LaLiga: Real Madrid stumble in title pursuit following 0-0 draw with Betis

Real Madrid fired another blank as their LaLiga title hopes were further dented in a goalless draw away at Real Betis.

The reigning champions knew there was no real margin for error at Estadio Benito Villamarin following Barcelona’s narrow 1-0 home win over Valencia earlier on Sunday.

However, on the back of failing to register an attempt on target in their 1-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg loss to Barca, Madrid once again failed to click in attack.

Karim Benzema had a first-half goal ruled out by VAR, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side were otherwise subdued as they could only close the gap on leaders Barca to nine points.

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Benzema thought he had given Madrid the lead with a superb free-kick early on, but it was ruled out after a VAR check due to the ball brushing Antonio Rudiger’s arm in the wall.

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While the visitors were unable to get a shot on target prior to half-time, Betis twice tested Thibaut Courtois, with Ayoze Perez forcing the Madrid goalkeeper into a good stop.

Claudio Bravo finally had something to do early in the second period when pushing aside Benzema’s first-time effort from near the penalty spot.

Betis continued to look threatening and would have been in front if not for a big Courtois save to thwart Borja Iglesias, who had time to set himself and get a shot away in the box.

Rodrygo and Dani Ceballos both fired off target from good positions as Madrid, who started with Lucas Vazquez and Eduardo Camavinga at full-back, continued to toil.

Bravo stood firm in the Betis goal in a nervy conclusion to ensure the points were shared in Andalusia.