Real Madrid loses at Betis as Isco leads a 2-1 comeback win over former team
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Real Madrid stumbled in the three-way race for the Spanish league title as Isco Alarcón guided Real Betis to a 2-1 comeback win over the defending champion on Saturday.
The former Madrid player delivered a corner kick that was headed in by fellow midfielder Johnny Cardoso in the 34th minute, canceling out Brahim Díaz’s opener for Madrid.
Isco then put Betis ahead from the penalty spot in the 54th after he passed to Jesús Rodríguez and Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger knocked the Betis forward down in the area.
Madrid’s loss left it level on points with Barcelona, which hosts Real Sociedad on Sunday. Atletico Madrid is one point behind before it plays fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao later on Saturday.
Kylian Mbappé was back starting for Madrid after missing one game because of a dental problem. Coach Carlo Ancelotti substituted him with 15 minutes left, possibly looking ahead at Tuesday’s Champions League round-of-16 game against Atletico.
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