Real Betis 2 – 1 Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s team is now at risk of falling three points behind Barcelona after suffering their fourth La Liga defeat of the season.
Real Madrid started strong with an early goal but quickly lost their rhythm, allowing Real Betis to take control of the game. The home side capitalized on this momentum, scoring twice to secure a 2-1 victory. Unlike their usual comeback stories, Madrid failed to mount a meaningful response, delivering a lackluster performance.
On Saturday, Real Madrid fell 2-1 to Betis in a La Liga clash at the Benito Villamarín Stadium. Brahim Díaz gave Madrid the lead, but Johnny Cardoso equalized before halftime. Isco, a former Madrid star, sealed the win for Betis in the second half.
Despite dominating possession, Real Madrid lacked sharpness in attack. Even after conceding the second goal with 36 minutes left on the clock, they failed to create any real threats.
Betis registered 18 shots, with three on target, while Madrid managed only nine attempts—four of which came late in the game—hitting the target just twice.
With this defeat, Madrid remains second in the table with 54 points from 26 matches, trailing leaders Hansi Flick’s side, who have played one game less but hold the same points due to a superior head-to-head record.
A Promising Start That Faded Away
Madrid controlled possession in the first eight minutes, building up play with slow, short passes. Then, in a moment of brilliance, Kylian Mbappé picked up the tempo and delivered a perfect through ball into the box. Ferland Mendy spotted the advancing goalkeeper and quickly squared it to Díaz, who slotted the ball into an empty net.
However, Betis gradually increased their pressure, seeking a response. Their persistence paid off in the 34th minute when Isco’s corner found Cardoso, who powered a header past Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper got a hand on it but couldn’t keep it out.
As rain intensified, the game picked up pace just before halftime. Courtois made a crucial save to deny Cardoso’s second header, keeping Madrid level at the break.
Isco Haunts His Former Club
Betis started the second half confidently and soon took the lead. In the 53rd minute, Jesús Rodríguez broke into the box but was brought down by Antonio Rüdiger, resulting in a penalty. Isco stepped up and calmly converted, punishing his former club.
Four minutes later, Betis nearly struck again. Antony, on loan from Manchester United, raced past Madrid’s defense before being fouled by David Alaba, who had no choice but to stop him.
Madrid struggled to respond, failing to create meaningful attacks. Their defense looked unsettled, and in the 68th minute, they nearly conceded again, but Cuco Hernández’s shot missed the far post.
Madrid’s Attack Falls Flat
With time running out, Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. remained ineffective. Their lack of urgency was evident, prompting Ancelotti to substitute Mbappé in the 75th minute, bringing on Endrick, the young Brazilian forward who made an impact in last week’s Copa del Rey match.
Endrick had two decent chances, but his finishing let him down. In stoppage time, he found himself in space again but failed to hit the target.
With this victory, Betis, who had previously beaten Atlético Madrid and drawn against Barcelona, climbed to sixth place in the table with 38 points from 26 matches.
