Real Betis Balompié was defeated tonight in a game in which they deserved a better result. The Green and Whites were better than their rivals in almost every aspect of the game but Real Madrid took their chances and the three points.

The match began with high intensity on the field and several fouls that interrupted the game. It looked, though, like Betis wanted to have the ball. They managed to do so and started to move it around trying to find gaps.

However, Real Madrid created a lot of danger every time they stile the ball. In this way, in a counterattack badly defended by Betis, Modric got a rebound just outside the box and produced a great left-footed effort that went in by the top corner. The Green and White side tried to get their composure back, but the opponent was defending with their lines close together.

The first one was for Lo Celso, who tried from outside the box but sent the ball wide. The away team answered with another counterattack finished by Vinicius into Pau's gloves.

In spite of Betis having the possession, Madrid were creating more danger. Actually, they had a great chance in another counterattack that left Valverde in front of the keeper, but when he was about to shoot, Barragán appeared and swept the ball from his feet in a great defensive tackle. Just before half time, Betis had their best so far with a free kick that went a whisker away. A minute later, the midfielder tried again, missing the target yet again.

The second half began with a change in the visitors. Benzema left and Cristo came on. Just after the start, Joaquín send a good pass towards Canales, who shot from inside the box, but Navas saved it. Betis had come on with a more offensive edge, but Madrid were defending well. The best one so far came through Guardado with a volley that went out just by the post.

Finally, Betis got what their looking after, the goal, but the referee whistled for offside. The play was reviewed by the VAR and determined Canales was onside when he received the ball from Lo Celso and put it past Navas. After the goal, the match continued in a very similar way, with Betis trying constantly and Madrid under siege, but dangerous in counterattacks.

A loss from Joaquín in midfield originated one of these counterattacks, a quite dangerous one, that Carvalho had to stop in foul. Ceballos took the ball and scored with a good free kick. There was not much time left and football was unfair with Real Betis today.

Real Betis Balompié: Pau López, Barragán, Mandi, Bartra, Francis (Tello 66'), Carvalho, Guardado (Boudebouz 84'), Canales, Lo Celso, Joaquín, Sanabria (Loren 87'). Goals: Canales (67'). Booked: Guardado (3'), Carvalho (86').

Real Madrid CF: Navas, Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Nacho, Reguilón (Ceballos 73'), Casemiro, Valverde (Brahim 81'), Modric, Vinicius, Benzema (Cristo 46'). Goals: Modric (12'), Ceballos (88'). Booked: Modric (34'), Ramos (42'), Valverde (61').