Real Betis outshines Real Madrid in an intense La Liga battle, with Isco Alarcón leading the charge in a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory at Benito Villamarin Stadium in Sevilla on Sunday, March 2, 2025, in the early hours of the morning.
Former Madrid player Isco played a pivotal role in securing the win, delivering a corner kick that was headed in by Johnny Cardoso in the 34th minute, canceling out Brahim Díaz’s opening goal for Madrid. Isco then put Betis ahead with a penalty kick in the 54th minute. His assist to Jesus Rodríguez led to a foul by Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger inside the penalty box. Madrid now faces the risk of falling three points behind Barcelona at the top of the table if Barcelona defeats Real Sociedad later that evening. Atletico Madrid, just one point behind, is set to face fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao.
Kylian Mbappé returned as a starter for Madrid after missing a game due to dental issues, with coach Carlo Ancelotti substituting him with 15 minutes remaining, likely to prepare for the Champions League Round of 16 match against Atletico on Tuesday.
“We couldn’t maintain our initiative, and the results have been slipping away from us,” Ancelotti lamented. “It’s a tough blow, and we need to react. Today, we didn’t play well.”
Madrid, previously leading the league, now struggles with only one win in their last five matches, including a loss to Espanyol.
Isco’s return to torment his former team adds a layer of intrigue to the match. Leaving Madrid three years ago after winning five Champions League titles, the 32-year-old midfielder found himself on the bench after losing his starting position. However, he proved to be the most influential player at Benito Villamarin Stadium.
Isco credited his teammates for the victory, acknowledging Madrid’s formidable lineup and diverse attacking strategies. “Madrid has the best players and a million different ways to hurt you, so if it weren’t for the hard work of our entire team, we wouldn’t have been able to do this,” Isco remarked. He expressed gratitude for his time at Madrid, emphasizing that he remains thankful despite the challenges.
The midfield maestro also addressed his recovery from a leg injury that sidelined him from Spain’s national team during the summer’s European Championship. Returning to the field in December, Isco showcased a seamless performance, undeterred by his absence.
“It’s every player’s dream to represent their national team,” Isco shared after the victory. “I haven’t played for Spain for six or seven years, so of course, I want to do it.”
Madrid started strong, with Mbappé assisting Ferland Mendy, who in turn set up Brahim Diaz for the opening goal. However, Isco’s curved corner kick found Cardoso unmarked at the penalty spot, heading in the equalizer past Thibaut Courtois. As rain poured down, Courtois made a remarkable save to deny Cardoso’s header just before halftime.
Coach Manuel Pellegrini commended his team’s defensive efforts as they thwarted Madrid’s attempts to bounce back after Isco put Betis ahead from the penalty spot. “We aimed for victory and created more goal-scoring opportunities than they did,” Pellegrini, a former Madrid coach, stated. “They played better in the first 15 minutes and deserved their goal, but from then on, it was our game.”
Madrid was without Jude Bellingham, serving a two-game suspension for verbally abusing a referee. Dani Ceballos was sidelined with a leg injury, and Federico Valverde was still recovering from an unspecified knock. Betis also had key players on the injury list, including midfielders William Carvalho and Marc Roca.
Dodi Lukebakio continued to shine in an otherwise lackluster Sevilla season, scoring his 11th league goal in the 81st minute to secure a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano. Celta Vigo also settled for a 2-2 draw against Girona.
The clash between Real Betis and Real Madrid showcased a thrilling display of skill, determination, and resilience, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in the La Liga title race.
