Real Madrid’s pursuit of the La Liga title suffered another setback after a 1-1 draw away to Real Betis on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Los Blancos took an early lead through Vinícius Jr. in the 17th minute, but a stoppage-time equalizer from Héctor Bellerín denied them all three points.
Kylian Mbappé had a goal ruled out for offside in the 53rd minute and later asked to leave the match in the 81st, raising fitness concerns for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. c72a2515The result leaves Madrid on 74 points with five matches left to play.
Barcelona currently sit on 82 points and can stretch the gap to nine points with a win against Getafe on Saturday, April 25. This marks Real Madrid’s third straight La Liga draw, following a 1-1 result at Girona where Mbappé scored from the penalty spot.
Coach Xabi Alonso acknowledged the pressure, noting “it’s all very even” but stressing the need to keep fighting. 2515bce2With Barcelona holding a commanding lead and El Clásico still to come, Madrid’s margin for error is gone.
Dropping points late, combined with key injuries and inconsistent away form, has made their title defense increasingly difficult. Unless Barcelona slip up multiple times, the La Liga trophy looks set to stay out of Madrid’s reach this season.
