By Sachit Subba • Football • Apr 25, 2026 02:30 AM • 36 views
Real Madrid’s fading La Liga title hopes took a serious hit at the Estadio de la Cartuja. A big defensive mistake in the fourth minute of stoppage time let Real Betis grab a 1-1 draw. The draw leaves Alvaro Arbeloa’s team eight points behind leaders Barcelona with only five matches left—a gap that could grow to eleven points if Hansi Flick’s side beats Getafe on Saturday. Vinícius Júnior gave the visitors a 17th-minute lead by scoring from a rebound after Federico Valverde’s strong shot. Madrid did not take advantage of their chances. Kylian Mbappé had a goal ruled out for offside, and both Jude Bellingham and Mbappé missed clear chances to secure the win.
Andriy Lunin made several important saves to keep Betis from scoring for most of the match. But late in the game, Ferland Mendy lost the ball, and Hector Bellerin scored to tie it. Real Madrid had already been knocked out of the Champions League, and now this draw may mean a season with no trophies—their fifth of this century. They must hope for a Barcelona slip-up as they prepare for a crucial Clásico at Camp Nou.
