Isco grabbed a goal and an assist to help Real Betis to a 2-1 victory over former club Real Madrid, denying Carlo Ancelotti’s side the chance to go top of LaLiga.
It offers the chance for leaders Barcelona and third-placed Atletico Madrid to take advantage, with both in action on Sunday against Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao respectively.
Madrid edged into a 10th minute lead when Kylian Mbappe’s prodded pass found Ferland Mendy, who in turn squared the ball to Brahim Diaz to finish.
But Betis were level just after the half-hour mark when a corner-kick from Isco was met with a powerful header from Johnny Cardoso to restore parity in the contest.
Cardoso almost grabbed his and Betis’ second from another set-piece, but his headed effort was brilliantly repelled by Thibaut Courtois late in the first half.
But the hosts were ahead nine minutes after the restart when the lively Jesus Rodriguez was felled by Antonio Rudiger in the box, with the referee pointing to the spot.
And Isco, who spent nine years with Los Blancos from 2013 till 2022, stepped up and rifled the penalty beyond Courtois’ grasp and into the left-hand corner.
Betis should have increased their lead soon after, with Manchester United loanee Antony teeing up Cucho Hernandez, only for the Colombian to send his effort wide.
And the hosts were able to hold on comfortably for a victory that moves them up to sixth and extend their winning run in LaLiga to three matches.
Data Debrief: Away day struggles for Real
Ancelotti and Madrid have prided themselves on making the Bernabeu a fortress this season, with their record at home the joint-best in the division so far. However, it is their form away from home that could prove to be their downfall in their quest for the LaLiga title.
Madrid have not won either of their last three away games in LaLiga (D1 L2) and have now gone three or more games without an away win in the competition in a single season for the first time since May 2023 (L3).
They have also conceded three penalties in their last four LaLiga matches, the same as in their previous 85 games in the competition. In fact, they have gone into two consecutive away games with at least one penalty conceded for the first time since another run of two in May 2022.
But Betis were worthy of their win. Madrid faced 18 shots against Manuel Pellegrini’s side, the highest tally for Los Blancos this season in LaLiga, and the third-highest tally in any competition (20 vs Atalanta and 23 vs Brest, all three away).
