Real Betis Stuns Real Madrid with Isco’s Decisive Penalty in 2-1 Victory
SEVILLE: Real Madrid’s pursuit of the La Liga title hit a stumbling block as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Real Betis, with former Los Blancos midfielder Isco sealing the win from the penalty spot.
Isco’s crucial spot-kick secured a well-earned victory for Betis, keeping Madrid level on points with league leaders Barcelona, who are set to face Real Sociedad on Sunday.
The visitors took an early lead at the Benito Villamarin Stadium when Brahim Diaz finished off an impressive team move, but Betis responded with a powerful header from Johnny Cardoso. Isco then converted a second-half penalty to ensure the home side walked away with all three points.
“It takes so much effort to win, especially against Madrid, who have incredible depth. It was a tough match,” Isco admitted in an interview with Movistar. “Around midway through the first half, we stepped up, and I’m happy with the win against one of the best teams in the world.”
Returning to action in December after recovering from a broken leg, the 32-year-old midfielder expressed his affection for his former club, stating that Real Madrid will always hold a special place in his heart.
Despite an upcoming Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti fielded a strong lineup, determined to maintain pressure in the title race. Madrid started on the front foot, breaking the deadlock in the 10th minute after a sequence of 19 precise passes.
Kylian Mbappe sliced through the Betis defense with a perfectly timed ball to Ferland Mendy, who squared it to Diaz for a clinical finish.
Betis gradually found their rhythm, and although clear chances were scarce, they managed to level the score midway through the first half. Cardoso capitalized on a defensive lapse, heading home Isco’s corner past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Manchester United loanee Antony, whose red card from last weekend was overturned, played a key role in Betis’ attacking efforts. Meanwhile, Courtois made a crucial save after Aurelien Tchouameni inadvertently deflected the ball toward his own goal.
Madrid struggled to maintain control in midfield, feeling the absence of the suspended Jude Bellingham, while Betis grew in confidence. Their dominance paid off early in the second half when Antonio Rudiger brought down Jesus Rodriguez inside the box.
Isco, experiencing a resurgence at Betis, stepped up and confidently slotted home the penalty, marking his sixth goal across all competitions this season.
Madrid was fortunate not to concede another penalty when Tchouameni made contact with Ricardo Rodriguez inside the box, while Cucho Hernandez narrowly missed a chance to extend Betis’ lead.
With 15 minutes remaining, Ancelotti substituted Mbappe, who had been dealing with dental issues, for Brazilian teenager Endrick, fresh off a Copa del Rey goal earlier in the week.
Endrick fired an effort wide, while Betis goalkeeper Adrian denied Vinicius Junior’s long-range strike as Madrid failed to find an equalizer, leaving them frustrated in their title chase.
