Real Madrid added another three points to their title challenge on Sunday evening, but their play was unconvincing and the fans at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu did not hide their disgruntlement, whistling Zinedine Zidane's team.
Sergio Ramos stepped up to save Los Blancos again, but it is too risky to keep relying on the captain's determination and character.
They continue to inch towards the LaLiga title and are still alive in the Champions League, but these successes have been achieved thanks to individual moments of brilliance from certain players, rather than convincing collective play.
Unlike in previous weeks, the concerns had nothing to with the debate over whether or not the BBC front three of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo should all start together, as the suspended Welshman was in the stands.
The opening 15 minutes of Sunday evening's match were acceptable, but Real Betis then threatened and scored thanks to an error from Keylor Navas, who could benefit from some time on the bench.
After that opening half of doubts and a lack of ideas, Los Blancos displayed little football in the second half, but a lot of character, and that helped them get the job done, even if the 10 men of the visitors were able to manufacture a chance right at the end.
"We need to play better," Ramos admitted after the full-time whistle.
Given that the fanbase is demanding more, that appears to be an urgent priority.
