goal and injury
Real Madrid stood out as a lone leader after a bold duel with Betis, who traveled to the Bernabéu ready to challenge the champions. Coach Carlo Ancelotti guided the team in a match that deserved more than it could offer on the scoreboard. The home side opened the scoring in a display of patience and precision, with Vinícius Jr. surpassing Rui Silva in a composed manner after a well-timed pass from David Alaba. Betis responded with urgency, but ten minutes in, Fekir was forced off the field due to injury, replaced by Luis Enrique. The visitors found momentum and carved out a few chances of their own as the clock ticked on.
Ancelotti’s decision and the Dan of pressure
Betis showed character and relentless drive, pressing high and attempting to fracture Madrid’s rhythm. In the 16th minute, Alex Moreno delivered a dangerous ball into the box, Borja Iglesias finishing from a tight angle as Canales provided a supporting run. Madrid then pressed again, Rodrygo missing a golden chance shortly after. A minute later, Tchouaméni outpaced Luiz Felipe and drove a strike that Rui Silva saved, only for the ball to rebound into the net after a deflection. Betis, while resilient, found themselves vulnerable in defense, and the match tilted in Madrid’s favor as the visitors struggled to sustain their shape. The sequence underscored the tension around leadership and whether Madrid’s firepower or Betis’ offensive organization would prevail.
Ancelotti is right
The second half unfolded as a sustained Madrid onslaught, with the hosts showing a clear intent to assert superiority over a key league rival. Ancelotti drove changes that sharpened the attack, including the moment when Valverde left the pitch and the move paid immediate dividends. As soon as he touched the ball, he helped Rodrygo send the home side ahead. The coach again demonstrated his ability to refresh the squad with a depth that has become a hallmark this season. The substitutions added fresh energy and helped Madrid maintain control as the minutes wore on.
With Tchouaméni settled in midfield, Madrid continued to probe Rui Silva’s goal. A shot from Rodrygo hit the crossbar after another sequence of pressures, while Betis faced difficulties advancing through their attacking setup with William José and Borja Iglesias operating in more constrained spaces after Fekir’s withdrawal. The game evolved into a back-and-forth affair as Madrid searched for a third and Betis pushed to salvage a draw, balancing attack with defensive duties.
Betis left the Bernabéu with heads held high, yet Madrid secured a deserved victory and rose to the top of the table. Ancelotti’s squad showcased versatility, maturity, and a depth that allows sustained pressure across competitions. Pellegrini’s side brought high energy and aggression but left gaps at the back that Madrid repeatedly exploited. Chamartín continued to witness a team that blends resilience with creative flair, maintaining a perfect run of four wins from four league matches.
Data sheet:
2 – Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Tchouaméni, Camavinga (Valverde, 63), Modric (Kroos, 80); Rodrygo (Ceballos, 80), Benzema and Vinícius.
1 – Betis: Rui Silva; Sabaly (Rubial, 71), Luiz Felipe, Edgar, Álex Moreno; Guido Rodríguez, Guardado (Willian José, 71); Canales, Juanmi (Joaquín, 72), Fekir (Luiz Henrique, 11); Borja Iglesias.
Goals: 1-0, 8 min: Vinícius. 1-1, 17 min: Canales. 2-1, 65 min: Rodrygo.
Referee: Sánchez Martínez (Murcia). Warns Edgar (25) for Betis.
Highlights: The match, aligned with the fourth round of LaLiga Santander, was played at the Santiago Bernabéu with 58,569 spectators in attendance.