Real Madrid: 5 takeaways from a 1-0 win over Real Betis on LaLiga’s Matchday 3

Real Madrid needed some heroics from long-time right back Dani Carvajal, but they were able to overcome Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin with a 1-0 victory. Los Verdiblancos have given Los Blancos no shortage of trouble over the past three years, so after allowing three goals last weekend in an away draw to Levante, scooping up all three points on LaLiga’s Matchday 3 with a clean sheet meant a whole lot to Madridistas.

Let’s look at five takeaways from Madrid’s narrow victory over Betis, which also featured some serious last-gasp heroics from world-class goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. (I’d be remiss if I did not shout him out.)

Vinicius Junior continues his amazing start

While Vinicius Junior did not add a fourth goal to his tally in his first start of the 2021-2022 LaLiga campaign, the exciting Brazilian winger was just as influential in this match. Real Madrid would not have won without Vini. He was a constant threat to the Real Betis defense, winning a whopping seven dribbles, as per WhoScored.com.

Hard-working as ever, Vinicius popped up all over the pitch. He made several ball recoveries in midfield and was always looking to combine with Karim Benzema and Isco down that left-hand side. Vini played a key role in the goal, providing the pass to Karim’s assist and the ball-carrying on the counter after Miguel Gutierrez’s interception.

It is lovely to see Vinicius in this form, and each passing performance is proof that the young man’s uptick in form is no fluke.