Real Madrid took advantage of Barcelona's slip against Deportivo La Coruna and moved back atop the La Liga standings with a lacklustre 2-1 victory over Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu. Zinedine Zidane's team started off well, playing a delightful first 15 minutes. However, after their inspired opening, Keylor Navas's hesitant performance and Betis' vigour made things quite difficult for Madrid, who struggled to dominate and create scoring chances.
Once more, it was skipper Sergio Ramos who came to the rescue on the 81st minute, heading home a corner kick from Toni Kroos, an apparently predictable play that has saved Real Madrid a few times this season.
Positives
The result and, therefore, the lead in the standings in La Liga. The 4-4-2 formation looked threatening and slick in the opening 15 minutes. Ramos' unbelievable, clutch scoring run continued and Nacho delivered once more.
Negatives
The team's home performances haven't been as authoritative as they should be from a real title contender. Three draws and six wins by only one goal after 13 matches prove that visitors, like Betis, can come to the Bernabeu expecting to get a result more often than not. Despite his stunning last-gasp save, Navas has lost his confidence, and the impact of his mistakes on the rest of the team is evident. Alvaro Morata looks like a starter when he plays off the bench and like a bench player when he starts.
Manager rating out of 10
6 - Reacting to the controversy over the 4-3-3 formation, Zidane decided to field Isco and James Rodriguez next to Kroos and Luka Modric, which brought great passing in the opening stages of the match. After Betis scored, the ball movement became too slow and it took Zidane too much time to refresh the team with bench options. When he did, they worked out.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Keylor Navas, 3 -- Two huge mistakes by the Costa Rica international in the first half gave his team a huge scare that took them off the match and gifted Betis their first goal. His final save, simply phenomenal, can't hide the fact that his confidence is at a historical low.
DF Daniel Carvajal, 6 -- Out of position for Betis' first goal, his energy was there for most of the match, but his positioning and his passing were slightly off. Betis' Riza Durmisi gave him plenty of work.
DF Nacho Fernandez, 8 -- Has become Zidane's first option off the bench pretty much for any position in the back four, and deservedly so.
DF Sergio Ramos, 8 -- As the media runs out of hyperboles to describe his scoring form, Ramos not only won the match for his team, but also had the tact to dedicate his goal to Navas. His position as skipper and his leadership in the squad can't be questioned at this point.
DF Marcelo, 7 -- Persistent and tireless, he found Cristiano Ronaldo for the first goal, but lacked accuracy in most of his crosses. More heated than usual, got into a couple of unnecessary incidents with Betis players.
MF James Rodriguez, 6 -- Needs to get in better match shape. His passing and movement were good during a decent spell of the first half, but then lost importance as Betis increased the pressure. Unusually hesitant to take shots, when that is one of his best skills.
MF Luka Modric, 5 -- More running than thinking from the Croatian on Sunday, when he should have been one of the key midfield members to direct Real Madrid's offence. His will was there, but his performance wasn't anywhere close to his usual high standards.
MF Toni Kroos, 7 -- In a pure central midfield position, Kroos started most of the offensive movements and dared to dribble and take the ball forward. Tired towards the end.
MF Isco Alarcon, 6 -- As with James, while Isco's energy lasted he gave Betis plenty to deal with. He linked up well with Marcelo and Ronaldo on a few occasions. Nevertheless, he lacked consistency and disappeared for some spells.
FW Cristiano Ronaldo, 7 -- Took his goal coolly and enjoyed a few other chances playing as a centre-forward. His participation in build-up plays, more accurate in the last few matches, regressed against Betis.
FW Alvaro Morata, 6 -- Key in distracting two defenders in Ronaldo's goal, he spent much less time in Betis' box than he should have. Morata excels with space, and the visitors' intelligent defence did not give him the type of match he prefers.
Substitutes
MF Lucas Vazquez, 6 -- Replaced James after 69 minutes. Always resourceful, his presence gave Real Madrid width and speed on the right.
FW Karim Benzema, 6 -- Replaced Morata after 71 minutes. Participated well in a few offensive moves.
DF Marco Asensio, NR -- Replaced Isco after 79 minutes.