Real Betis Come from Behind to Defeat Real Madrid in LaLiga Thriller

Real Betis stunned Real Madrid with a 2-1 comeback win, extending their unbeaten run to eight LaLiga matches.

Real Betis pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Real Madrid 2-1, securing only their second win in the last 11 home LaLiga meetings against Los Blancos.

Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid started strongly, taking the lead just 10 minutes into the game. A well-crafted move, characterized by patient build-up play, culminated in Kylian Mbappe slipping the ball through to Ferland Mendy. The French full-back then selflessly cut the ball back to Brahim Diaz, who converted the opportunity with ease.

Real Madrid continued to dominate possession, effortlessly playing around their hosts, Real Betis, at Estadio Benito Villamarin. Rodrygo's header onto the roof of the net highlighted Los Blancos' control, while the home crowd grew increasingly frustrated with referee Alejandro Hernandez's decisions.

FT: #RealBetisRealMadrid 2-1

Isco scores the winner on a rainy night in Seville. 💚#LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/hBVACWo2rU

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) March 1, 2025

Despite their initial struggles, Real Betis began to show more intent as the first half progressed. Ricardo Rodriguez's speculative strike from range in the 22nd minute marked their first attempt, followed by Marc Bartra's instinctive shot wide and Jesus Rodriguez's failed attempt to connect with a Youssouf Sabaly cross. However, the hosts' persistence paid off in the 34th minute.

Johnny Cardoso met Isco's cross with a powerful header that beat Thibaut Courtois, despite the goalkeeper's best efforts, to level the score. Cardoso almost scored again from another corner in the final seconds of the first half, but his header took a deflection off Aurelien Tchouameni, and Courtois made a brilliant save to tip it wide.

The second half saw Real Betis continue to push forward, with Cardoso and Cucho Hernandez having shots blocked, while Bartra made a crucial intervention to halt Kylian Mbappe's progress. The decisive moment came when Isco released Jesus, who was brought down by Antonio Rudiger, earning a penalty. Isco stepped up to take the spot-kick and scored, despite Courtois guessing correctly, to give Real Betis the lead.

Following the opening goal, Real Betis continued to push forward, with Arda Guler's shot blocked by Ricardo shortly after his introduction. Meanwhile, Los Verdiblancos also had a chance through Hernández, whose attempt narrowly missed the target, trickling agonizingly wide.

As the match wore on, Real Madrid began to apply pressure, but their efforts were ultimately in vain. Endrick fired a shot wide, while Adrian made a crucial save to deny Vinicius Junior's effort from distance. In the end, Real Betis held on to secure a vital 2-1 victory, extending their impressive run to just one defeat in their last nine LaLiga matches. The win propelled them to sixth place in the standings.

The defeat marked a disappointing milestone for Real Madrid, who have now gone winless in three consecutive away league matches in the same season for the first time since May 2023. More significantly, Los Blancos remain behind Barcelona in the standings and are now at risk of being overtaken by Atletico Madrid.