Real Madrid experienced their first defeat against Real Betis since 2020, with noteworthy performances from American midfielder Johnny Cardoso and former Real Madrid player Isco. This loss means Real Madrid missed an opportunity to take the lead in La Liga.
While this result may slightly hinder Real Madrid’s La Liga campaign, the team is unlikely to be overly worried. Their attention is also focused on the upcoming Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
For the Champions League game, it’s expected that several players who started against Betis will not be in Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup. This could include Brahim Diaz, who filled in for the suspended Jude Bellingham, along with Luka Modric, David Alaba, and Lucas Vazquez. The final team selection will depend on the fitness of players like Fede Valverde, who was absent from the Betis match. This rotation is not meant to diminish Betis’s strong performance, but rather reflects Real Madrid’s priority to balance La Liga ambitions with the crucial Champions League.
Cardoso, a midfielder for the U.S. men’s national team, scored the opening goal for Betis in the 33rd minute with a header from an Isco corner kick. This was Cardoso’s first goal of the season and a significant moment for him.
Isco continued to play a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s defeat, scoring a penalty in the second half to put Betis ahead. He celebrated against his former club, adding to the intensity of the match at Estadio Benito Villamarin. Isco has now contributed six goals and three assists in 15 appearances for Betis across all competitions and is seen as a key player in their push for a Europa Conference League title.
For Real Madrid, this single match is not likely to define their season, which explains Ancelotti’s decision to rotate players. The real concern would arise if they fail to progress past Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and narrowly miss out on the La Liga title. However, at this point in the season, Ancelotti is unlikely to be overly concerned. His track record of winning trophies gives him considerable credit, and his decisions are generally trusted unless major setbacks occur in crucial moments like the Champions League round of 16.
