Real Betis Vs Real Madrid, Reward for Ancelotti's Strange Decision

SEVILLA, SUNDAY – A decision will never be able to satisfy everyone. In the case of Carlo Ancelotti, his decision ultimately disappointed everyone at Real Madrid without exception. Despite initially leading, "Los Blancos" ended up suffering a 1-2 defeat to Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin Stadium, Sevilla, early Sunday morning (2/3/2025) Western Indonesian Time. Real conceded an equalizing goal due to the poor performance of the defensive line in the absence of Raul Asencio, who was benched.

The absence of Asencio's name in Real's starting lineup against the host Real Betis at Benito Villamarin Stadium raises questions. The central defender is neither injured nor serving a card suspension. His recent performances in Real's defense have also garnered much praise.

Facing Betis, Real must secure full points to avoid falling further behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the top of the Spanish League standings. However, Real's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, instead replaced Asensio with David Alaba. In such a crucial match, Real's central defensive duo consisted of Alaba and Antonio Rudiger, who have rarely played together this season. This is because Alaba has just recovered from a long-term injury.

Having not played together for a long time, the duo of Alaba and Ruediger did not perform smoothly. The coordination of Real's backline significantly declined. In the 24th minute, Betis successfully scored an equalizer through a header by Johnny Cardoso.

A poor match. We started well, but after that, we were unable to maintain the initial rhythm in terms of attitude and commitment, resulting in losing control of the game against a team that played better and truly deserved to win.

Although they outnumbered in aerial duels, Real's defenders seemed to wait for each other and did not jump to challenge Cardoso. Betis' equalizing goal shattered Real's positive momentum, which had been established earlier in the 10th minute through a strike by Brahim Diaz.

In terms of ball possession, Betis was not better. However, the team coached by Manuel Pellegrini was able to play efficiently. They fired nine shots, two of which were on target. With an expected goal (xG) value of only 0.93, Betis was able to score two goals.

One of Betis's other goals, which became the decisive factor for victory, was scored by former Real player Isco through a penalty kick. The penalty was awarded by the referee following a fatal mistake by Ruediger in blocking the run of Jesus Rodriguez.

"A bad game. We started well, but after that we were not able to maintain the initial rhythm in terms of attitude and commitment, so we lost control of the game against a team that played better and deserved to win," Ancelotti said in his post-match press conference.

The Italian coach also highlighted his team's performance in defense. Ancelotti did not entirely mention the performance of the defenders, but also regretted the forwards who were not united in stopping the attack from the start.

"The front line should have been better in defence. The front line players were not able to press, cut off passes between the lines and play as well as in the first half in putting pressure on the back four," Ancelotti said.

Ancelotti did not discuss his decision to bench Asencio. The centre-back impressed as Real beat City in the Champions League. His combination with Rudiger and Alaba was also impressive. In addition to being able to play as a centre-back, Asencio is also good at playing on the right wing.

Benching Asencio would be tantamount to Ancelotti licking his own spit. Previously, he said he did not think about benching Asencio in away games. The statement came after Asencio received verbal attacks from the home fans, especially when facing Real Sociedad in the Spanish King's Cup semifinals.

The attack comes after Asencio was investigated for allegedly sharing a sex tape of a minor. A Spanish court recently rejected Asencio's appeal to have him acquitted. The investigation is still ongoing.

With the defeat to Betis, Real fell further behind Atletico at the top of the Spanish League standings. Real now has 54 points, two points less than Atletico. Real has the same points as Barca in second place. Real's points gap could widen if Barca can overcome Sociedad in another match. (REUTERS)