Real Madrid vs. Real Betis Balompie.
Photo: CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images
In a match that was played frantically for more than 90 minutes, Real Madrid could not get past Real Betis Balompié at the Estadio Benito Villamarín and served the La Liga title to FC Barcelona on a silver platter.
Those led by Carlo Ancelotti were dominated in various sections of the first half by the Andalusian team that arrived with some casualties such as Fekir or Canales.
The Madrid side went ahead on the scoreboard after 12 minutes thanks to a beautifully crafted goal from a direct free kick executed by Karim Benzema on the edge of the area. However, the goal would not go up on the scoreboard as the ball first touched the hand of defender Antonio Rüdiger.
The action had to be reviewed by the main César Soto Grado and the goal ended up being annulled. For the second half, Betis had to sacrifice control of the match and possession to defend the attacks of Madrid, which went head-on in search of victory.
The commitment did not enjoy many opportunities in both goals, saving a couple of saves from Thibaut Courtois on one side and Claudio Bravo on the other.
Mexican Andrés Guardado came on in the 79th minute to replace Portuguese midfielder William Carvalho who had been booked. The Aztec player could contribute little to the impact of the match, although in the 85th minute he cut off a dangerous counterattack from Rodrygo on the right wing.
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