Player ratings for every Real Madrid player to feature during a disappointing 1-1 draw with Real Betis that sees the title slip further away.
Andriy Lunin – 8.5
Three brilliant saves at the end of the first half kept Real Madrid in front, and two of them were above and beyond expectation. Added another excellent fingertip stop from Natan in the second. A strong response to some criticism in recent days, there was no wishing for Thibaut Courtois in this match.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8
Should have had an assist for a ridiculous golf drive in behind the Betis defence, and played several lovely passes. In the opening hour, he was also one of Real Madrid’s most active players on the ball, trying to unpick the opposition and arriving at the right time. Docked points as Betis caused more of their issues down his side, and he went missing a couple of times against Ez Abde.
Antonio Rudiger – 5.5
Lucky to get away with a weak header that sent Cedric Bakambu through on goal. Otherwise relatively correct for most of the game, but neither did he impress.
Dean Huijsen – 5.5
Huijsen read the game really well for the most part, but a couple of times his touch of all things let him down, allowing Betis to regain possession. Was caught out and forced to swipe down Antony on one of those occasions where he saw it, but couldn’t get there. Had a couple of nice blocks.
Ferland Mendy – 6
Antony was essentially a non-factor in terms of his dribbling, and Mendy was the reason for that. Does what he does very well, but little on the ball. Water is wet. Regardless of the debate over the foul in the goal, Mendy should have been stronger.
Jude Bellingham – 7
Bellingham is no longer one of the players Real Madrid are trying to play for, and while that’s taking something away from him in the opposition box, it is providing some rhythm to his game. Another smooth performance on the ball, if he could have made better use of his shooting opportunities…
Thiago Pitarch – 4.5
What started as a moment of inexperience is now a habit. One bad giveaway that resulted in a clear chance, and another missed clearance in the box that also required Lunin to bail him out. Pitarch had one really nice move and pass for Kylian Mbappe, and was diligent otherwise, but fortunate again.
Fede Valverde – 6.5
His shot leads to the Vinicius goal, and he gets through a lot of defensive work. Yet there is the inescapable feeling that the game continues to pass him by in the middle. Did have one very nice run and shot late in the second half.
Brahim Diaz – 6.5
Always busy, but struggled to make an impact in this one. Los Blancos were somewhat constipated in front of the Betis box, and Brahim was a contributor to that.
Kylian Mbappe – 4
Missed a clear chance after being sent through by Alexander-Arnold, showing a baffling lack of composure. A couple of nice moves, but failed to make anything of them, embodied by his break down the right side, and failure to pick out Vinicius on the other side of the box. Seems completely disconnected from his teammates at times. Came off late on with an apparent injury.
Vinicius Junior – 7
Got the crucial goal in the first half, but struggled to really cause Hector Bellerin the issues you might expect. Went long periods without really getting involved. Late on had a brilliant run to seal the match, only for him to take an air shot at the last moment.
Substitutes
David Alaba – 6
Completely misjudged a tackle that allowed Cucho Hernandez past him. Otherwise largely correct and untested.
Eduardo Camavinga – 6
Had made a couple of nice runs forward, but perhaps could have been more alert to close down Antony in the equaliser. Familiar wings and roundabouts.
Manuel Angel – 6.5
Had little time to make an impact.
Gonzalo Garcia – 5.5
On for the final 10 minutes for Mbappe, but couldn’t make himself a nuisance to the Betis defence.
