Actual Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Actual Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger conflict with Actual Betis’ Marc Bartra as Actual Madrid’s Arda Guler intervenes on March 1, 2025. — Reuters
SEVILLE: Actual Madrid’s hopes of retaining their La Liga title took successful on Saturday as they fell 2-1 to Actual Betis, with former participant Isco sealing the win from the penalty spot.
Isco scored the winner from the penalty spot in opposition to his former aspect, who’re stage on factors with league leaders Barcelona, who face Actual Sociedad on Sunday.
Atletico Madrid, third, host Athletic Bilbao in a while Saturday and might transfer high with a victory.
The guests took the lead on the Benito Villamarin stadium via Brahim Diaz, however Betis struck again with a Johnny Cardoso header.
Isco secured the Andalusian aspect a deserved victory with a penalty early within the second half.
“I’m dead… it takes so much work to win games, against Madrid, who have so many options, it’s very hard,” an exhausted Isco advised Movistar.
“About halfway through the first half we stepped up our game, and I’m happy with the win against the best team around these days.”
Isco returned to motion in December after lacking a number of months with a damaged leg.
The 32-year-old playmaker stated he all the time has “Madrid in my heart” after successful a number of main trophies with the Spanish giants earlier than departing in 2022.
Actual Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti picked a robust line-up, with no respiratory room within the title race, regardless of Tuesday’s impending Champions League conflict in opposition to metropolis rivals Atletico.
Madrid began the stronger and opened the scoring after simply 10 minutes, placing collectively a nice staff transfer with 19 passes earlier than Diaz tucked residence.
Kylian Mbappe sliced open the Betis defence with a ball to Ferland Mendy in entrance of purpose, and the defender squared for Diaz to transform.
Betis discovered their footing, and neither staff was in a position to create hazard till the hosts levelled halfway via the primary half.
Cardoso powered a header previous Thibaut Courtois from Isco’s nook after escaping the eye of Madrid’s defence.
Manchester United winger Antony, on mortgage at Betis, was despatched off final weekend, however his purple card was revoked, enabling him to face Madrid, and he was more and more concerned.
Courtois pulled off an outstanding save after a ball bounced in direction of his purpose off the again of Aurelien Tchouameni.
Madrid started to lose the ball incessantly and missed the suspended Jude Bellingham’s dynamism in midfield.
Betis had been within the ascendancy and took the lead early within the second half from the penalty spot when Antonio Rudiger crashed into Jesus Rodriguez as he ran in on purpose.
Isco, having fun with a renaissance at Betis, smashed residence from the spot in opposition to his former aspect for his sixth purpose throughout all competitions.
Tchouameni was lucky to get away with clipping Ricardo Rodriguez inside Madrid’s space, and Cucho Hernandez dragged a shot extensive of Courtois’ far put up when properly positioned.
For the ultimate quarter-hour, Ancelotti changed Mbappe, who had dental bother forward of the sport, with Brazilian teenager Endrick, who had scored within the Copa del Rey in midweek.
Endrick fired extensive, and Betis goalkeeper Adrian saved out a stinging drive from vary by Vinicius as Madrid got here up quick.
