Betis 2-1 Real Madrid: A Blow to LaLiga at the Benito Villamarín and Barça Could Pull Away!

Real Madrid fell again in LaLiga against a strong Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín (2-1). Manuel Pellegrini's team, led by Isco Alarcón, was clearly superior from the first half. With the defeat, the first in five years at the 'verdiblanco' ground, the 'merengues' could fall behind Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona if both 'colchoneros' and culés secure three points at home against Athletic Club and Real Sociedad, respectively. 

Madrid started the match quite well and seemed to be on track for a calm evening. After a great collective play, which has been uncommon for Carlo Ancelotti's team this season, Ferland Mendy set up Brahim Díaz from the left, with a low pass for the Moroccan international to shoot from close range. In ten minutes, the visitors were already leading the scoreboard, but Betis began to gain confidence after the initial quarter-hour.

Courtois Kept Madrid Alive in the First Half

In the 18th minute, the Benito Villamarín erupted to demand a clear foul by Lucas Vázquez on Jesús Rodríguez that was not sanctioned by Hernández Hernández. The defender's pull at the edge of the area was clear, but the referee allowed play to continue. Seven minutes later, Marc Bartra warned with a powerful shot that went slightly high, while Madrid lost control of the midfield.

Around the 34th minute, the persistence of the 'verdiblancos' was rewarded with a great header from Jhonny Cardozo. The midfielder appeared completely alone entering the small area, finishing off a corner taken by Isco Alarcón to level the score. Betis continued to attack with attempts from Antony, and just before halftime, another great header from Jhonny forced Courtois to make a save, with rain now present on the Seville pitch. The Betis player's shot deflected off a rival, but the Belgian goalkeeper made a miraculous palm to prevent a second goal.

Isco Once Again Ruined Madrid's Day in the Second Half

However, the draw would not last long on the scoreboard. In the 52nd minute, a great through ball from Isco left Jesús Rodríguez one-on-one against Courtois, but the '36' could not finish due to a clear foul by Antonio Rüdiger. Hernández Hernández did not hesitate to award the penalty, booking the German defender. Isco himself took the penalty, curling his right-footed shot to leave Courtois with no chance as he guessed the side, but the shot was too well-placed.

With Madrid in shock, Ancelotti had no choice but to turn to the bench to seek a reaction from his team. Camavinga and Arda Güler came on for Brahim and Alaba, both booked. Despite the changes, Betis continued to control the match with Isco in 'crack' mode. The former 'Casa Blanca' player took charge of the midfield, dictating the tempo of a match that was played with strong tackles all night. Antony assisted 'Cucho' Hernández in the 67th minute, but the forward failed to finish against Courtois.

Minutes passed, and the 'merengues' did not react. With Mbappé erratic and Vinicius completely absent, it was time for the 'hero' from the first leg of the 'semis' of the Cup at Anoeta, Endrick. Manuel Pellegrini, on his part, brought on 'Chimy' Ávila for Jesús Rodríguez. The minutes went by, and Betis, logically, began to retreat into their half. Madrid, with more push than ideas, launched themselves for the equalizer, but their forwards were not sharp at all. Now, the 'Casa Blanca' may find the LaLiga lead further away, just before the Madrid derby in the Champions round of 16.

Match Technical Sheet: Real Betis 2-1 Real Madrid

• Betis, 2: Adrián; Sabaly (min. 81, Cédric), Bartra, Llorente, Ricardo Rodríguez; Johnny, Altimira; Jesús Rodríguez (min. 71, Ávila), Antony, Isco; 'Cucho' Hernández (min. 81, Aitor Ruibal).
• Real Madrid, 1: Courtois; Lucas, Rüdiger, Alaba (min. 59, Camavinga), Mendy (min. 84, Fran García); Tchouaméni, Modric, Brahim (min. 59, Arda Güler); Rodrygo, Vinicius, and Mbappé (min. 75, Endrick).
• Goals: 0-1, Brahim Díaz (min. 10); 1-1, Jhonny Cardozo (min. 34); 2-1, Isco Alarcón (min. 54, p.).
• Referee: Alejandro José Hernández Hernández. Booked Brahim for Real Madrid in the first half. In the second half, he also cautioned Alaba, Vinicius, and Rüdiger, the latter for committing a clear penalty on Jesús Rodríguez. For Betis, he also booked Isco and 'Chimy' Ávila.
• Stadium: Benito Villamarín (Sevilla).
• Incidents: match corresponding to matchday 26 of LaLiga EA Sports 2024-25.