Three observations from Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Betis

Real Madrid beat Real Betis 2-0 thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappe, who finally scored his first La Liga goals as Los Blancos climbed up to second place on the league table. Here are three very quick observations:

Aurelien Tchouameni’s swagger is back

A lot of what happened in this game was much needed. Mbappe’s goals were much needed, the attack clicking (more on this later) was much needed, and so was this. Tchouameni has been a topic of discussion and criticism in recent weeks, as he has not had the best start to the season so far.

Tchouameni put every doubt to rest against Betis. “On a defensive level, he is an irreplaceable player,” said Ancelotti after watching his performance, which was exceptional. He ended the game with four tackles, two blocks, four interceptions, 10 duels won, and in general just providing the crowd with a lot of what they got used to last season.

Tchouameni’s performances on the defensive end (as well as in possession) are crucial for Real Madrid’s success. Tchouameni provides a lot of stability and defensive solidity to this team, and he also helps in starting a lot of counter-attacks solely due to his defensive IQ and willingness to get down and dirty. We saw it first-hand against Betis. To put it shortly: he’s got his swagger back.

It was a great performance, and (hopefully) a return to form for the French midfielder, who, on his day, is one of the best pivots in the world.

The chemistry between the forwards is improving

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr have been subject to criticism, and there have been murmurs about them being ‘annoyed’ with each other. While all that is a bit over the top, there wasn’t enough linkup in the first three games from these two (and the third attacker), and finally, we saw a lot of intent and movement from both in this game.

Mbappe’s movements were noticed and appreciated by Vinicius Jr, and vice versa. Everything seemed less forced and more natural, the switching was much better, which is very important to have in a team that has so much firepower on one side of the pitch.

Another thing worth noting was that Mbappe looked a little more like his PSG self, which basically means he was a little less shy. Being a part of this team and fitting into the gameplan is a gradual process for everyone, even for Mbappe, but he is slowly getting it. The brace will help a lot.

It’s also worth talking about the remaining third of the trident: Rodrygo was great with his overlaps and some of his incisive runs, but his defensive work was also very tidy and it helped with Real Madrid’s shape without the ball. He helped Dani Carvajal and Fede Valverde a lot defensively, and his interchangeability with Carvajal also improved the team’s buildup and the attack.

Brahim Diaz, an x-factor

12 goals and eight assists playing as the first player off the bench last season, and now Brahim has had two game-changing cameos already. Brahim was involved in both goals against Betis, and he scored and assisted to change the game vs Valladolid — both off the bench.

Brahim provides Real Madrid with something that they don’t have off the bench: relentlessness and consistent danger as a line-breaker. Having Brahim run at tired legs and make things happen when Real Madrid need some inspiration is such a refreshing sight. Regardless of success or failure, he is always looking to run at his marker and tire him out, kind of like how Vinicius Jr does it on the left, and it is great to have a player like him off the bench.

Against Betis, he changed the game. Running at tired legs and putting his silky dribbles to the test against defenders who had no idea how to stop him was key in Real Madrid scoring the two goals. Aside from his involvement in the two goals, he was a menace all game, completing three dribbles, and creating three chances, and he also went back defensively and helped Carvajal defensively, recording a tackle and an interception along the way. He attracts bodies to himself and his passing is incisive and direct, all of which were on display.

It will be difficult to keep a player as talented as Brahim limited to a few starts and a lot of bench appearances, but Real Madrid have to try to keep him around for as long as they can. It doesn’t seem like he has had as much success at any other club in the past, and he provides the team with something they don’t have, which makes him the first option off the bench. A proper game-changer, an X-factor. The leader of the new-look bench mob.