Real Madrid slipped up in the title race on a rainy Saturday night, as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Real Betis.
The first half was a fairly quiet affair, with Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema both shooting high and wide from good positions. Betis was able to frustrate the League champions comfortably, and they went into the break with a bit between the two teams.
Borja Iglesias denied one on one to Thibaut Courtois! ?
An important stop from the Real Madrid goalkeeper? pic.twitter.com/5HvWH6sHkg
– Premier Sports? (@PremierSportsTV) April 24, 2021
Madrid were the dominant side in the second half, although they almost fell behind when Borja Iglesias ran through the heart of the defense. But Thibaut Courtois was there to counter him and unleashed a swerving effort from the right that the visitors’ keeper did well to tip wide.
Rodrygo and Luka Modric also came close for the hosts, but both were denied by an inspired Claudio Bravo. Zinedine Zidane’s men pushed to the end, but they could not find a way through – which means that they are now two points behind Atletico Madrid, although the leaders also boast a game in hand.
Let’s take a look at the Madrid players’ ratings from a tense clash in the Spanish capital.
An important stop | GABRIEL BOUYS / Getty Images
Thibaut Courtois (GK) – 8/10 – Made a super save to stop Iglesias and threw himself at the striker’s feet to deny him when he was clean through the goal. Relyed on and delivered the goods.
Dani Carvajal (RB) – 6/10 – Back in the page and offered a decent performance. Still gained momentum and was not risked for more than 70 minutes.
Raphael Varane (CB) – 7/10 – A sufficiently solid screen from Varane, although on some occasions he was caught out of position by Betis breaking the counter.Eder Militao (CB) – 7/10 – A mature show in difficult conditions from the young Brazilian, who undoubtedly plays better next to Varane or Sergio Ramos.
Nacho (LB) – 6/10 – Has deputed excellently in the heart of the defense in recent months, but the left back is not the one for the defender. Could not offer the attacking intent required.
Found almost breakthrough | Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Luka Modric (CM) – 6/10 – Fired a fine effort from the edge of the box, but saw that his strike was paraded to safety. No penetrating passes could be cut through a determined Betis back line.
Casemiro (CM) – 7/10 – Almost broke the deadlock late, but his effort hit straight against the Imperial Bravo. Did not allow Beti’s midfield much in the way of space and protected the back four excellent.
Isco (CM) – 6/10 – Could not affect the game as he had hoped. Played a delicious ball to Benzema, but the Frenchman was flagged offside. Made the road in 70 minutes.
Eyes on the price | Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Rodrygo (RW) – 6/10 – Cross-shot came closest to catching Bravo and rattled the bar with its delivery. Tried to scare the opposition with his lightning strike but Betis stood firm. Karim Benzema (ST) – 6/10 – Missed some chances that you expect him to stop. Maybe won the game another day but it was not so.
Marco Asensio (LW) – 6/10 – It was not possible to replicate his match-winning form in recent weeks, which ignited a half-decent chance over the bar early on. Faded as Betis grew into the game and was subbed.
? 77 ‘| 0-0 | @realmadriden exchanges: @ hazardeden10 ↔️ @ marcoasensio10 @ Antonio_6Blanco @ ️ @ lukamodric10 #HankookTire pic.twitter.com/9pDFMVo72i
– Real Madrid CF ???? (@realmadriden) April 24, 2021
Vinicius Junior (LW) – 7/10
Alvaro Odriozola (RWB) – 6/10
Marcelo (LWB) – 6/10
Eden Hazard (RW) – N / A
Antonio Blanco (CM) – Not applicable
