The Championship Race is On. Isco's Wicked Genius Helps Betis Beat Real for the First Time in 5 Years
On March 1, in the 26th round of the Spanish La Liga, Real Madrid played away against Betis. The match in Seville ended unexpectedly, much to the delight of the "Whites'" main competitors.
Ancelotti's men took the lead in the 10th minute when Brahim Diaz capitalized on a pass from Ferland Mendy. Real had no serious chances in the first half, while Betis found the strength to equalize. Isco's corner delivery was turned into a goal by Johnny Cardoso.
Early in the second half, Antonio Rüdiger conceded a penalty to Courtois' net. Former Real player Isco stepped up and confidently outplayed the Belgian goalkeeper.
Notably, this goal was Isco's second against Real. He first scored in 2012 while playing for Malaga, then managed by current Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini.
In the remaining time, the visitors held the advantage, but there was little threat to Adrian's goal. The referee's final whistle confirmed Betis' 2-1 victory.
Barcelona and Atletico can take advantage of the reigning Spanish champion's slip-up. The "Colchoneros" will face Athletic Bilbao, while the Catalans will host Real Sociedad on March 2.
Alex Olise
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
