Real Madrid slips in title race after held by Betis to 0-0

Another stumble by Real Madrid has cleared the trail for Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to dethrone the sitting Spanish league champion.
Zinedine Zidane’s facet produced a toothless attacking efficiency in drawing at house with Real Betis 0-0 on Saturday, its second scoreless stalemate in three rounds.
Even although coach and gamers denied they have been caught looking forward to their Champions League semifinal with Chelsea, Madrid mustered up considered one of its most lackluster performances of the season simply when the title is on the road.
Madrid was left two factors behind chief Atletico Madrid, which might take an enormous step towards its first title since 2014 if it wins at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
Barcelona additionally has the prospect to maneuver forward of the defending champion. Lionel Messi’s facet has two extra video games to play than its two title rivals, with its first coming at Villarreal additionally on Sunday.
“We tried, but we were lacking something in attack, like other times this season,” Zidane mentioned. “But no matter what happens, we will keep fighting until the end. I don’t think (Atletico and Barcelona) will win all their matches.”
The slip got here three days earlier than Madrid hosts Chelsea of their first of two video games to resolve which advances to a spot within the European remaining.
Zidane, nonetheless, mentioned he was assured the poor outcome gained’t impression the semifinal in opposition to Chelsea.
“One match has nothing to do with the other,” Zidane mentioned. “We are going to prepare for the semifinal on Tuesday, which will be much more complicated than our game today.”
The closest the hosts got here to scoring underneath regular rain at its Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium was Rodrygo’s errant cross hitting the crossbar within the fifty fifth minute.
Ten minutes later, Madrid wanted defender Eder Militao to disrupt Borja Iglesias’ shot after Diego Lainez set him up on the break.
Eden Hazard returned to the sector in time to face his outdated group. The former Chelsea star went on as a late substitute for his first minutes in 5 weeks after lacking eight matches due to his newest damage.
Betis, coached by former Madrid supervisor Manuel Pellegrini, remained in sixth place after only one loss within the final 11 rounds.
“We deserved more from this game,” Pellegrini mentioned. “In recent weeks we have shown that no team is superior to us.”
OTHER RESULTS
A late purpose by Spain left again Jose Gaya salvaged Valencia a 1-1 draw with Alaves.
Gaya completed off a shot by Maxi Gomez saved by Alaves goalie Fernando Pacheco within the ninetieth to cancel out John Guidetti’s purpose simply 5 minutes earlier than.
Valencia’s winless run reached 5 video games because it stayed in 14th place.
Elche striker Lucas Boye scored within the first half to assist beat Levante 1-0 and raise his group out of the relegation zone.
Valladolid was left within the drop zone after Cadiz fought again for a 1-1 draw on the street.