Real Madrid’s hopes for the La Liga title took a significant hit today after a 1-1 draw away at Real Betis. The result, which saw Madrid concede an equalizer in stoppage time, came during the opening match of the 32nd round.
In Seville, Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute, but former Sporting Lisbon defender Héctor Bellerín leveled the score in the 90+4 minute. This draw prevented Real Madrid from securing a second consecutive victory, marking the tenth time this season they have dropped points, having failed to win three of their last four matches.
With only five rounds remaining, Real Madrid remains in second place with 74 points, trailing league leaders FC Barcelona, who hold 82 points. Barcelona, which features Portuguese international João Cancelo, has the opportunity to extend its lead on Saturday if it achieves a ninth consecutive win against Getafe, currently in sixth place.
Read more: La Liga: Real Madrid handed shocking defeat to Mallorca (with video)
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have already qualified for the Champions League group stage, a goal currently out of reach for fifth-placed Betis. With 50 points, Betis sits 12 points behind third-placed Villarreal and seven behind fourth-placed Atlético de Madrid, both of whom have played one game fewer.
Fresh off their elimination by Sporting de Braga in the Europa League quarterfinals, the Andalusians remain in the hunt for European competition spots. They have now drawn five consecutive home games and have remained unbeaten at home in La Liga since December 2025, continuing an unbeaten streak against Real Madrid in Seville that spans nearly five years.
