Real Madrid vs Real Betis Review
Kylian Mbappé scored two goals that helped the defending champions extend their unbeaten streak in the league to 36 matches with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Real Betis Balompié.
Betis, who had just secured their spot in the UEFA Conference League group stage on Thursday, created the first significant opportunity of the match when summer recruit Romain Perraud delivered a cross that was headed over from close range by former Barcelona player Abde Ezzalzouli. The home team responded with Éder Militão, who jumped to connect with a corner from Rodrygo, but his shot was saved by Rui Silva, and Perraud managed to block Militão from scoring on the rebound.
Los Blancos held the majority of possession, with the combination of Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé nearly paying off, with the speedy Frenchman almost connecting with a beautiful through ball from the Brazilian, which could have been a contender for goal of the season if scored. Just before halftime, Mbappé’s chance arose when Dani Carvajal’s cross came his way, but Youssouf Sabaly made a fantastic sliding interception.
Both teams remained the same after the break, but just before the hour mark, Manuel Pellegrini introduced Johnny Cardoso and Vitor Roque, the latter making his club debut. Vitor Roque quickly made an impact, forcing Thibaut Courtois to save a shot from Sabaly’s cross. Meanwhile, Diego Llorente was having an outstanding match, making crucial interventions in what had turned into an exhilarating back-and-forth game.
During the 67th minute, Federico Valverde’s brilliant flick set up Mbappé, who took the opportunity to score and send the Bernabéu crowd into a frenzy. Vinícius had been looking increasingly frustrated in the second half after hitting the post and feeling that some calls had gone against him, but he was justified by a VAR review after being fouled by the opposing goalkeeper Silva, leading to Mbappé converting the penalty.
Although Real Madrid started the season below their usual performance levels, they enter the international break in second place, four points behind league leaders Barcelona. On the other hand, Betis is just above the relegation zone but can take comfort in having a game in hand over most teams in the league at this early point in the season.