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

Dani Carvajal sends a reminder

There are so many debates about who the best right back in world football is, but if you ask Real Madrid fans, there has not been a debate for years. While they obviously respect their own former player in Achraf Hakimi and have kind words for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s wide playmaking at Liverpool, they know that nobody can match the consistency and big-game performances of the tried-and-true Dani Carvajal.

After changing the game off the bench in his return from injury last weekend, Carvajal made another major impact on the match in the second half by scoring a brilliant first-time winner. It was as if he were Karim Benzema and Benzema were him, lofting in a teasing cross that would be finished in style.

Carvajal scored this goal after a first half that was well below his usual standard. But that’s what Carvajal gives you. The man comes up when you need him, however you need him. He can do so many things at a high level at right back, and it is to the point where it is easy for even Madridistas, who have the utmost admiration for him, to take Carvajal for granted.

It is wonderful to have Carvajal back from injury. He is one of those players who you don’t realize you miss until you do literally miss him in your lineup.