Real Madrid was beaten to a 0-0 draw against Real Betis on Sunday, dropping nine points behind league-leading Barcelona.
Ayoze Perez of Real Betis took the first effort, which goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois deflected over the crossbar before Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema had a goal disallowed for touching Antonio Rudiger's arm with a free kick.
After the break, Claudio Bravo denied Karim Benzema and Thibaut Courtois stopped Borja Iglesias at point-blank range, respectively. Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes then squandered what may have been the game's greatest opportunity by heading Federico Valverde's cross-off goal.
Rapid reaction
1. Is the La Liga title race over as Real Madrid keeps losing ground?
Real Madrid will continue to compete until the end of the season because the club's high standards demand no less, but after this draw, Barcelona's lead over the competition's leaders increased to nine points. It is difficult to imagine how Barca's effective if unspectacular, team led by manager Xavi could lose that advantage.
The performance of Real Madrid here was not subpar. Real Betis are a strong club, and Stadium Benito Villamarin is a commanding venue, but Madrid was the stronger team, controlling possession, creating more opportunities, and winning the match with 1.21 anticipated goals to Betis' 0.41. They were annoyed by some sloppy finishing and Claudio Bravo's competent performance in the Betis goal.
Yet Madrid's squad's weaknesses were on full show as they searched for the winning goal. The substitutions of defenders Dani Carvajal and Nacho, midfielder Dani Ceballos, and youngster Alvaro Rodriguez all came in before the coach Carlo Ancelotti finally used the offensive options off the bench in the 87th minute.
Although a 0-0 draw in this match is not embarrassing, it is a stinging blow for Madrid since they just could not afford to lose any more ground in the championship chase.
2. Rodrygo almost made up for Madrid's below-par attack
Another game that raised questions about Karim Benzema's potential to reach the extraordinary performance levels that won him the Ballon d'Or last season. Even though his free kick accidentally touched Rudiger's arm as it into the goal, the 35-year-night old's was otherwise frustratingly quiet.
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Karim Benzema of Real Madrid reacts during the La Liga match against Real Betis at Estadio Benito Villamarin on March 5, 2023, in Seville, Spain. Fran Santiago/Getty Images |
Rodrygo, who had the option to play in his preferred position inside, behind a center-forward, with the flexibility to move around, and Valverde guarding the right side, was Madrid's greatest offensive player. His shrewd mobility, close control, and capacity to engage opponents are the finest utilized in this function. Just a poor second-half miss let him down.
Vinicius Junior has shown danger at times but was also distracted by arguments with Betis players and the referee, giving late replacement Alvaro little opportunity to make a difference. Madrid's inability to score in this game strengthened the argument for them to add a top-tier attacker this summer.
3. Betis impress without best players, poised for Champions League
They demonstrated here why they are strong candidates to finish in the top four of La Liga at the start of a momentous week for the club, which includes a Europa League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Nabil Fekir and Sergio Canales, two of their most creative midfielders, were out, but they were still able to push Madrid to the brink. If Thibaut Courtois' signature saves hadn't been made, they may have won all three points.
Now in fifth place and three points behind Real Sociedad, Betis has the team to compete at the highest level despite the dual demands of La Liga and European football for the time being. A top-four finish is absolutely necessary to earn a Champions League place.
Best and worst performers
Best: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid
He was Madrid's greatest player and made it difficult for Betis to advance on the right.
Best: Claudio Bravo, Real Betis
The goalkeeper made a number of important saves.
Best: Aitor Ruibal, Real Betis
He was considered Betis' most threatening attacker, even though the breakthrough never materialized.
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Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid pauses with the ball during Sunday's La Liga match against Real Betis. Fermin Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images |
Worst: Borja Iglesias, Real Betis
He struggled during his attack that night and was unsuccessful.
Worst: Karim Benzema, Real Madrid
The top striker for Real Madrid once again put in a lackluster effort, and the goal was once again disallowed.
Worst: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid
He was unable to exert his usual influence in midfield.
Highlights and notable moments
Given that the score was 0-0, there weren't many highlights in this game.
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After the match: What the managers and players said
Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Real Madrid, on the performance: "It was a challenging game, mostly because we could have attacked more effectively, had more opportunities, and performed better when we did. We weren't very effective. This is the situation; the fact that we have only scored from a set piece in these games shows where we need to improve. While we are qualified, we must work harder, more effectively, and more clinically. In times like this, we need to get better."
On Real Madrid's chances of winning the La Liga championship, Ancelotti says: "It is feasible, so yes, it is possible. It isn't impossible. While it is incredibly challenging, we will persevere and see what happens. The fact that Madrid has only scored one goal from a set piece in three league games is pretty remarkable. It's odd since we won by five at Anfield."
Ancelotti explains why his squad didn't throw more balls into the box to make Real Betis play a stronger defense: "I concur. Sometimes we didn't select the greatest option; [Eder] Militao and Rudiger had a great game in defense, but we missed selecting the best option, dribbling when it wasn't necessary, attempting a one-two, and passing rather than shooting. It is a group issue rather than an individual one."
Right-back for Real Madrid Lucas Vazquez's performance: "We missed being a little bit more efficient in the last third, that final ball, to be able to generate clearer opportunities, so the team deserved to achieve something more here. We are not at all pleased with the draw."
If the title chase is over, according to Vazquez "In no way. In March. We are aware of how challenging and wide the distance is, but we are determined to close it and will fight until the very end."
Key stats (provided by ESPN Stats & Information research)
- Real Madrid has been kept out for the fourth time in their last 11 games after scoring in their first 29 games this season in all competitions.
- Real Madrid has had seven goals in La Liga this season reversed by VAR, more than any other side in Europe's top five leagues, including AC Milan (six), RB Leipzig, and Juventus (five each).
Up next
Real Betis: When Los Verdiblancos travel to Manchester United on Thursday, March 9, they turn their attention to the UEFA Europa League. Next, on Sunday, March 12, Real Betis travels to Villarreal in La Liga.
Real Madrid: On March 11, the Los Blancos will welcome Espanyol to resume their La Liga season. Later, on March 15, Real Madrid will host Liverpool in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League.
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