Real Madrid’s title challenge suffered a setback as former player Isco Alarcón orchestrated Real Betis’ comeback in a 2-1 victory over the reigning Spanish league champions on Saturday.
Madrid had taken an early lead through Brahim Díaz, but Isco played a key role in turning the match around.
The 32-year-old midfielder delivered a precise corner kick in the 34th minute, allowing Johnny Cardoso to rise unchallenged and head the ball past Thibaut Courtois, leveling the score.
Isco then put Betis ahead in the 54th minute from the penalty spot after linking up with Jesús Rodríguez, whose run into the box was halted by Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger.
The converted penalty sealed a well-earned win for the hosts at the Benito Villamarín Stadium.
Madrid, which had been leading the league, now finds itself level on points with Barcelona, which hosts Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Atletico Madrid trails by just one point ahead of its clash with fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao later on Saturday.
Kylian Mbappé returned to Madrid’s starting lineup after missing the previous game due to a dental issue.
However, coach Carlo Ancelotti opted to substitute him with 15 minutes left, likely keeping Tuesday’s Champions League round-of-16 fixture against Atletico Madrid in mind.
“We weren’t able to keep our initiative and the result got away from us,” Ancelotti admitted after the match. “This is a hard blow, and we have to react. Today we didn’t play well.”
Madrid has now managed just one win in its last five league outings, a slump that includes a defeat to Espanyol.
Isco, once a key figure at Madrid, left the club three years ago after winning five Champions League titles but struggling for playing time.
Now at Betis, he showcased his enduring quality, proving to be the most influential player on the pitch.
Despite his starring role, Isco credited his teammates for the victory. “Madrid has the best players and a million different ways it can hurt you, so if it weren’t for the hard work of the entire team, we wouldn’t have been able to do this,” he said. The playmaker also expressed gratitude for his time at Madrid.
Having recovered from a leg injury that likely cost him a spot in Spain’s Euro 2024 squad, Isco has returned to top form since December.
His recent performances have reignited his desire to wear the national team jersey again.
“It is a dream of any player to play for his national team,” Isco remarked. “I haven’t played for Spain in six, seven years, so of course I would like to.”
Madrid had initially looked in control when Mbappé played Ferland Mendy through on goal, with the left-back setting up Brahim Díaz for the opener. However, Betis responded strongly.
Isco’s well-placed corner allowed Cardoso to power a header through Courtois’ arms. As the rain poured down, Courtois was forced into an outstanding save to deny another Cardoso header in first-half injury time.
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini, who once coached Madrid, praised his team’s resilience. “We went for the win and generated more scoring chances than they did,” he said. “They played better in the first 15 minutes and deserved their goal, but from there on it was our match.”
Madrid was without Jude Bellingham, serving the second of a two-game suspension for directing profane language at a referee.
The squad was also missing Dani Ceballos due to a leg injury and Federico Valverde, who was recovering from a minor knock.
Betis had injury concerns as well, with key midfielders William Carvalho and Marc Roca unavailable.
Despite their absences, Betis rose to the occasion, while Madrid left the pitch frustrated, knowing its title hopes had taken a significant hit.
