Result: Real Madrid 0-0 Real Betis
Date: 24 April 2021
Venue: Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano
Real Madrid's LaLiga title hopes suffered a setback after playing to a goalless draw against Real Betis on Saturday evening.
Dani Carvajal, Marco Asensio, Isco and Luka Modric were given a return by the home side from the 3-0 victory over Cadiz on Wednesday, with Eden Hazard named on the substitutes' bench.
Madrid were handed a big chance to take the lead through a low curling shot on 25 minutes by Karim Benzema, who managed to carve out a slight angle, but goalkeeper Claudio Bravo saved.
A smart penetrative delivery from out wide by the host followed suit closer to the half-hour mark from Isco, but Bravo was once again on high alert and managed to parry.
Betis were under more pressure late in the half and were fortunate not to go behind from a move involving Benzema, but unfortunately the Frenchman lacked decisiveness in front of goal.
The Green and Whites started the second stanza confident, but were nearly pegged back from a cross-cum shot by Carlos Casemiro however were rescued by the frame of the woodwork.
A lighting counter-attack from the visitors on 56 minutes almost sliced open Madrid as Sergio Canales raced ahead to get a firm sight on goal, but in the end dragged inches wide.
Betis had Los Blancos under further pressure inside five minutes after a first-time strike from Guido Rodriguez from a cutback by Borja Iglesias, but goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved.
Los Blancos instituted two changes midway through the second half in Marcelo for Isco and Alvaro Odriozola in place of Carvajal.
With Hazard also introduced ahead of Asensio, the match finished goalless with Madrid unable to close the gap on Atletico Madrid who are in action on Sunday.
