Far from crumbling under pressure, Isco Alarcon completed a solid performance at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, scoring a double that helpedReal Madrid dispatch Betis with ease.
The 24-year-old, aware that his performance would be publicly scrutinised, admitted Saturday's display was a relief for him.
"I lacked confidence in myself, though I have had the coach's [Zinedine Zidane] trust ever since he came on board," Isco said. "I needed a match like this, a confidence boost."The best way to gain confidence is with more playing time."I still lack rhythm but I hope to catch up soon."
Taking full responsibility for his situation, the Spaniard blamed himself for his sluggish start of the 2016/17 season.
"When things aren't working out the way you planned, you must work harder and take advantage of the opportunities you are given," he said.
After discussing his own form, the midfielder went on to praise the performance of the squad as a whole.
"We were totally focused from the start, which is what we're supposed to do every match," the ex-Malaga man pointed out.
"It was a complete first half, as we dominated the possession but also executed well on the counter-attack."
When asked to choose his favourite between his two goals, Isco said he had no preference.
"They were totally different goals," he said.
"The counter-attack exemplified how quick the team is as a whole, while the second is a notable shot, so I pick both!"If his first one of the match was an easy tap-in that culminated a brilliant collective play, Isco's second scoring effort was a beautifully curled shot to the top corner of the goal, impossible to stop for ex-Real Madrid keeper Antonio Adan.After the goal by the Spanish international, Los Blancos took a commanding 5-1 lead over their Andalusian opponents.
Curiously, former Barcelona midfielder Ivan De La Pena scored a similar goal in the 1995/96 season that momentarily gave the Blaugrana a 5-1 advantage at Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Madrid are tied atop of the LaLiga table with Atletico Madrid, one point ahead of Sevilla and two over the reigning domestic champions.
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