Real Madrid

Real Madrid stumbled to a damaging 0-0 draw at Real Betis on Sunday, leaving them nine points behind leaders Barcelona in the Liga title race.

The Brazilian, as has become customary in La Liga, was engaged in a running battle with the Betis defence. Carlo Ancelotti set up in a 4-4-2 with Vinicius and Fede Valverde on the wings, with Rodrygo partnering Benzema up front. Seville (Spain) (AFP) – Real Madrid stumbled to a damaging 0-0 draw at Real Betis on Sunday, leaving them nine points behind leaders Barcelona in the Liga title race.

Real Betis look to extend their winning streak to four wins in as many games as they host reigning Spanish champions Real Madrid at home.

Los Blancos then lock horns with arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they travel to the Camp Nou on the 20th of March for another chapter of the El Classico. Real Betis look to extend their winning streak to four wins in as many games as they host reigning Spanish champions Real Madrid at home. [Watch Real Betis vs Real Madrid in the US on ESPN+ today!](https://go.web.plus.espn.com/NKaMZq)

Real Madrid is about to celebrate its 121st anniversary. On 6 March 1902, the first Board of Directors of the Madrid Football Club was officially elected.

[transformation process](https://www.realmadrid.com/en/bernabeu-stadium) is advancing so as to continue to be a symbol of sport and to turn it into a major avant-garde and universal icon. In addition, Real Madrid City is the finest sports complex in the world and continues to thrive 17 years after its inauguration. [Decimocuarta](https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2022/06/03/la-decimocuarta) was secured after defeating Liverpool in the final and after some stunning comebacks at the Bernabéu. In addition to these three trophies, Ancelotti's side also triumphed brilliantly in [LaLiga](https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2022/05/06/league-title-number-35). Alongside these trophies, Real Madrid's basketball honours include 10 European Cups (a competition record), 28 Copa del Rey trophies, 5 Intercontinental Cups, 4 European Cup Winners' Cups, 1 Korac Cup, 1 ULEB Cup and 1 Latin Cup. That was the beginning of the legacy of the best club in the world.

Dani Carvajal and Nacho Fernández were left out as Carlo Ancelotti went with Eduardo Camavinga at left-back. Lucas Vázquez was also favoured at right-back ...

Got in enough good positions to do so and I'd attribute that a lot to the presence of Camavinga and Rodrygo. Vinícius then went on a nice run into the box, but forced the keeper into a low save. After a mixed start, Madrid looked to be ahead when Karim Benzema scored a delightful free-kick - only for the entire sequence to be brought back because of a hand-ball in the build up to the foul. Betis also had a couple of sniffs but didn’t threat the goal of Thibaut Courtois, putting an end to one of the most forgetful halves of football seen in a while. A poor game and a poor result. Madrid were looking to bounce back after the defeat in the cup to Barcelona.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was left frustrated by his attackers in their 0-0 La Liga draw at Real Betis.

[Los Blancos lost more ground in the title race, in their push to retain the La Liga title, with a nine point gap opening up in behind league leaders Barcelona.](https://www.football-espana.net/2023/03/05/real-madrid-la-liga-title-real-betis-draw) “That’s cost us, by not scoring in the last three games. Fortunately, we did well at the back, because we’re much better there.” [Espanyol](https://www.football-espana.net/category/la-liga/espanyol) next weekend, followed by a Champions League last 16 tie against [Liverpool](https://www.caughtoffside.com/tags/premier-league/liverpool/), before travelling to Barcelona ahead of the international break. [Real Madrid](https://www.football-espana.net/category/la-liga/real-madrid) boss [Carlo Ancelotti](https://www.football-espana.net/tag/carlo-ancelotti) was left frustrated by his attackers in their 0-0 L [a Liga](https://www.football-espana.net/category/la-liga) draw at [Real Betis](https://www.football-espana.net/category/la-liga/real-betis). [Marca](https://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2023/03/05/6405195322601db6628b4576.html).

After failing to net in its Cup defeat to Barcelona, Real Madrid was again kept off the scoresheet in a 0-0 draw with Real Betis.

Bravo stood firm in the Betis goal in a nervy conclusion to ensure the points were shared in Andalusia. While the visitor was unable to get a shot on target prior to half-time Betis twice tested Thibaut Courtois, with Ayoze Perez forcing the Madrid goalkeeper into a good stop. Benzema thought he had given Madrid the lead with a superb free-kick early on but it was ruled out after a VAR check due to the ball brushing Antonio Rudiger's arm in the wall.

Raphinha scored a first-half winner for Barcelona, who missed a penalty from Ferran Torres early in the second half and then had to cope with defender Ronald ...

Torres missed the penalty in the 55th and four minutes later Araujo was sent off for stopping a breakaway. Madrid were without midfielder Luka Modric because of a yellow-card suspension. Barcelona got the win despite still missing some of their top players, including Robert Lewandowski, the league's leading scorer. We really think we can make a run." Barcelona had lost two in a row - against Manchester United in the Europa League and Almeria in the league - before coming up with the big Copa victory against Madrid at the Bernabeu. "It's not over yet," Madrid's Lucas Vazquez said.

Raphinha scored the only goal of the game for Barca as Ronald Araujo was sent off.

Marseille maintained their hold on second place in the table, with Sead Kolasinac scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win at Rennes. Inter Milan tightened their grip on a Champions League place with comfortable 2-0 win over Lecce and they remain second in the table, still 15 points behind leaders Napoli. Barcelona extended their lead at the top of LaLiga to nine points with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Valencia as Real Madrid were held by Real Betis.

Vinicius Junior was embroiled in a spat with Real Betis goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and was frustrated during the goalless draw (Photo: Fermin Rodriguez/Quality ...

Ancelotti pointed out the need for new signings during that transfer window after Real won La Liga and the [Champions League](https://theathletic.com/football/champions-league/), but the board disagreed. That was a header from [youth player Alvaro Rodriguez,](https://theathletic.com/4233284/2023/02/21/real-madrid-alvaro-rodriguez/) which rescued a [1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.](https://theathletic.com/4252472/2023/02/26/real-madrid-atletico-de-madrid-la-liga/) They were then defeated [ 1-0 at home to Barca](https://theathletic.com/4271231/2023/03/03/real-madrid-barcelona-clasico-ugly/) in the [Copa del Rey](https://theathletic.com/copa-del-rey/) semi-final first leg. The Brazil winger was furious with the officials and had to be pulled away by [Dani Ceballos](https://theathletic.com/football/player/dani-ceballos-GD8WHXteo7Ll3u2q/) despite the threat of a red card. When Rodriguez was finally sent on, Madrid did not take advantage of his height and stopped crossing into the box. Ancelotti did bring on Rodriguez — but only with three minutes left of normal time when the Uruguayan striker had been warming up since the 66th minute. “There is a long way to go and a lot of things are going to happen,” one voice high up in the Madrid dressing room said. That figure has dropped to 22 at the same stage of this campaign. [behind Barcelona at the top of La Liga](https://theathletic.com/4278328/2023/03/06/barcelona-xavi-emulates-pep-guardiola-but-his-side-have-a-long-way-to-go/). They have managed five wins since the tournament, with three draws and two defeats. “In a game like this, we must score a goal.” Ceballos urged his team-mate to calm down, but he was embroiled in an argument with Betis goalkeeper “This upsets (us) a lot.”

Real Madrid have dropped points for the second week in a row after failing to beat Claudio Bravo in the Real Betis goal on Sunday night.

“The team did enough to get something more out of here, we have lacked a bit of success in the last stretch, the last pass to have clearer scoring chances and we are not happy. Vazquez was the first tom come off after 59 minutes, being replaced by Dani Carvajal. Manager Carlo Ancelotti made changes to his side, starting Rodrygo Goes, Aurelien Tchouameni and Lucas Vazquez, but it did not manage to make the difference.

The old controversy returns to Real Madrid: where is the striker who scores goals? It's a recurring theme and it always comes up when the team is going ...

If Mourinho touched glory with Porto and Inter Milan with a similar plan to Xavi's, at least the Portuguese was not hiding it. It was the 12th minute and that chance gave Los Blancos the wings to keep attacking. Defending a goal is viable because the team does it well, although Araújo was sent off against Valencia for a clear foul on Hugo Duro when he was facing Ter Stegen's goal. It was strange to see Ávaro Rodríguez come on in the 87th to make it 0-1. It's not easy to accept being the Frenchman's substitute and even more so when the team is still reigning in Europe. It's a recurring theme and it always comes up when the team is going through a drought like this one, one goal in three games.

A potential transfer between two European giants who are champions of their respective leagues could frustrate three Premier League sides in one go.

Under contract with Newcastle until 2026, Saint-Maximin doesn’t urgently need to look for a new club. There remains a chance Leao could snub all of them to extend his stay at Milan. The Portuguese forward won the accolade of being the best player in Serie A last season as his side won the league. They will need to find the right balance in terms of strengthening their squad any further. Indeed, reports that As long as Leao is at risk of leaving, Milan will have to weigh up their options in the transfer market to replace him.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports Jorge Mendes has offered Milan striker Rafael Leao to Real Madrid, but the Merengues are unwilling to make a big-money ...

playing on the left wing. [Milan](/teams/milan) striker Rafael Leao to [Real Madrid](https://www.football-espana.net/category/la-liga/real-madrid), but the Merengues are unwilling to make a big-money offer for the Portuguese striker. According to Gazzetta, Mendes offered the Portuguese striker to Real Madrid last month, but the La Liga giants are unwilling to make a big-money offer for the 23-year-old, considering they already have a top player in Vini Jr.

A recent report from Gazzetta Dello Sport has offered a comprehensive update on the future of Rafael Leao. After playing a key role in helping AC Milan lift ...

The defeat to Barcelona means the Spanish giants are already facing the risk of bowing out of Copa del Rey. Real Madrid, though, have been doing well in the UEFA Champions League. This has led to a lack of attacking firepower coming from them in recent matches. It has not been a bright phase for Real Madrid. The Brazilian has indeed played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s frontline this season, racking up 18 goals and nine assists in all competitions. It is also fair to point out that Leao’s form at Milan has died down lately.

Carlo Ancelotti stood on the sideline with a pensive look as Real Madrid struggled to find the back of the net against Real Betis. It was a frustrating game ...

The midfielder is still running the Real Madrid midfield with just as much energy as he had half a decade ago, or more. Especially in Copa Del Rey, the Merengue have what it takes to overturn a one-goal deficit against Barça. The team’s underperformance in domestic competitions is another factor, with the Whites notably losing to Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey semifinal recently. The manager was shocked to see the club’s reluctance in investing in new players. The 0-0 draw did little to ease the growing pressure on Ancelotti, who has been under fire in recent weeks. It was a frustrating game for the Italian manager, as his side could not convert their chances into goals.

Barcelona sit on top of La Liga with a sizable nine-point advantage over Real Madrid, leaving the the Blaugrana feeling confident about their title charge.

After Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen (74), the Brazilian had the most interventions in the match (72). Scoring 5 times in La Liga and assisting 4, his goal contributions have been decisive in 5 games. His goal against Valencia was the winner and also tied him for the most headed goals in La Liga this season, as per OptaJose.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tipped an early shot from Real Betis forward Ayoze Perez over the bar before striker Karim Benzema had a goal for Real Madrid ...

Then, Real Madrid host Liverpool in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, March 15. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti on the performance: "It was a difficult game, above all because we could have been more efficient in attack, we had chances, we could have done better with them. Sometimes we didn't choose the best solution, [Eder] Militao played a fantastic game in defence with Rudiger, but we lacked that, choosing the best solution, dribbling when you shouldn't, trying a one-two, passing instead of shooting. That's the reality, in these games we've only scored from a set piece, it's obvious what's lacking, we have to be more effective. The best of Madrid's attack was Rodrygo, enjoying the rare opportunity to play in his favoured role -- inside, behind a centre-forward, with freedom to roam, and with Fede Valverde covering the right-hand side. We have the quality, we have to do better, more efficient, more clinical. It's a role that gets the best out of his intelligent movement, close control and ability to take players on. Vinicius Junior looked dangerous at times, but distracted at others, getting caught up in disputes with Betis players and the referee, while late substitute Alvaro barely had any time to make an impact. As Madrid chased a winner, however, the limitations of their squad were on display. Yes, he was a little unlucky that his free kick brushed Rudiger's arm on its way into the net, but otherwise, this was a disappointingly quiet night for the 35-year-old. They were frustrated by some poor finishing, and a solid display by veteran Claudio Bravo in the Betis goal. Real Betis are a good team and the Estadio Benito Villamarin is an intimidating arena, but Madrid were the better side, dominating possession, creating more chances and ending the game with an xG, or expected goals, of 1.21 to Betis' 0.41.

Real Madrid edged out Joventut in the final (74-71) with Sabonis the top scorer.

As well as the success in the Cup, Real Madrid ended the season with a league and cup double. Real Madrid won their 22nd Spanish Basketball Cup on 7 March 1993, after beating Joventut in the final. lifford Luyk's team finally managed to beat Joventut 74-71.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tipped an early shot from Real Betis forward Ayoze Perez over the bar before striker Karim Benzema had a goal for Real Madrid ...

Then, Real Madrid host Liverpool in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, March 15. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti on the performance: "It was a difficult game, above all because we could have been more efficient in attack, we had chances, we could have done better with them. Sometimes we didn't choose the best solution, [Eder] Militao played a fantastic game in defence with Rudiger, but we lacked that, choosing the best solution, dribbling when you shouldn't, trying a one-two, passing instead of shooting. That's the reality, in these games we've only scored from a set piece, it's obvious what's lacking, we have to be more effective. The best of Madrid's attack was Rodrygo, enjoying the rare opportunity to play in his favoured role -- inside, behind a centre-forward, with freedom to roam, and with Valverde covering the right side. We have the quality, we have to do better, more efficient, more clinical. It's a role that gets the best out of his intelligent movement, close control and ability to take players on. Vinicius Junior looked dangerous at times, but distracted at others, getting caught up in disputes with Betis players and the referee, while late substitute Alvaro barely had any time to make an impact. As Madrid chased a winner, however, the limitations of their squad were on display. Yes, he was a little unlucky that his free kick brushed Rudiger's arm on its way into the net, but otherwise, this was a disappointingly quiet night for the 35-year-old. They were frustrated by some poor finishing, and a solid display by veteran Claudio Bravo in the Betis goal. Real Betis are a good team and the Estadio Benito Villamarin is an intimidating arena, but Madrid were the better side, dominating possession, creating more chances and ending the game with an expected goals of 1.21 to Betis' 0.41.

The Scottish player has hit the ground running with Real Madrid as she reflects on her new life in the Spanish capital.

the feeling of: “I don’t understand them and they don’t understand me”. Of course, the worst thing, especially at the beginning, is the language: “That is definitely the biggest challenge”. Weir loves life in the capital of Spain: “I live here with my boyfriend and we go out in the evenings, walking around Madrid. The 27-year-old also reflected on the intensity with which football is played in Spain, especially in games involving the big matches: “Beating Atlético in my first derby was really great and I really enjoyed El Clasico, I’ve already played in two already and managed to score once. We saw it the last time we played them in the Super Cup and I’m here to help us compete in the league,” she said. She added that under coach Toril she has added freedom from that at Manchester City: “Here I feel that I can play with a lot of freedom in our system.