Real Betis 1-1 Real Madrid: Vinicius 17; Bellerin 90+4
Real Madrid saw their already slim title hopes dealt a potentially fatal blow on Friday as Hector Bellerin scored a 94th-minute equaliser to snatch a 1-1 draw for Real Betis.
The result leaves Madrid eight points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, who can extend their advantage to 11 with a win against Getafe on Saturday. With only five matches remaining, Carlo Ancelotti’s side is running out of time.
Madrid controlled the first half and took a deserved lead in the 17th minute. Federico Valverde collected a loose ball in midfield and drove forward before unleashing a powerful shot from 35 yards. Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles got a hand to it but failed to hold on and Vinicius Junior reacted first, tapping the rebound into an empty net for his 125th goal for the club.
Jude Bellingham nearly doubled the advantage before the break, but Valles denied him with a sharp save. Betis responded after halftime. Andriy Lunin kept Madrid ahead with two strong saves, first diving to block a well-hit shot from Antony, then smothering an effort from Cucho Hernandez.
Madrid had chances to kill the game. Vinicius missed a clean look after a driving run down the left. Kylian Mbappe, who signalled to the bench to be substituted late on, had earlier fired over from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pass and later saw a goal ruled out for offside.
The visitors paid for their profligacy deep into stoppage time. With four of the added six minutes played, Madrid failed to clear a cross into the box. The ball bounced loose in a crowded area, and Bellerin reacted fastest, lashing a low shot inside the near post past a helpless Lunin.
