Real Madrid 0-0 Real Betis: 5 talking points as Los Blancos lose more ground in title race | La Liga 2020-21

#3 Real Madrid must look for new full-backs

Carvajal was back in the starting line-up after two months, and it showed

Real Madrid's issues at full-back positions have been a problem for some time now and tonight served as another reminder of the same. As the side clearly struggled to break down Betis, the full-backs couldn't provide anything of note either.

Daniel Carvajal made one good cross into the box early on but that was the only highlight of his otherwise mediocre night, while Nacho at the other end of the flank rarely ventured forward.

Gone are the days when Marcelo and Carvajal marauded down the flanks and provided excellent crosses for the attackers in the box. It's time for Los Blancos to seek new options that can bolster their attacks from that position and provide crossing outlets.

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#4 Guido Rodriguez shines for Betis

Rodriguez is one of the most underrated holding midfielders

You don't often see an opposition player taking home the man-of-the-match award in games involving Real Madrid, unless it's the El Clasico or the Madrid derby. But tonight Guido Rodriguez accomplished the feat with a stormer in midfield.

The 27-year old was crucial to keeping Rodrygo quiet and read the game brilliantly, making three clearances. He completed four of his five attempted tackles and won nine of 13 duels!

Guido Rodríguez ante Real Madrid: 90 minutos, 75 toques de balón, completó 50 de 57 entregas, éxito en 4 de 5 balones largos, estuvo cerca de convertir, ganó 9 de 13 duelos, 3 despejes, 2 disparos bloqueados, 1 intercepción, 4 entradas y 5 recuperaciones. PARTIDAZO. pic.twitter.com/hwEGiGJr2V

— Invictos (@InvictosSomos) April 24, 2021

He's been a star performer for the Verdiblancos this season and reminded everyone of his exceptional defensive skills again. Soon, we may even see Rodriguez in the Champions League.

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#5 Real Madrid's title defense in tatters

Atletico Madrid could go five points clear of Real Madrid tomorrow

Real Madrid have been very erratic this season. The highs of beating Atletico Madrid and Barcelona (in both legs) have been met with the lows of draws and losses to Getafe, Cadiz and Levante.

Such inconsistency has kept the side from taking pole position in La Liga and following another disappointing result tonight, stare at the prospect of falling further behind their rivals.

Real Madrid miss out on the chance to go level on points with La Liga leaders Atletico 😬 pic.twitter.com/fm6qyoAzLy

— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 24, 2021

With just five more games left on their schedule, Zinedine Zidane's side won't get too many chances to recover hereafter, while a tough end to their season awaits too, with Sevilla (h), Granada (a), Athletic Bilbao (a), and Villarreal (h), still to come.

All's not lost yet but everything could be if things continue to go this way. Every game hereon is a must-win game if Real Madrid are to defend their La Liga crown.