Real Madrid ’s title hopes suffered another major setback after a dramatic late equaliser from Hector Bellerin denied them victory against Real Betis .
The result could prove decisive in the La Liga race, with Barcelona now in a commanding position at the top.
Madrid are currently eight points behind, and that gap could stretch even further depending on Barcelona’s upcoming fixture against Getafe .
While the numbers paint a bleak picture for Madrid, Bellerin’s post-match comments made the performance gap even clearer.
Speaking after the final whistle, the Betis full-back insisted his side were the better team on the night and deserved more than just a point.
Bellerin highlighted how Betis controlled large phases of the game, creating consistent pressure and forcing Madrid onto the back foot.
He noted that despite facing one of the strongest squads in Spain, Betis dictated the tempo and generated the clearer chances.
Hector Bellerin scored a late equaliser against Real Madrid. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
“They are a brilliant team, but we had plenty of shots on goal. The keeper saved them all. We’re satisfied because it’s a good result,”the defender began.
He also explained the thinking behind his decisive late goal, a moment that was extremely controversial from Real Madrid’s point of view.
“In these situations, there’s little time to think: I’m not one to strike the ball hard, I aim for the posts and, amidst all the legs, it went in.”
In general, that goal exposed Real Madrid’s vulnerability in the closing stages, an issue that has surfaced repeatedly this season.
Even their goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin , could not prevent the inevitable despite producing a series of crucial saves earlier in the match.
In fact, it was Lunin’s performance that kept Madrid in the game longer than they perhaps deserved.
Betis created enough chances to settle the contest much earlier, only to be denied time and again.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
