Real Madrid turned things around in Seville as they came from a goal behind at half time to win their first fixture of the season 3-2 against Real Betis.
Zidane fielded a rather surprising starting eleven with both Benzema and Luka Jovic taking to the field. The gaffer was criticised last weekend for not deploying Jovic in the dying moments of the game.
Valverde opened the scoring for Los Blancos in the 15th-minute following which Sevilla scored two quick-fire goals in the 35th and 37th minutes respectively. Mandi and Carvalho got themselves on the scoresheet for Pellegrini’s side at the Benito Villamarin stadium.
A rather horrible evening for Betis full-back, Emerson who scored an own goal just as things kicked-off after the half-time break. To add to his misery he got sent off in the 67th minute after fouling Luka Jovic close to the penalty box. VAR drama followed the incident which worked against him eventually.
Here’s how Los Blancos players are rated in their victory against the Andalusian side –
Courtois – 6/10
The Belgian conceded two goals on the evening and could have certainly put in a better effort for the second goal.
Carvajal – 8/10
The full-back showed great attacking intent and it paid off for him as he helped Real Madrid equalise in the second half.
Varane – 8/10
The defender was rock-solid in defence and made things difficult for the Betis attackers.
Ramos – 8/10
Captain cool has resumed his penalty duty for the 2020/21 season in a splendid manner with a match-winning penalty in the dying moments of the game. Ramos displayed his vast experience throughout the game with his impressive blocks.
Mendy – 7/10
The full-back did his job without much noise. Ferland Mendy kept things difficult for the Betis side down the left-hand side.
Valverde – 9/10
Federico Valverde toiled hard and displayed his industriousness throughout the ninety minutes. He deservedly won the Man of the Match award.
Casemiro – 8/10
Casemiro is an integral part of this Real Madrid side and he displayed the reason for it with his exceptional game reading away from home. Casemiro made some crucial interventions which aided the Los Blancos defence.
Kroos – 7/10
The German had a rather quiet night and was replaced by Luka Modric in the first half.
Odegaard – 7/10
The youngster tried to get things ticking in the middle of the park but it did not really seem to be his day. He was taken off at half-time to be replaced by Isco.
Benzema – 8/10
Despite not finding himself on the score-sheet, Benzema played a crucial role in the build-up to Madrid’s first goal.
Jovic – 7/10
Much more was expected out of Jovic, but it seemed to be a healthy beginning for the Serbian striker with his first start of the season. He was on the brink of scoring before being fouled by Emerson, which led to the latter’s sending off.
Substitutes
Modric – 7/10
The Croatian wizard kept things ticking the middle of the park post his first half arrival.
Isco – 7/10
The Spaniard would be delighted with his performance in the evening.
Mayoral – 6/10
The striker did not have much involvement post coming on.
