Real Madrid took to the pitch on March 1, 2025, at the Benito Villamarín Stadium to face Real Betis for La Liga's Jornada 26. Coming off the back of a victory against Real Sociedad, the merengues aimed to secure their second consecutive win in the tournament.
The match started energetically for Real Madrid, showcasing their depth and determination to contend for the La Liga title against rivals Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid. Within the first ten minutes, Brahim Díaz marked his name on the scoreboard, netting the first goal of the match. He tapped the ball home after slick passing from his teammates, displaying the quality of teamwork the club has been known for.
The move leading to the goal exemplified Real Madrid’s attacking prowess. It began with Antonio Rüdiger’s long pass to Kylian Mbappé, who displayed his skill by evading multiple defenders. The French star expertly set up Ferland Mendy with a clever back-pass, allowing Mendy to find Díaz. The Spanish-Moroccan player, positioned perfectly, just needed to push the ball past the goalkeeper, sealing his fifth goal of the season and his 19th overall for Real Madrid. "El futbolista del Merengue se convirtió tras una gran jugada colectiva para poner el marcador 1-0," reported ESTADIO Deportes.
Despite the initial dominance, the scoreline didn't stay the same for long. Just 34 minutes in, Betis equalized through Johnny Cardoso, who found the net after receiving a corner from former Real Madrid player Isco. This goal shifted the momentum slightly, as both teams entered the half tied 1-1.
For Carlo Ancelotti, the challenge to emerge victorious remained high, especially considering the looming UEFA Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid set for March 5. Despite missing the talented Jude Bellingham due to suspension, Ancelotti had his squad ready without any attempt at rotation; every point mattered. Federico Valverde was also sidelined due to minor discomfort, leaving spaces for others to step up.
Brahim Díaz’ performance not only seized the moment but also highlighted his importance within the squad. Despite the fierce competition for spots within the team, with the likes of Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Jr. fending for their places, Díaz has consistently proved his value each time he steps onto the field. His current form has involved three goals and three assists over 767 minutes played this season, demonstrating his versatility and the considerable skill he brings to the table.
Both teams battled hard during the match, with Real Madrid having slightly more control over possession and opportunities. Following Brahim's goal, the squad appeared relentless but faced difficulty breaking through Betis' defense after they leveled the score. The second half unfolded with expectations high for Madrid to reclaim the lead.
Following the match, analyst Valeria Arévalo noted, "With the 1-1 going at halftime, Real Madrid’s chances of winning now stood at 43%, Betis at 24%, with the draw at 33%." This illustrated the pressure and stakes involved for both clubs, considering Betis’s ambitions for European spots and Real Madrid's pursuit of the La Liga title.
Looking forward, Real Madrid's fixture list indicates intense competition. The clash against Atlético Madrid could serve as either momentum or setback as they seek to establish their superiority this season. Bellingham's return on March 9 for their following match against Rayo Vallecano will be timely, but concerns linger about the team’s depth going forward.
Díaz's potential continues to raise eyebrows. Several clubs are reportedly keeping tabs on him for possible future deals, with Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund among the prominent names linked to the young talent. Nevertheless, both the management and fans regard him as one of the key players for Real Madrid going forward.
Díaz's ability to make key contributions, such as his goal against Betis, solidifies his status at the club, and he remains eager for more first-team opportunities. His thoughtful awareness acknowledges the high-caliber talent surrounding him, but he is intent on making his mark whenever called upon. While the competition may be stiff, his skills on the pitch indicate there’s plenty more to come from the malagueño.