Betis's Bellerin further dents Real Madrid title hopes

TL;DR

Hector Bellerin scored a stoppage-time equalizer for Real Betis in a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid, impacting Madrid's title hopes. Vinicius Junior had opened the scoring for Madrid in the first half.

Key points

Hector Bellerin scored in stoppage time for Real Betis
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior opened the scoring
The match ended in a 1-1 draw
Barcelona remains eight points ahead of Madrid
Madrid's title hopes were further dented

Real BetisReal Madrid

Real Betis defender Hector Bellerin smashed home in stoppage time to help his former side Barca and claim the Andalusian side a point (CRISTINA QUICLER) (CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/AFP) Former Barcelona defender Hector Bellerin snatched Real Betis a late point in a 1-1 La Liga draw against Real Madrid on Friday to do his former side a favour in the Spanish title race. Alvaro Arbeloa's Madrid seemed set to chop down Barca's lead but the Catalans sit provisionally eight points ahead of Madrid after Bellerin cancelled out Vinicius Junior's opener. Hansi Flick's defending champions, shorn of injured teenage winger Lamine Yamal, visit Getafe on Saturday and now have the chance to move 11 points clear of Los Blancos with a victory. Vinicius's 17th-minute strike seemed set to bring his team victory and boost their slim chances of overhauling the leaders and finishing the season with a trophy. However, Madrid were rocked in stoppage time as Bellerin finally provided the breakthrough his side's performance had deserved. Hosts Betis, fifth, appealed in vain for a penalty against Brahim Diaz early on, after the Madrid midfielder appeared to touch the ball with his hand in his own box as he tried to control it. A few minutes later the visitors took the lead, when Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles could only push 's drive back into Vinicius's path and the Brazilian swept home. England international almost doubled Madrid's advantage but Valles did well to tip over his fierce effort. Betis earned a foothold in the game and Madrid had their goalkeeper , playing in place of the injured , to thank for getting them in ahead at half-time. Lunin pushed 's low strike around the post and then denied the Brazilian winger again, having just thwarted as he ran through on goal. also lashed narrowly over as Betis pushed Madrid back, albeit without finding a way through. On an otherwise quiet night for the league's top goalscorer, Madrid striker polished off 's cross early in the second half but his goal was chalked off for offside. Lunin was soon the hero again for Madrid as he pushed Cucho Hernandez's powerful effort over and defender blocked well from Antony. The former winger was Betis's biggest threat and he hit the deck in the area towards the end, saying he was blocked by 's arm, although no penalty was forthcoming. Madrid forward Mbappe appeared to ask for a substitution with 10 minutes remaining, creating worry over a possible injury for the French striker ahead of the World Cup. Betis snatched a point right at the death, with Bellerin in the right place at the right time to smash home a loose ball in the area after blocked a cross. rbs/mw

Q&A

How did Hector Bellerin's goal affect Real Madrid's title chances?

Bellerin's late equalizer denied Real Madrid a crucial win, leaving them eight points behind Barcelona in the title race.

What were the key moments in the Real Betis vs Real Madrid match?

Key moments included Vinicius Junior's opening goal for Madrid and Bellerin's stoppage-time equalizer for Betis, which secured a point for the hosts.

What is the current La Liga standings after the Betis vs Madrid match?

After the match, Barcelona leads the league with an eight-point advantage over Real Madrid, who are currently in second place.