Real Madrid missed a golden opportunity to claim the top spot in La Liga after a surprising 2-1 defeat to Real Betis on Saturday. Former Madrid star Isco proved to be the difference, converting a second-half penalty to seal the win against his old club.
The loss leaves Real Madrid level on 54 points with current leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand and will face Real Sociedad on Sunday. Third-placed Atletico Madrid, just one point behind, could leapfrog both teams if they secure a win against Athletic Bilbao later in the day.
“I’m dead, exhausted. In the end, it’s very hard to win games against Madrid, who have millions of resources,” Isco told Movistar after being named man of the match. “I’m happy for the win against the best team out there today. Hopefully, we can finish the year in the best possible way.”
Madrid started strong, taking the lead in the 10th minute when Brahim Díaz tapped in Ferland Mendy’s cross after a brilliant through ball from Kylian Mbappé. However, Betis fought back and leveled the score in the 34th minute with Johnny Cardoso’s close-range header from an Isco corner.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois kept Madrid in the game with a crucial save to deny Cardoso a second goal just before halftime. Despite his efforts, Courtois couldn’t prevent Isco from netting a clinical penalty nine minutes into the second half, following Antonio Rüdiger’s foul on Jesús Rodríguez.
Real Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti attempted to revitalize the attack by introducing Arda Güler and Endrick, but Betis’s defense held firm. Goalkeeper Adrián made a vital save late in the game to deny Vinícius Jr., securing all three points for Betis.
“We started off a bit off the pace, letting them play too much, and they hurt us. But the team improved halfway through the first half,” Isco added. “I am always grateful to Madrid for having helped me fulfill all the dreams a child has, and I will always have Madrid in my heart.”
The victory moves Real Betis up to sixth place with 38 points, occupying the final European qualification spot. Real Madrid will need to regroup quickly as the title race intensifies in the coming weeks.
