· 2 min readIn this Real Betis vs Real Madrid match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
Real Madrid came into this fourth La Liga game with three wins from three matches, but still far from completely convincing. Real Betis, on the other hand, had already shown that they would not be an easy opponent, especially in a stadium where Madrid had not won in their previous four visits.
The big surprise in Mourinho’s lineup was Camavinga starting, leaving Bernardo Silva on the bench. Madrid started better, dominated possession and began creating some danger, mainly through Guler. The Turkish midfielder found Huijsen inside the box and, shortly after, appeared again with a beautiful run in behind for Vini Jr, who hit the post.
Betis defended in a 4-4-2, with Isco and Juan Hernández up front, and focused on closing down spaces. Antony also tried to make things happen with the ball, but Betis rarely managed to turn those actions into real danger. Madrid controlled the game, but lacked speed and, above all, a clearer connection between midfield and the players up front.
After a promising start, the game lost some of its rhythm. Betis created practically nothing, while Madrid had the ball but took too long to turn their dominance into chances. Until, near half-time, an unbelievable sequence appeared. Vini Jr drove down the left, found Mbappé completely alone and the Frenchman, with the goalkeeper out of position, had two consecutive attempts blocked by Natan and Bartra. He had to score. Moments later, Bellingham forced a great save from Vallés and Huijsen even hit the crossbar from a corner. Real Madrid should have been ahead at half-time.
But the second half was a completely different story. Madrid continued to have the ball, but completely lost their ability to create danger. Guler even risked being sent off after committing a foul while already on a yellow card and, despite Mourinho’s changes, with Bernardo Silva, Diomande and Trent coming on, the team continued to have no ideas. Offensively, it was a very poor second half.
And Betis took advantage. In the 81st minute, a corner was delivered into the box, a header followed and Courtois made a great save. The ball stayed alive and Parrott reacted first to tap it in. 1-0. After a first half in which Madrid deserved to be ahead, Betis found themselves in front.
From there, it was a Madrid onslaught in search of an equalizer. Espí came on to provide more physical presence in the box and even scored an incredible bicycle kick, but he was just slightly offside. Shortly after, Vini won a penalty and Mbappé had the chance to save the game. Vallés saved it and even celebrated right in the Frenchman’s face. Incredible.
There was still time for another great save from the Betis goalkeeper from an Espí header.
Post-match
Real Madrid lost 1-0 in a game they could easily have won based on the first half, but ultimately deserved to lose because of what they produced after the break.
