Real Betis vs. Real Madrid: Score and Reaction from 2016 La Liga Match
Real Madrid finally broke a string of three straight draws in La Liga as Isco scored twice in a 6-1 rout over Real Betis on Saturday.
Los Blancos blitzed Betis in the first half, taking an early lead through Raphael Varane and adding goals via Karim Benzema, Marcelo and Isco. At half-time, the hosts trailed 4-0, and the match already seemed to be over.
Alvaro Cejudo restored some hope in the 55th minute, but Isco finished off a great team move to make the score 5-1. Cristiano Ronaldo also got his name on the scoresheet, putting the final tally on the board.
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As Real's official Twitter account shared, manager Zinedine Zidane opted to rest several starters with an eye on the UEFA Champions League, giving Mateo Kovacic and Isco the chance to start:
Los Blancos enjoyed a dream start in Sevilla as an early passing move resulted in a free-kick from a dangerous area. Toni Kroos produced one of his textbook deliveries, and Varane easily won the aerial battle to hand his team the lead.
Ben Hayward of Goal.com thought the early advantage could be key:
Ronaldo could have doubled the visitors' advantage after just six minutes, missing a sitter after some great work from Gareth Bale and Isco. That was followed by a comical error from the official, who somehow awarded a throw to Real after Kroos hit a ball off him and over the sideline.
Real remained on the front foot, and Kovacic came close to adding to the lead, firing a half-volley over the target. Ronaldo found some space to try a header. But it was difficult to put power behind it, and it never troubled goalkeeper Antonio Adan.
The stopper made a better save minutes later, keeping Bale out from close range, and he again was called into action after Ronaldo dropped a dangerous ball into the box.
Kroos nearly set up Ruben Castro with a poor pass, but that was about the only danger Betis could muster. A second goal for the visitors seemed more likely, and Benzema did the scoring after Kroos stole the ball in a dangerous position and beautifully isolated the Frenchman.
Per Real Madrid TV's Phil Kitromilides, Benzema has been in fantastic form:
The goal just about broke Betis' resolve, and Los Blancos pounced. Isco created some space for Marcelo, who drew another fine save from Adan, and Bale almost picked out Ronaldo with a sharp cross.
With six minutes left in the half, a cruel deflection took a shot by Benzema right to Marcelo, who quickly got the ball under control and fired home the third goal.
And things got even worse for the hosts as Isco finished off a beautiful move to make it 4-0 going into the break.
Bleacher Report UK's Karl Matchett was impressed:
Betis made two changes to start the second half, and the hosts looked more composed after the break. It didn't hurt that Los Blancos took their feet off the gas, and Cejudo gave the hosts some hope, beating Isco and goalkeeper Keylor Navas with a smart touch.
Yahoo Sport UK's Andrew Gaffney took a shot at Real's defence:
The goal seemed to wake up Los Blancos, however, and Betis' hopes of an unlikely comeback didn't last long. Seven minutes after Cejudo's strike, Ronaldo fired a cross into the box, and Isco was there to score his second goal of the night.
Football writer Sid Lowe loved the goal:
Los Blancos regained control of the ball after that, although Betis kept threatening on the counter. Benzema drew another fine stop from Adan, and Joaquin's constant motion proved to be a pain for Pepe and Co.
Ronaldo's header just cleared the bar, but the Portugal international finally got his goal with 12 minutes left to play, blasting home a rocket after a great individual run.
Benzema took to Twitter to celebrate the win:
Los Blancos will host Legia Warsaw in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Betis' next outing will be their La Liga match against Osasuna on Friday.
