90min

Real Betis 2-3 Real Madrid: Player Ratings as Sergio Ramos Penalty Secures Battling Win

By Robbie Copeland

Real left it late but eventually returned to old habits
Real left it late but eventually returned to old habits / Fran Santiago/Getty Images
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It looks as if Real Madrid are still feeling the effects of a hangover after finally wrestling La Liga from Barcelona in the summer, but having drawn a blank at Real Sociedad on the opening day, Saturday evening saw them return to winning ways in Andalusia.

It wasn't fluid, it wasn't pretty, and after the home side had come from behind to lead at half-time, it looked like it wouldn't be happening at all. But after an Emerson own goal had got them back into it, a penalty from - you guessed it - Sergio Ramos stole all three points for the functional champions.

A red card for the Brazilian right-back made things a little easier for Zinedine Zidane's visitors, who will be happy to be off the mark after a difficult start.

Let's get into some player ratings!

REAL MADRID

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Sergio Ramos celebrates his winning goal
Sergio Ramos celebrates his winning goal / JORGE GUERRERO/Getty Images

Thibaut Courtois (GK) - 6/10 - Might have been disappointed to let William Carvalho's strike sneak past him, but otherwise the Belgian was steady and made a couple of key stops.

Daniel Carvajal (RB) - 6/10 - Reliable as ever down the right flank. Found himself booked for a cynical challenge on Nabil Fekir as his side trailed but played a big part in the equalising goal - swings and roundabouts.

Raphael Varane (CB) - 5/10 - Unusually shaky looking at times and was beaten all ends up by Aissa Mandi for Betis' equaliser. Wasn't his imposing self by any means.

Sergio Ramos (CB) - 7/10 - There's no other player on the planet you'd rather have on a 82nd minute match-winning penalty. The man's bottle knows no bounds.

Ferland Mendy (LB) - 6/10 - Involved in a few promising attacks and did his job defensively. Seems like he's now the first choice at left-back which will encourage him.

2. Midfielders

Valverde celebrates his goal with Karim Benzema
Valverde celebrates his goal with Karim Benzema / JORGE GUERRERO/Getty Images

Casemiro (CDM) - 7/10 - Found himself in a real scrap with Carvalho and Nabil Fekir but relished the battle and came out on top - just about. Real still have no other player who can do what he does in the engine room.

Federico Valverde (CM) - 8/10 - The Uruguayan is one of the most complete midfielders in football. He defends as well as anyone, runs himself into the ground between the lines, and isn't shy from a goal or two - as he showed with an ice-cool finish to open the scoring.

Toni Kroos (CM) - 5/10 - Didn't look himself and was withdrawn before half-time with an apparent injury. There's not much else to say.

Martin Odegaard (CAM) - 5/10 - Doubts remain over whether he's good enough for Los Blancos at present and his performance here unfortunately didn't help. Struggled to find space to get on the ball and didn't make it out for the second half.

3. Forwards

Benzema celebrates an own goal like his own, because Benzema
Benzema celebrates an own goal like his own, because Benzema / JORGE GUERRERO/Getty Images

Karim Benzema (CF) - 8/10 - How does he keep getting better? Yet to open his account for 2020/21 but the selfless French striker continues to set the pace and lead by example. A busy, ceaseless performance typified by his role in the opener, where he left the entire Betis defence in his wake to set up Valverde.

Luka Jovic (CF) - 7/10 - Fielded a lot of criticism so far, but d'you know what? He was actually good here. Made his presence felt with some clever movement, effectively got Emerson sent off by himself, and was unlucky to be subbed for the final 20 minutes.

4. Substitutes

Luka Modric makes his presence known
Luka Modric makes his presence known / JORGE GUERRERO/Getty Images

Luka Modric - 6/10

Isco - 7/10

Borja Mayoral - 6/10