A goal by Mahamadou Diarra, his first donning the White shirt, secured the three points for his team in a new demonstration of collective commitment. The Malian international, Guti and Reyes were the most outstanding players. In spite of the push and shove of Betis, Real Madrid's defensive soundness was once again patent and praiseworhty. This win allows Real Madrid to climb to the top of the League table provisionally.
Granitic defense
In defense, the game was almost placid for Cicinho, Cannavaro, Sergio Ramos and Roberto Carlos (500 games with Real Madrid). The only opportunity in the first thirty minutes for the green-and-whites came by way of Brazilian striker Sobis following a mistake by Cannavaro, but no score:
The worst news of the match, Cicinho's injury, came in the 28th minute. The Brazilian fullback twisted his knee as he attempted to deflect a pass.
MATCH REPORT:
REAL BETIS: Doblas; Melli, Juanito, Nano, Romero; Maldonado (Odonkor, 75
The first tests indicate he might have torn his anterior cruciate ligament
It was minute 28 of the away match against Betis when Cicinho hit the ground after deflecting a pass and started making clear signs of extreme pain. Although it orginally looked like it might have been the ball that hit him, it was obvious seconds later that it was something far more serious. The first medical tests performed on-site by Doctor Hern醤dez confirm our worst fears as he suspects that the fullback might have acutely torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of his right knee. The Brazilian player will undergo new tests and scans on Sunday to determine the extent and seriousness of the injury and check if this is the only knee injury he sustained this evening.If the initial diagnosis is confirmed, the player is set for a six-to-eight month recovery period:geram: