Real Madrid earned their second win of the season on the turf of Nabil Fékir’s Betis Sevilla (1-0), on account of the 3rd day of La Liga. Karim Benzema gave Dani Carvajal the winning goal.
Real Madrid was moving on the lawn of Betis Sevilla this Saturday evening. The third consecutive away game for Madrid, after winning against Alavés (1-4) and snatching a draw at Levante (3-3). The Sevillans meanwhile remained on two draws in Mallorca (1-1) and against Cadiz (1-1). Carlo Ancelotti had made three changes in his 4-3-3 compared to last week. Carvajal made his return and Gutiérrez lined up on the left side of the defense. Hazard took his place on the bench, replaced by Vinicius. Manuel Pellegrini had lined up his team in 4-2-3-1, Guardado and Guido were placed in front of the defense, while Fékir took his place on the left side. The Real players were soon dangerous. Vinicius collected the ball and found a relay with Benzema. The Brazilian seeped into the box and again served the French international in withdrawal, whose strike went flush with the right post of Silva (5e).
A few minutes later, Militao was on the receiving end of a free kick poorly cleared by the opposing defense, but the Sevillian goalkeeper easily captured his attempt (7e). Betis responded with a free kick from Fékir, which forced Courtois to deploy (11th). After ten good first minutes, the pace of the match dropped a little and both teams were unable to prove themselves dangerous. The Sevilla players gradually took control of the game. Following a nice number on the left side, Canales tried to surprise Courtois with a cross-shot, but the ball ended up in the outside net (29e). Served by Vinicius at the entrance of the box, Isco unleashed a strike that passed next to the cage of Silva (38e). Just before half-time, Juanmi was found on a long ball deep. After a nice control of the chest, the striker followed up with a strike, which Courtois repelled full axis (42e). Fortunately for the Belgian goalkeeper, the Madrid defenders had followed and kept the danger away.
Carvajal delivers Real Madrid
Both teams returned to the locker room on the score of 0-0, after a balanced first half. From the beginning of the second half, Real put more pace and were dangerous through Benzema (52e), who thought he had opened the score on the next action, but was finally flagged in an offside position (53e). Following a very good cross from Gutiérrez, Vinicius was found in the box, but his flat foot went wide (54e). As the Betis appeared in two on one at the entrance of the area, Gutiérrez intercepted the ball. The Madrid side were then on the counter, Vinicius served Benzema on the left side, who centered at the back post where Carvajal was. The Spanish right-back picked up the volley and opened the score (0-1, 61st).
The Verdiblancos responded with some distant attempts (68th, 69th), but did not worry Courtois who easily grabbed the ball. Coming on in place of Bale, Asensio missed the opportunity to make the break. Alone on the edge of the Sevillian area, his strike went narrowly wide (73e). In the last quarter of an hour, Betis did not seem to have the resources to go and snatch the draw and finally fell 0-1. Manuel Pellegrini’s side still created one last chance in stoppage time. Montoya was found at the back post, but Courtois was once again on the path of his attempt and allowed Madrid to retain their victory. On the next day, Real Madrid will host Celta Vigo for their first of the season at home in the brand new Santiago Bernabeu. The players of Betis Sevilla will go to challenge Granada on its lawn.
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