Real Betis 0-0 Real Madrid: Real Madrid has suffered another damage in the Spanish title fight. Real Betis turned out to be too tough an opponent for Los Blancos.
After two setbacks – 1-1 in La Liga against Atlético Madrid and 0-1 defeat against Barcelona in the battle for the Copa del Rey – Real Madrid could use a positive result. Barcelona’s win, which had struggled to beat Valencia earlier in the day, also necessitated a win over Real Betis.
The Royal quickly thought it had the desired support. Karim Benzema walked away cheering in the twelfth minute after seeing the ball go into the top corner from a free kick. The party was spoiled by the VAR, who had seen hands from Toni Rüdiger and convinced referee César Soto.
Real Betis, which had entered the battle for the Champions League tickets with three victories in a row, proved to be a formidable opponent for the visitors. Thibaut Courtois saved his team from falling behind with some great saves.
Real Madrid, in turn, failed to break open the game. Particularly after the break, Carlo Ancelotti’s team had plenty of chances. Substitutes Rodrygo and Dani Ceballos failed to break the spell. In a promising position, they chased the ball next to or over Real Betis’ goal.
Due to the goalless draw, Real Madrid is nine points behind leader Barcelona after 24 matches. Real Betis remains fifth in La Liga.
Xavi explained to Spanish media that De Jong’s substitution was a precaution
In the absence of the injured Pedri and the suspended Gavi, De Jong still started in the starting line-up, just like last Thursday in the Cup cracker against Real Madrid, but the 25-year-old midfielder made way for Franck Kessié at halftime.
Afterwards, Xavi explained to Spanish media that the substitution was a precaution. He said, “Frenkie had problems with his hamstring, he was already tired after the match in Bernabéu. There is no injury, but there are problems that could get worse. We exchanged it as a precaution.”
It is reassuring news, now that Barcelona, in addition to Pedri, is also missing Ousmane Dembélé and Robert Lewandowski due to injuries. After a difficult start, De Jong has grown into a supporting force this season and has already played 32 times under Xavi.
