Real Madrid surprisingly lost to Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night. The visitors relied on a last-minute strike from Antonio Sanabria to earn the crucial win at Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo, who just returned from a five-match suspension, made some effort in front of goal but couldn't rescue his side with at least a draw. Ronaldo saw his back heel effort cleared off the line by Real Betis defense. Later on, the Portuguese superstar attempted another fine long-range shot but it was saved by Betis goalie Antonio Adan. The loss now leaves Real Madrid seven points adrift of table-toppers Barcelona, while Real Betis scaled up to sixth with nine points.
Here's a quick summary of the match.
Real Madrid outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Keylor Navas (6.59). Defender - Daniel Carvajal (seven points), Raphael Varane (six points), Sergio Ramos (6.64), Marcelo (6.70). Midfielder - Casemiro (6.58), Luka Modric (6.60), Toni Kroos (7.19), Isco (6.79). Forward - Cristiano Ronaldo (seven points), Gareth Bale (7.18). Used substitutes - Marco Asensio (six points), Lucas Vázquez (6.15), Borja Mayoral (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Real Madrid were good at setting up goal-bound opportunities from set pieces and counter-attacks but were weak at scoring.
Style of play: Zinedine Zidane's side attacked through the middle and held more possession on Real Betis' half.
They mostly favored long crosses.
Real Betis outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Antonio Adán (nine points). Defender - Antonio Barragán (7.64), Aissa Mandi (7.29), Zouhair Feddal (6.89), Riza Durmisi (6.90). Midfielder - Javi García (7.22), Víctor Camarasa (6.23), Fabián Ruiz (7.28). Forward - Francis (7.18), Antonio Sanabria (7.59), Cristian Tello (6.68).
Used substitutes - Ryad Boudebouz (6.39), Andrés Guardado (6.40), Joaquín (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Quique Setién's side created a high number of chances relative to their possession but were often caught offside.
Style of play: Quique Setién's men largely launched attacks through the left wing and had a high shot frequency when in possession.
The Man of the Match
Betis Goalkeeper Antonio Adán did well guiding the post for the visitors. His reflections and overall efforts prevented Real Madrid from finding the back of the net. Adán was absolutely superb on the post.
Both teams' week 6 matches
Real Madrid will face Alaves on the road on Saturday 23 September. Two days later, Real Betis will welcome Levante.