Betis falter against Levante: Wide open door for Real Madrid

The atmosphere at the Benito Villamarín has not been warm recently. In the first three rounds, Real Betis picked up six perfect points from victories over Real Sociedad and Valencia, both with a 1-0 scoreline. This reflects the disciplined defensive identity Manuel Pellegrini has built. However, the 2-5 defeat against Levante in the most recent round is not just a number; it is a loud warning of cracks in the Los Verdiblancos' defense. On paper, the list of results still shows the beauty of a solid team. However, for a journalist close to the team like me, the actual numbers tell a different story. After three rounds, Betis has six points, four goals scored, but five conceded. At this ratio for a La Liga side of their stature, it signals a serious imbalance between control and security. When facing Levante, a team that has rarely troubled Real Madrid on their own turf, Betis's defense seemed to lose focus at crucial moments. Match data shows that Levante's quick counter-attacks tore open the gaps between center-backs and full-backs that Pellegrini had not yet fixed. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is flowing on a completely different current. Under Mourinho, the football played by Los Blancos doesn't need much flair; they need efficiency and ruthlessness. After three rounds, they hold nine perfect points, have scored ten goals, and conceded only two. Consecutive wins against Espanyol, Real Sociedad, and Malaga did not come from chance; they are the result of a well-oiled attacking machine. The mentality of Mourinho's players after a string of wins is a cold weapon. They don't need much encouragement, as winning has become a habit. Head-to-head history is a heavy psychological factor weighing on Betis players. In 48 meetings, Real Madrid has won 25, drawn 16, and lost only 7. Those 25 wins are not just history; they are a recurring curse every time the Mourinho side steps onto an opponent's home turf. Real Madrid's current form, with their explosive attack and consistent goal-scoring record, makes the picture even bleaker for the visitors. The puzzle for Manuel Pellegrini is no longer simply how to score. It is about keeping a clean sheet against a Real Madrid bursting with offensive intent. With the defense just suffering a harsh blow against Levante, betting that they can contain Mourinho's artillery on the road is a major tactical risk. I have reviewed Real Madrid's recent matches; they don't just score through individual skill, but punish opponents' errors with clinical precision. With Betis losing defensive stability, Real Madrid fully expects an easy victory.