Madrid leaves Betis's field scalded

BarcelonaReal Madrid have lost 2-1 at Betis, a result that opens the door for Barça to consolidate their first position in the league if they beat Real Sociedad (9pm). The Whites took the lead with a goal from Brahim Diaz in the first half, but Cardozo and Isco turned the score around from a penalty. It was a game where Isco prevailed over Modric, in the duel of veteran midfielders.

Carlo Ancelotti has made rotations, conditioned to the Benito Villamarín by the important absences of Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham, the two players who cover the most kilometres in defensive work in each game, as well as Dani Ceballos. But Madrid started strong, with Mbappé very electric. When Brahim scored with an assist from Vinicius, it was not a surprise. But little by little Betis has grown, with two chances before Johnny Cardoso's header meant the tie.

Real Madrid already knew that to win they had to match Betis' intensity, three days before the Champions League match against Atlético Madrid. But Isco played like an angel. Everything came from his boots, giving meaning to each attack, seeing spaces to launch precise passes when Ancelotti's team was looking for victory. Madrid could have scored with a great move by Kylan Mbappé solved by Bartra, but it was Betis who scored after a serious error by Álava and Rudiger, committing a penalty on the young Jesús Rodríguez. Isco did not fail.