La Liga's basement side Real Betis welcomed Real Madrid to Seville in the opening match on Saturday afternoon.
Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema left Los Blancos with a 3-0 lead at the interval.
Angel di Maria made it 4-0 just past the hour mark, before Alvaro Morata notched late on as the capital outfit moved level on points with league leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Week 20 in La Liga continues from Seville as Real Betis welcome Real Madrid. The home side enter the match off the back of a 2-1 home defeat to Osasuna, with that result leaving them bottom of the table, seven points from safety. Madrid, however, have recently closed the gap on the top two to just three points.
TEAMS:
BETIS: Andersen; Chica, Paulao, Amaya, Didac; Lolo, Matilla, Sevilla; Leo, Molina, Castro
MADRID: Lopez; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Alonso; Bale, Di Maria, Ronaldo; Benzema
So there we have it. Jorge Molina returns to the Betis XI this afternoon, while there are also spots for Diego Castro and on-loan Atletico Madrid forward Leo Baptistao in attack. Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, selects Angel di Maria in place of Jese Rodriguez. Gareth Bale also starts and Dani Carvajal is given the nod at right-back over Alvaro Arbeloa.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid have won four of the last five matches, with Betis also winning once during that run of games. As mentioned, the reverse match earlier in the season ended in a 2-1 Madrid win at the Bernabeu, but Betis did record a 1-0 victory when the pair met in Seville in November 2012.
Betis have won just two of their 19 league games this season, drawing five and losing 12. The Seville-based outfit challenged for the top four for large spells of last season, but their fortunes couldn’t be more difficult this time around. Perhaps the most worrying aspect is that a gap is starting to open up, one which will be difficult to claw back.
They have won just two of their 10 home matches in La Liga this season, losing five times in the process. In truth, their home form last season was not the strongest, but they relied on an impressive away record. That has not been the case this season with two draws and seven defeats from their nine league games on their travels.
Conceding goals has been a problem for Betis, meanwhile, with 38 in their 19 matches, which is the second-worst record in the league. That is in contrast to Madrid, who have conceded 21 times and kept four clean sheets in a row in all competitions. Down the other end, Betis have managed just 16 goals – the worst record in the league – to Madrid’s 53.
Madrid, meanwhile, have lost just twice in La Liga this season, but those defeats came against the current top two - Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. They have won 15 of their 19 matches, drawing twice and losing twice. That run of form has seen them collect 47 points, just three from the top of the table at the mid-way point.
Madrid’s away form in the league has also been extremely strong with seven wins, two draws and one defeat from their 10 matches. They have also scored 23 times on their travels, which is the best record in La Liga this season. Victory this afternoon would see them move level on points with the top two as this fascinating title race continues.
PREDICTION: If both teams play to their maximum, Madrid will win this match comfortably. Even if Madrid are at 50%, you would still expect them to claim all the points unless the home side were on song. I am trying to make a case for Betis this afternoon, but I cannot see anything other than a comfortable win for Los Blancos. My score prediction is 3-0 Madrid in Seville.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let's hope for entertainment in Seville. The away side get the first 45 minutes underway.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium, with the home supporters making their voices heard. Madrid have made the better start, however, with Ronaldo and Bale already forcing the issue in wide areas. It could be a long afternoon for the Betis defence.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the opening four minutes with the challenges flying in from both sides. Marcelo goes into a late one with Molina down the right, which causes a stoppage in play. Reyes tries his luck from outside the box for the home side moments later, but his effort is wide of the post.
It's bright work from Bale down the right as the Welshman drives down the right before delivering a cross towards Ronaldo, but Chica is on hand to clear the danger. The resulting set piece finds Pepe inside the area, but his header is high of the crossbar. Plenty happening in the opening six minutes in Seville.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Castro finds some space outside the box before attempting to find the top corner, but Diego Lopez is on hand to make the save. Benzema carries possession into the Betis half moments later, but the Frenchman had moved into an offside position. End-to-end football in this La Liga contest.
GOAL! Betis 0-1 Madrid (Ronaldo)
Madrid take the lead inside 11 minutes as Ronaldo drives into the Betis half before thumping his effort into the top corner. Wonderful strike from the Portuguese.
Betis had started positively, but they are already playing catch-up in this match. Madrid haven't exactly been spectacular on their travels this season, but they have tightened up in defence, which makes Betis' task even harder. It is important that the home side remain in the match in the next five minutes or so.
Half-chance for the home side as Matilla finds some space down the right before delivering a deep cross towards the far post, but Castro cannot rise under pressure from Marcelo. Madrid are down the other end with Di Maria moments later, but there are no takers on his low cross. End-to-end football with 16 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. First real sign of Leo for the home side as he drives down the right before delivering towards Molina, but Ramos is across to clear the danger.
Just a reminder that three points for Madrid would move them level on points with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the top of the table. It wouldn't be a Madrid match without trouble for Ramos, however, and the centre-back has his name taken for a really poor challenge on Leo down the right. It brings handbags between both sets of players and coaching staff.
Half-chance for Madrid as Ronaldo finds some space outside the box before releasing Di Maria, but the Argentine can only drill his effort into the arms of Andersen. Bale thinks he has a clear run on goal moments later, but the Welshman had moved into an offside position.
CHANCE! It's just magical from Ronaldo as the Portuguese dances through two challenges before placing one towards the bottom corner, but his effort just moves wide of the post. He just gets better and better. Madrid still lead 1-0 with 25 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Betis 0-2 Madrid (Bale)
Wow, just wow. Ronaldo wins a free kick on the edge of the box from Paulao, but steps aside for Bale, who curls one into the top corner. Stunning from the Welshman.
Betis goalkeeper Andersen did not move for either of Madrid's goals this afternoon. It appears that it is going to get a lot worse for Betis before it gets better. The pressure continues from Los Blancos as they dominate possession. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Seville.
In fairness to Betis they are attempting to play their football in the final third, but Madrid threaten each time a move breaks down. The away side are just devastating on the counter with their pace and movement. As it stands, Madrid are moving level on points with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona at the top of the table.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Ronaldo to make it 3-0 as he breaks the offside trap before collecting a pass from Modric, but he cannot force his effort past Andersen from close range. One more goal for Los Blancos and it would certainly be game, set and match in Seville.
Madrid have the ball in the back of the net for a third time as Benzema converts from close range, but the Frenchman had moved into an offside position. The home supporters are doing their best to raise their side, but they simply cannot keep hold of the ball. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Good possession for Betis in the last couple of moments as they pass and probe outside the box. Eventually Molina delivers a cross towards Castro, but his header is wide of the post. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals this afternoon with the way that both sides are attacking.
Another half-chance falls to Castro as the Betis forward meets a cross from Sevilla, but it never had enough power to beat Lopez. The pressure continues with Matilla, but the move breaks down when Modric is felled on the edge of the box. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining in Seville.
CHANCE! Betis come close to scoring their first of the match as Leo beats Di Maria down the right before delivering a sensational cross into the box, but Castro cannot make contact despite moving clear of Ramos. That would have raised the atmosphere inside the stadium minutes before the break.
Betis have improved since conceding the second, but the majority of their chances have come from distance. Molina again tries his luck from outside the box, but it whistles high and wide of the post. Little over one minute of the first period remaining, with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges.
GOAL! Betis 0-3 Madrid (Benzema)
Los Blancos score their third in first-half stoppage time as Modric finds some space inside the box before playing in Benzema, who places his effort into the bottom corner.
HALF TIME: Betis 0-3 Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Madrid leading 3-0 courtesy of goals from Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema. Betis have had their moments in an entertaining first period, but have struggled to contain Los Blancos.
STATISTICS: Madrid have had more of the possession with 55%, while they have scored with all three of their attempts on target. Betis, meanwhile, have had three attempts, but just one has tested Lopez. In truth, this is now a damage limitation exercise for Betis.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Juanfran, Vadillo and Verdu. Meanwhile, Madrid have an embarrassment of riches on their bench with the likes of Isco, Jese Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata all in reserve.
So there we have it. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that three points for Madrid would move them level on points with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the top of the table. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes underway in Seville.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. In truth, it is difficult to imagine that Betis would attempt to chase this match, especially in the latter stages. The last thing they need is to concede six or seven against Los Blancos this afternoon.
Opportunity for Madrid to threaten from a free kick as Paulao fells Modric outside the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Ronaldo, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Bale next time? Immediately in the second half Betis are under pressure from this well-oiled Madrid team.
Ronaldo again tries his luck for the away side as he collects a loose ball outside the box before striking one towards the top corner, but his effort just moves wide of the post. Betis force a free kick down the other end when Pepe fells Molina, but the resulting set piece from Sevilla moves wide of the post, with Lopez unnerved.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Madrid to score their fourth as Benzema finds the run of Ronaldo inside the Betis box, but the Portuguese's low effort is pushed wide by Andersen. Betis just cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Madrid continue to dominate possession of the ball. It must be said that the home supporters have been in fine voice from the very first minute this afternoon. Whatever happens, Betis can count on their support.
The home side make their first change of the match as Castro, who has struggled to influence proceedings this afternoon, is replaced by the highly-rated Vadillo. Little over 30 minutes for the Spaniard to make his mark. As it stands, Madrid are moving onto 50 points alongside Barca and Atletico.
Half-chance for Ronaldo to score his second as he combines with Benzema on the edge of the box before bending one towards the bottom corner, but Andersen is on the hand to make the save. Meanwhile, the attendance this afternoon has been confirmed at little over 40,000. That is incredible for a team bottom of the table.
The opportunities continue to fall for Los Blancos as Benzema strikes one from outside the box, but Andersen is across to make yet another save. Surely Madrid's fourth is close. Still no movement on the away side's bench, but I suspect Jese and Morata will be given minutes in the latter stages of proceedings.
GOAL! Betis 0-4 Madrid (Di Maria)
Madrid have their fourth of the match just past the hour mark as Di Maria rattles a low effort into the bottom corner from some 30 yards. Wonderful strike from the Argentine.
Betis might be 4-0 behind, but their supporters continue to sing. Madrid threaten a fifth as Ronaldo cuts inside before bending one towards the bottom corner, but Andersen is across to make the save, before releasing Vadillo, who fires high and wide down the other end.
Good response from Betis in the last couple of moments with the likes of Vadillo and Reyes forcing the issue in wide areas, but Madrid remain tight in defence. If they manage to keep a clean sheet this afternoon then it will be their fifth in a row. Little over 20 minutes remaining as Benzema fires just wide of the post.
Los Blancos make their first change of the match as summer signing from Real Sociedad Illarramendi replaces Di Maria, who has been impressive once more. The Argentine has had his problems this season, but has been in wonderful form in the last few weeks. It remains 4-0 Madrid with 20 minutes remaining.
Betis continue to commit players in forward areas with Leo and Vadillo both threatening, but the final ball from the home side has been short of the required standard thus far. If other results go against them this weekend, Betis could find themselves some 10 points from safety. Time is running out for them this season that is for certain.
Los Blancos make their second change of the match with little over 15 minutes remaining as Nacho enters the field in place of Ramos, who receives a warm ovation from the away supporters. All smiles in the Madrid dugout as Ramos makes his way to his seat. Moments later, Vadillo is booked for chopping down Carvajal outside the box.
Ronaldo attempts the spectacular as he meets a short free kick from Modric on the edge of the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Betis are down the other end with Vadillo moments later, but his low cross is blocked by Marcelo.
Madrid make their third and final change of the match with Alvaro Morata entering the field in place of Benzema. Morata has been widely linked with a move to Arsenal in this transfer window, but it is understood that he will remain in the Spanish capital. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Betis make their third and final change of the match as Caro replaces Reyes for the latter stages. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Madrid continue to control the tempo. It would not be a surprise if they scored again on the counter attack.
Half-chance for Betis as Paulao meets a cross from Juanfran, but his effort is just high of the crossbar. Modric brings a smart save from Andersen down the other end moments later, but Ronaldo cannot convert after a loose parry from the stopper. End-to-end football in the latter stages.
The opportunities continue to arrive for the away side as Marcelo finds some space outside the box before striking one towards the top corner, but his effort just moves high and wide of the post. Molina spins inside the Madrid box moments later, but his effort is high and wide.
Another half-chance for Los Blancos as Ronaldo drives down the left before finding Bale in space, but his low effort whistles wide of the post. The home supporters have started to make their way toward the exits as we approach the final minute of normal time. It has been Madrid from start to finish this afternoon.
GOAL! Betis 0-5 Madrid (Morata)
Madrid score their fifth in the final minute as Morata capitalises on a strike from Ronaldo before finishing from close range. The Spaniard looked offside, but the flag stayed down.
FULL TIME: Betis 0-5 Madrid
So there we have it. Madrid hit Betis for five to move onto 50 points for the season and level with the top two in Spain. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again later for more La Liga football. Until then!
