Real Madrid Player Ratings: Young stars step up in 1-0 win at Real Betis

LW Vinicius Junior

The best Real Madrid forward in this match, Vinicius Junior did not add to his goal tally after a dream performance at Levante, but he did play a key role in the opener by carrying the ball and keeping it from going out of bounds with his pass back to Karim Benzema. “Hockey assist” aside, Vinicius was fouled three times and won a jaw-dropping seven dribbles against Betis’ defense. Defensively, he made some great interventions, including one that nearly led to a Karim goal – that he would have set up. Vini is having a stellar start to the season.

Rating: 8.0

CF Karim Benzema

Though Karim Benzema had a surprisingly slow start to the game, he eventually made his mark, as per usual, with the game-winning assist for right back Dani Carvajal. Benzema missed a good chance to start the match and was uncharacteristically absent in threatening areas. But by the time the second half rolled around, you knew he was close to breaking the deadlock. Only the Betis high line could stop him. Benzema did not score, but an assist to win the match means just as much to the French No. 9. He showed the most quality with his final ball in this one.

Rating: 7.5

RW Gareth Bale

After a good start to the season and an early goal against Levante, Gareth Bale took a step backwards against Real Betis. The Welshman looked tired and ineffectual on and off the ball. He was too slow to latch onto passes and was inactive when Real Madrid needed him to make more disruptive runs. Bale will have better days, but since he is also a “moments” player, we have to keep in mind that his performances will be more volatile this season than in years past. The key is, how many goals will he contribute to by the end of the season? Because that’s what he is here to do at this point.

Rating: 4.5