BETIS EXPOSE MADRID’S GROWING VULNERABILITIES

Written by: Floyd Nkanyane

In the driving Seville rain, a tactical masterclass from Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis revealed cracks in the European champions’ armor that should concern Carlo Ancelotti. Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat wasn’t just a stumble in their title race with Barcelona—it was the continuation of a troubling pattern that threatens their domestic campaign.

The Prodigal Son Returns to Haunt

There’s poetry in football sometimes. Isco Alarcón, once deemed surplus to requirements at the Santiago Bernabéu after nine seasons of service, delivered the decisive blow against his former employers. His calmly converted 54th-minute penalty completed Betis’ comeback and showcased the technical quality that once made him a Madrid favorite.

But Isco’s contribution went beyond just the penalty. His corner delivery for Johnny Cardoso’s equalizing header demonstrated his continued excellence as a set-piece specialist. At 31, the Spanish midfielder is experiencing a renaissance at Betis, operating as the creative fulcrum in Pellegrini’s system while displaying a tactical discipline that was sometimes questioned during his Madrid tenure.

Madrid’s Away Day Blues

This defeat extends Real Madrid’s concerning away record to three consecutive La Liga matches without victory (D1 L2)—a run not experienced in a single season since May 2023. For a club with championship aspirations, this road fragility represents a significant vulnerability in their title defense.

What’s particularly troubling for Ancelotti is how his team seems to lose structural integrity when facing adversity away from the Bernabéu. After Brahim Díaz’s early opener, Madrid retreated into a defensive shell rather than pushing for a cushion, allowing Betis to grow in confidence and eventually seize control of the midfield battle.

Defensive Frailties Mount

The numbers tell a damning story: 25 goals conceded after 26 league matches represents Madrid’s worst defensive record at this stage since the 2018/19 campaign—a season that ultimately saw them finish third. Antonio Rüdiger’s rash challenge to concede the decisive penalty epitomized a backline that appears increasingly vulnerable to pressure.

This defensive regression comes despite significant investment in the defensive third. The coordination between midfield and defense appears compromised, with transition moments particularly exposing Madrid’s high line when possession is surrendered.

Pellegrini’s Tactical Triumph

Credit must go to Manuel Pellegrini, whose tactical adjustments after going behind demonstrated why the Chilean remains one of La Liga’s shrewdest managers. Betis increased their pressing intensity, specifically targeting Madrid’s double pivot, and utilized quick transitions to exploit the spaces behind Madrid’s advanced fullbacks.

The victory represents Betis’ third consecutive league win—their best run since February 2023—and signals their potential to challenge for European qualification. Pellegrini has found the right balance between defensive solidity and attacking verve, with yesterday’s performance perhaps their most complete display of the season.

Title Race Implications

With Barcelona set to face Real Sociedad, Madrid’s slip creates an opportunity for their Catalan rivals to extend their advantage at the summit. What seemed like a two-horse race now appears increasingly precarious for Los Blancos, who must address their away form immediately to stay in contention.

The defeat raises questions about Madrid’s squad depth and rotation policy. Despite boasting one of Europe’s most expensive squads, featuring the summer’s headline acquisition in Kylian Mbappé, Ancelotti’s side appeared fatigued and lacking creative solutions as the match progressed.

A Watershed Moment?

For Betis, this victory could prove transformative. The psychological boost of overcoming the European champions—particularly in the manner they did, fighting back from behind—could propel them toward consistent performances against the league’s elite.

For Madrid, this represents a moment for serious introspection. Their defensive fragility, midfield imbalance, and away-day hesitancy threaten to undermine a season that began with tremendous promise after significant summer investment.

As Isco celebrated his penalty against the club where he won multiple Champions League titles, the moment symbolized more than just a former player’s revenge—it highlighted how football’s narratives often come full circle, and how even the mightiest can be humbled when underlying issues remain unaddressed.