Moroccan Defender Chadi Riad Shines as Real Betis Holds Real Madrid to Draw in La Liga

Real Betis slowed down Real Madrid in Seville on Saturday. But what caught the most attention was the performance of Moroccan defender Chadi Riad. The player on loan from FC Barcelona to Betis accomplished the very difficult mission entrusted to him by his coach Manuel Pellegrini. He "made key interceptions to stop the Madrilenians and was attentive to keep the rivals at a distance when they approached Rui Silva’s area, who, well defended, had a relatively quiet afternoon," it is described. Chadi blocked a right-footed shot from Brahim Diaz in the 16th minute of play. In the 91st minute of play, Joselu followed up with a left-footed shot, but his ball was deflected by the Moroccan defender into a corner.

Performances that have seduced the Andalusian coach. "Chadi Riad was excellent, and he could get more playing time due to the circumstances we are going through. [...] We have problems at the central defense level, and Chadi Riad is having a wonderful season, not just today against Real Madrid," said Manuel Pellegrini in the post-match press conference. And he added: "His performance was incredible. I’m very happy for him, otherwise we would have had a problem at the central defender position."

Chadi arrived at Real Betis in July as the fourth central defender from Barça. The club wants to recruit him for just under 3 million euros for 50% of his rights. FC Barcelona retains a buyback option estimated at 7 million euros valid for the next two summers. Rumors suggest possible negotiations between the Verdiblancos and the Blaugrana that could be concluded as early as January.