In an exhilarating La Liga clash, Real Betis staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Saturday evening, a result that has compelling implications for the title race. Brahim Diaz initially put the visitors ahead, scoring just ten minutes into the match, but it was former Madrid star Isco who played a pivotal role in securing Betis’s victory.
Isco apologises to Real Madrid fans for what he did during Real Betis win
Isco, who enjoyed a stellar nine-year tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu, assisting and scoring during the encounter, delivered the corner that led to Johnny Cardoso’s equaliser just before half-time. The Betis captain then converted a penalty in the 54th minute after Antonio Rudiger fouled Jesús Rodríguez, igniting a passionate celebration in front of the home fans.
Isco’s heartfelt knee-slide and ensuing celebration did not appear excessively provocative, yet he nonetheless felt compelled to address the situation afterwards.
A Sincere Apology to Madrid Fans
“I apologise to Real Madrid fans for my celebration,” Isco stated post-match. “I am very grateful to Real Madrid; they will always be in my heart.” His comments reflect a bittersweet sentiment as he reconciles his fond memories with his current allegiance.
Implications for the Title Race
The defeat leaves Real Madrid in a precarious position, sitting third in La Liga and equal on points with Barcelona, while being two points shy of leaders Atletico Madrid. Betis’s victory, however, propels them into sixth place in the league standings, showcasing their potential for European competition.
Ancelotti’s Concerns
Following the match, a visibly dejected Carlo Ancelotti expressed his frustrations, acknowledging the weight of the loss. “Yes, this is a hard blow. We have to react,” he said, highlighting the importance of the match in context of the season.
“Our start was promising, but we failed to sustain the initial momentum, both in terms of attitude and commitment. We lost control against a team that played better and deserved to win,” he added.
Looking Ahead: Champions League Clash
This defeat comes as less-than-ideal preparation for Real Madrid ahead of their crucial Champions League last-16 first-leg clash against arch-rivals Atletico. Ancelotti remarked, “If we play like this, we won’t win on Tuesday, that’s pretty clear.” He added that the team has to regroup and improve, wishing for this setback to serve as a wake-up call: “It seemed like we were organized and compact in recent times, and we weren’t able to do it.”
With the stakes high in both domestic and European competitions, Real Madrid must quickly turn their fortunes around.