Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini was visibly frustrated on the sidelines as his side slumped to a heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid on Sunday evening — a performance riddled with underwhelming individual displays and tactical disarray.
Despite the presence of some high-profile players in the starting lineup, Betis were largely second-best across the pitch, with only a handful managing to show any resistance.
Starting XI Struggles
Cédric Bakambu led the line but delivered a dismal 3.2-star performance, one of the lowest on the pitch, symbolizing Betis’ attacking impotence. His struggles were compounded by the poor form of Pablo Fornals, who scored Betis’ only goal yet finished with a meager 2.7-star rating.
In midfield, Giovani Lo Celso was the lone bright spot with a 4.3-star showing — the highest in the squad — yet his efforts were insufficient to steer the game Betis’ way. Abde Ezzalzouli (3.7 stars) offered some attacking intent, while Johnny Cardoso (3.3 stars) and Sergi Altimira (3.0 stars) failed to provide adequate control in midfield.
The defensive line was no better. Aitor Ruibal (3.2 stars) and Romain Perraud (2.9 stars) were both overrun by Atletico’s pace, while N. Mendy (3.1 stars) and Natan (3.3 stars) struggled to maintain shape and discipline. Mendy was even booked during the game, further adding to Betis’ woes.
Veteran goalkeeper Adrián fared slightly better with a 3.7-star rating, making several saves that prevented an even more embarrassing scoreline.
Bench Decisions Raise Eyebrows
Pellegrini’s decision to leave key players on the bench also sparked confusion. Star performer Antony, with a 4.8-star rating, remained unused, as did Isco (4.4 stars) and J. Hernández (4.0 stars) — all of whom could have potentially made a difference in a game screaming for creativity and control. The decision not to deploy them, despite their strong form, was a puzzling one that left fans and pundits scratching their heads.
Willian Carvalho (3.2 stars) and Álex Ortiz (2.9 stars) were subbed on but failed to impact proceedings.
What’s Next for Betis?
With Real Betis now facing increased pressure to stay in contention for European qualification, Pellegrini will have to reassess both his tactical setup and player selections. The defeat to Atletico wasn’t just about poor execution — it was a breakdown in strategy and squad management, and Pellegrini’s frustration is understandable.
If Betis are to bounce back, they’ll need more than just tactical tweaks. Accountability and bold decisions will be required — starting with making full use of the talent sitting on their bench.
