Betis Real Madrid

Real Madrid ended a difficult week with a frustrating 0-0 draw at Real Betis on Sunday that did little to enhance their prospects of catching Barcelona in ...

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Real Madrid were held to a 0-0 draw against Real Betis as they suffered another blow to their La Liga title hopes.

Camavinga gets high up the pitch from left back and pulls a low cross back to Vinicius, who has lots of space in the box but leans back, and sends his shot miles over. Replays show that the deflection came off Antonio Rudiger's arm rather than a Betis defender and the referee is sent to the monitor… Karim Benzema's free-kick just outside the box deflects off the wall and into the top corner! 61’ - BIG CHANCE FOR MADRID! Carlo Ancelotti’s side are held to a goalless draw which means Los Blancos are now nine points behind league leaders Barcelona, with both teams having played the same number of games. Subs: Joaquin N/A, Henrique 6, Jose 6, Guardado 6, Abner N/A

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tipped an early shot from Real Betis forward Ayoze Perez over the bar before striker Karim Benzema had a goal for Real Madrid ...

Then, Real Madrid host Liverpool in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, March 15. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti on the performance: "It was a difficult game, above all because we could have been more efficient in attack, we had chances, we could have done better with them. Sometimes we didn't choose the best solution, [Eder] Militao played a fantastic game in defence with Rudiger, but we lacked that, choosing the best solution, dribbling when you shouldn't, trying a one-two, passing instead of shooting. That's the reality, in these games we've only scored from a set piece, it's obvious what's lacking, we have to be more effective. The best of Madrid's attack was Rodrygo, enjoying the rare opportunity to play in his favoured role -- inside, behind a centre-forward, with freedom to roam, and with Fede Valverde covering the right-hand side. We have the quality, we have to do better, more efficient, more clinical. It's a role that gets the best out of his intelligent movement, close control and ability to take players on. Vinicius Junior looked dangerous at times, but distracted at others, getting caught up in disputes with Betis players and the referee, while late substitute Alvaro barely had any time to make an impact. As Madrid chased a winner, however, the limitations of their squad were on display. Yes, he was a little unlucky that his free kick brushed Rudiger's arm on its way into the net, but otherwise, this was a disappointingly quiet night for the 35-year-old. They were frustrated by some poor finishing, and a solid display by veteran Claudio Bravo in the Betis goal. Real Betis are a good team and the Estadio Benito Villamarin is an intimidating arena, but Madrid were the better side, dominating possession, creating more chances and ending the game with an xG, or expected goals, of 1.21 to Betis' 0.41.