael Varane had a solid performance against Real Sociedad and their striker Alexander Isak, but he was even better against Real Betis. Los Verdiblancos have so many talented attacking players. Joaquin is the definition of a La Liga legend, Nabil Fekir always causes problems, and Sergio Canales is one of the most underrated players in Europe.

Canales created both goals in that two-minute span, including Aissa Mandi’s opener. There was simply nothing Varane could do to stop that cross from Canales. It was delivered so perfectly that blaming Varane would be like blaming a defensive back for allowing a touchdown off a perfectly-thrown Patrick Mahomes pass. You just have to appreciate the pass.

But Varane helped Real Madrid avoid giving up more goals to Betis during that time in which Fekir, Canales, and the rest of the opposition were essentially toying with Los Merengues. Varane put out two fires in the penalty box with his brilliant reading of the game.

On the ball, Varane was excellent. He didn’t put a foot wrong as a passer and carried the ball out of the back competently when Real Madrid were pushing for a goal. The French star put himself on the line with two blocked shots and completed about 89 percent of his passes.

It’s always good to see Varane playing near his best defensively, and he’s needed this positive start to the La Liga season after the way his 2019-2020 season ended. Varane means a lot to Real Madrid.