Real Madrid missed the chance to steer three points clear at the top of the LaLiga standings after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis on Saturday evening.
LaLiga
Result: Real Betis 1-1 Real Madrid
Date: 09 December 2023
Venue: Estadio Benito Villamarín
Madrid made two changes to the side that beat Granada, as Lucas Vazquez and Luka Modric were recalled, with Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo leading the front line.
The game had fireworks from the off, as Betis caused Los Blancos problems, with former Madrid midfielder Isco coming close twice.
Carlo Ancelotti's charges were not holding back as 19 minutes into the game Diaz had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside.
Manuel Pellegrini's men were more threatening and around the hour-mark, Madrid were twice rescued by goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who kept out good efforts from Willian Jose and Ayoze Perez.
It was the chance of Betis shot-stopper Rui Silva to become the hero towards the end of the first stanza, as he stopped three big chances from the visitors, who came close via Modric, Toni Kroos and Antonio Rudiger.
Madrid were eventually clinical eight minutes after the break as Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock with a calm finish into the bottom corner after he chested Diaz's lofted pass.
Betis had the right reply as Aitor Ruibal levelled matters on 67 minutes with a long range shot that screamed over the dive of Lunin and into the top corner.
Ancelotti needed fresh legs in midfield with 20 minutes to go as Dani Ceballos replaced Modric and ten minutes later Joselu came on for Diaz for the same reason upfront.
The game was on the balance in the dying minutes and Isco almost snatched the winner for Betis in the last minute with a glancing header that came off the post.
Los Blancos also almost stole the three points in stoppage time after Joselu's one-on-one chance with Silva missed slightly wide of the far bottom post.
Lunin had to make a last-ditch save in the tail end as the sides shared the spoils and Madrid moved only one point clear at the top of the table, having played one more game than second-placed Girona.
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