Madrid held at the Villamarín

Real Madrid gave it their all, but couldn't get the better of Betis at the Benito Villamarín in a match played at high intensity and where our side had several chances to score. The game kicked off at a furious pace and both teams were clearly set up to attack. The home side got the first chance of the game when Ayoze fired in a long-range effort in the 9th minute, but Courtois pulled off a good save to deny them. Benzema had the ball in the net three minutes later with a free-kick, but the goal was ruled out due to a handball by Rüdiger, who was in the wall, after Soto Grado went across to the monitor to watch the action.

An end-to-end game and it was Real Madrid who had the next dangerous chance. Valverde's powerful effort skimmed the crossbar in the 32nd minute. Vini Jr. had an even better chance four minutes later. Camavinga broke down the left flank and his cross picked out the Brazilian, who shot over from the penalty spot.

The second half started with the same fast pace and some more chances. Betis had the first opportunity with a long-range shot from Ruibal in the 46th minute, which took a deflection but didn't catch Courtois out. Madrid responded three minutes later. After a great individual run from Vini Jr. on the left flank, he pulled a pass back for Benzema, who shot from inside the area with his left foot only to be denied by Bravo's fists. Almost immediately, Borja Iglesias was in front of Courtois, who did brilliantly to keep the ball out in the 53rd minute.  

Penalty not awarded
The danger continued to come and go. Madrid's quick counter ended with a cross from Valverde in the 61st minute and a dangerous shot from Rodrygo inside the area that went high. More chances were to come. Carvajal crossed into the box in the 75th minute and Ceballos' first-time shot grazed the post. In the next opportunity, Vini Jr. tried his luck after a long pass from Kroos, but his shot from a tight angle was turned behind for a corner by Bravo. Soto Grado failed to award a penalty for a foul by William Carvalho on Benzema in the 79th minute.

Betis were now pinned back in their area and Real Madrid continued to press for the win. Another Carvajal cross in the 77th minute for a Nacho header tested Bravo once again. From then until the end, Ancelotti's side dominated, but they were unable to find the goal that would give them the victory the deserved.