Real Madrid: 3 keys to victory against Real Betis on LaLiga’s Matchday 3

2. Win the midfield battle

The situation in midfield is going to be very interesting in this match. I know, the midfield always is a key area of the pitch the one that mostly decides the outcome of the match. But, this time out there would be several things to look out for. For starters, Madrid will again step out without their ‘old guard’ of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

The second catch here is that Betis has a top midfield ready that comprises big names like Nabil Fekir, Juanmi, Rodrigo Sanchez, Sergio Canales, etc. On the other hand, Los Blancos will field out the young Fede Valverde, the star performer from the last game Isco, and the ever-dependable Carlos Casemiro. To say the least, the midfield battle is going to be one to look out for in this match.

My pick for anchoring the responsibility and making the midfield magic happen in absence of our regular magicians would be Isco. He needs it more than anyone else does. The Spaniard had a great game last time out and putting in another top performance this weekend nonetheless would be a great boost for a struggling player.

The second key, therefore, is simple and clear, continue the good work from last time out. Stay alert defensively, drop back and forward per need, and wreck havocs off the ball retrievals. Real Madrid will need to produce that little bit of magic against a very in form Betis-midfield who are coming on the backdrop of a solid performance against Cadiz themselves.