Seven Absentees, One 19-Year-Old Newcomer: Real Madrid Enter the Battle at Benito Villamarín with a Patchwork Core

I stood in the corridor of the Benito Villamarín, looking at the Real Madrid squad list posted on the notice board. Seven names were crossed out in red ink, and one brand-new name: Sergio Martinez, number 28, 19 years old, never played a single minute in La Liga. That was the moment I realized this match was not just a regular game, but a test of squad depth, of a big club's patience, and of how they face adversity. The context: Real Madrid traveled to Seville to face Real Betis, a team always difficult at home. But the notable thing was not the opponent, but the long list of absentees for the visitors. Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, Endrick, plus several others – a total of seven key players unavailable. This is a real squad crisis, forcing the coach to improvise with what remains. New signing Sergio Martinez, a 19-year-old Argentine midfielder, was promoted from Castilla (the reserve team) to fill the gap. He was bought with a long-term plan, but Tchouameni's injury has pushed him into the spotlight earlier than expected. Can he handle the pressure of a La Liga match? Will the coach dare to give a chance to an inexperienced youngster? Watching Real Madrid's final training session before the match, I saw only familiar drills: rondo, pressing, possession, and small-sided games. There was no sign of any special tactical adjustment to counter Betis. This suggests they trust their system, but it could also mean they had no time to experiment with anything new. The key point lies in the absence of Tchouameni in midfield. The Frenchman is not just a ball-winner, but also the tempo-setter. Without him, Real Madrid will have to rely on experienced players like Luka Modric or Nacho, or give chances to youngsters like Martinez. But Modric is 39, and Nacho is not a natural central midfielder. This imbalance could cause Real Madrid to lose control in the middle, and Betis with their aggressive pressing will exploit that. A contrarian angle: People often say Real Madrid are still strong no matter who is missing, but in reality, losing Tchouameni and Militao at the same time is a huge blow. Militao is the most important anchor in defense, and his absence makes the backline fragile. Betis have fast and skillful attackers; they will exploit the spaces between the defenders. If Real Madrid cannot maintain a compact shape, they could concede early. I recall a story from 2026, when I followed a young defender at FC Seoul, Park Min-jun, who was sent down to the second division just because no one believed in his potential. I was not brave enough to defend my finding, and that haunts me to this day. With Sergio Martinez, I hope Real Madrid will not make the same mistake. But top-level football has no room for romance; if he does not perform immediately, he could be forgotten. This match is not just about three points, but a test of squad depth and the coach's adaptability. If Martinez gets a chance and plays well, it could be the start of a new generation. But if Real Madrid fail, the story will revolve around the injury crisis and lack of preparation. I will closely watch how the coach uses the young players, and whether they have the nerve to shine in this difficult context. A forgotten contract, then one day it changes the course of the season. I learn more from the one at the end of the bench than from the one lifting the trophy. The empty stadium that year taught me that noise is not football. And today, I will listen to the breathing of the young players as they step onto the pitch, because that is where the truth lies.