Pepe Mel reflected that Real Betis’ failure to take a 2-0 lead at the Santiago Bernabeu was the reason for Real Madrid’s comeback win.
Los Beticos threatened a surprise in Week 1 on Sunday night, with Jorge Molina’s opening goal of the game followed up by a number of chances from the visitors to score again.
However, in seeing Karim Benzema equalise midway through the first half and Isco then head in a late winner, Betis’ Coach believes that not netting that second goal cost him team.
“To pick up points at the Bernabeu we needed two goals, we spoke about this during the week,” reflected Mel afterwards.
“We had the chance for 0-2 on several occasions. I think the opportunity for Verdu to make it 0-2 was key because we had forced Madrid to change several things.
“But this is the Bernabeu, they are Madrid. And one can go wrong once or twice, but not a third time. We kept paddling but were left at shore.
“The key was in not getting the second goal. If we had scored that then the game would have been different.”
Summer arrival Cedric Mabwati proved Betis’ most notable performer of the night, whilst Joan Verdu debuted too.
“If we have Cedric here it is because we know what he can give us. Those selected on the wings had to also cover on the inside. We understood the game.
“Joan is an important player for us, whilst there came a time when the game weighed heavily on him. The players have done a great job, pressured and maintained the pace.
“On Thursday we have a very important game for Betis and Joan has not yet had enough.”
