Real Betis 0-0 Real Madrid: Carlo Ancelotti’s side drop more points in La Liga title race

Real Madrid were held to a 0-0 draw against Real Betis as they suffered another blow to their title hopes.

In an entertaining game at Estadio Benito Villamarin, chances were few and far between as Betis defended well against a lively Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo on either Madrid flank.

Karim Benzema had the ball in the net after his free-kick just outside the box cruelly deflected beyond Claudio Bravo and nestled into the top corner, but the goal was disallowed as the ball had spun off Antonio Rudiger’s arm rather than a Betis defender.

Madrid posed the bigger threat in the first half, with Rodrygo and Vinicius especially causing problems down either flank, but the hosts defended well on numerous occasions.

Thibaut Courtois made a crucial save at the beginning of the second period, displaying a strong left hand to keep Borja Iglesias out from point-blank range.

The next big chance fell to Madrid, but Rodrygo – just a few yards in front of goal – sent Valverde’s inviting cross over the bar.

Neither side were able to find a winner, Betis remained resilient and fought hard for a well-earned draw, keeping their first clean sheet in five matches.

The result means Madrid are nine points behind league leaders Barcelona, while Betis sit just outside the top four, three points from the Champions League spots.

TALKING POINT – ARE MADRID OUT OF THE TITLE RACE?

They certainly have work to do. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are held to a goalless draw which means Los Blancos are now nine points behind league leaders Barcelona, with both teams having played the same number of games. Tonight was a must-win game for Madrid, especially with another El Clasico around the corner, which would have been a great opportunity for Madrid to really close the gap, had they won tonight.

It’s not over until it’s over, but dropping two precious points in a goalless draw against a team that haven’t kept a clean sheet in five matches, is a big, big blow for the Madridstas.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – YOUSSOUF SABALY (BETIS)

It’s no easy task, containing Vinicius Junior for 90 minutes, especially when he’s looking as sharp as ever. But that’s what Sabaly did. The more the game on, the more frustrated the Madrid winger became.

He got the better of Salaby a couple of times and was made to rely on the recovering German Pezzella to get him out of trouble, but in the end, he kept Vinicius off the scoresheet on a night the winger was easily in the mood for a goal or two. Job done.

MATCH RATINGS

Real Betis: Bravo 8, Miranda 7, Felipe 7, Pezzella 7, Sabaly 8, Carvalho 7, Roriguez 7, Rodri 8, Perez 6, Ruibal 8, Iglesias 5. Subs: Joaquin N/A, Henrique 6, Jose 6, Guardado 6, Abner N/A

Real Madrid: Courtois 8, Camavinga 7, Rudiger 7, Militao 8, Vazquez 6, Kroos 7, Tchouameni 7, Valverde 8, Vinicius 7, Rodrygo 7, Benzema 6. Subs: Rodriguez N/A, Cebellos 7, Fernandez 6, Carvajal 7

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

12’ – GOAL DISALLOWED! Karim Benzema’s free-kick just outside the box deflects off the wall and into the top corner! Hang on… Replays show that the deflection came off Antonio Rudiger’s arm rather than a Betis defender and the referee is sent to the monitor… As expected, it’s chalked off and it remains 0-0.

36’ – VINICIUS FIRES WELL OVER! Camavinga gets high up the pitch from left back and pulls a low cross back to Vinicius, who has lots of space in the box but leans back, and sends his shot miles over. That was a very good chance.

53’ – HUGE SAVE FROM COURTOIS! Valverde is dispossessed by Miranda who finds Iglesias in the box, but his point-blank effort is kept out by a strong Courtois hand! How important could that prove to be?!

61’ – BIG CHANCE FOR MADRID! Valverde plays a superb ball towards Rodrygo and it’s on a plate for the Brazilian, who sends the ball over the bar!

75’ – CEBALLOS GOES CLOSE! Carvajal picks out his fellow substitute in the box but the midfielder’s first-time effort fizzes wide.

KEY STAT

• The pattern may be broken, but Madrid make it five out of eight clean sheets on the road in La Liga.