Bellingham and Valverde were not in the squad . And that is why we did not see a good performance from madrid's midfield. Luka modrich did not play well in this match. modrich does not have the ability to perform well regularly from the Starting XI anymore . It is foolish to expect too much from Modrich.
However I did not think that Real madrid would lose this match . My guess was that the match would be a draw. If Madrid's defenders had performed a little better, Real Madrid might not have lost the match. The first half ended 1-1. Real Betis increased their attack speed in the second half, but Madrid performed a little more carefully. But in the end , Real Madrid lost the match by a margin of 2-1.
Atletico madrid is now at the top of the points table. Real madrid is in third place . If barcelona wins against Real Sociedad today , the top spot of the Laliga table will be in Barcelona's hands again..
I just want to say for now Real Madrid after losing 3 points from Real Betis and by showing such performance it is not impossible to get out of the La Liga title race. Madrid without Bellingham and Valverde clearly looks porous in attack and defense built from the middle. And I admit that the absence of Asensio in the back row is also a factor in how easy it is for Real Madrid defense to be penetrated.
With Atletico Madrid securing a win against Athletic club which is one of the tough teams to win against, they are still in the race. Currently residing at top position of the league but with one more game than Barcelona. In cop del rey semi final's first leg, they fought a draw against Barcelona on the home ground of Barcelona and they are again playing against them on second leg tomorrow in Atletico's home ground. If they beat Barcelona to it and reach the finals, it would be a huge achievement for team as they have been always third for many seasons now.
Atletico Madrid is indeed worthy of being Barcelona rival to win the title rather than Real Madrid especially this season. So Barcelona can focus on becoming Atletico Madrid main target in La Liga and unfortunately in the Copa de Rey they have to meet earlier maybe it would be more appropriate to have a final between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.