Real Madrid welcomed Real Betis to the Bernabeu on Saturday looking to close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona to 10 points.
The home side had the lead on the stroke of the interval when Mesut Ozil finished from close range, but Betis were unlucky to enter the break behind.
Betis started brightly in the second period, but it was two for Madrid after 57 minutes when Karim Benzema coolly found the bottom corner.
The away side had one back late on from a Jorge Molina penalty, but Ozil wrapped up the points for Madrid late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of our three back-to-back La Liga live commentaries comes from the Spanish capital as Real Madrid welcome Real Betis. The home side will attempt to keep the pressure on Barcelona with all three points, but Betis have Champions League football on their minds. It promises to be an enthralling 90 minutes of action.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid have enjoyed the best of it with four wins from the last five matches. In fact, Madrid have scored 15 goals in their last four wins over Betis. However, as mentioned, Betis were 1-0 winners in the reverse match at the beginning of the season.
Madrid are currently the in-form side in the league having taken 16 points from their last six matches. That run of form has seen them overtake Atletico Madrid to move into second position, but they are just three points ahead of their capital rivals. The league is all but gone, however, as they trail Barcelona by 13 points.
Madrid will be able to call upon a stunning home record this evening, meanwhile, having won 13 of their 15 matches in this stadium, remaining unbeaten in the process. However, Betis have taken 23 points on their travels this season, with only two teams – Madrid and Barcelona – gaining more.
TEAMS:
REAL MADRID: Lopez; Nacho, Carvalho, Albiol, Marcelo; Modric, Ozil, Casemiro; Ronaldo, Benzema, Callejon
REAL BETIS: Adrian; Chiva, Paulao, Amaya, Martinez; Benat, Igiebor, Canas; Castro, Pabon, Campbell
So there we have it. Interesting team news for the home side with Brazilian youngster Casemiro coming into the midfield alongside Mesut Ozil and Luka Modric. Diego Lopez also continues in goal, while there is a start for Spanish defender Nacho. Betis, meanwhile, leave Jorge Molina on the bench, but Joel Campbell and Dorlan Pabon both start in attack.
Betis enter the match in seventh position. However, three points this evening would move them into fifth position in the table, just three points behind fourth-placed Real Sociedad. It would be fair to admit that the race for fourth is between Sociedad, Malaga, Valencia and Betis. What a race we have on our hands.
As mentioned, Betis enter the match having won seven of their 15 away fixtures in the league this season. They have won the same number of matches on their own patch, but have lost six times. You cannot help but think if they had performed better at home this season, they would be comfortably in the top four.
The numbers for Madrid suggest that Betis will be in for a tough match this evening. Jose Mourinho’s side have conceded just 29 goals this season, while they have scored 80, the second-best record in the league. Betis have found the back of the net 47 times, but they have conceded 46 goals, which is the same number as basement outfit Celta Vigo.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged, just about time for my pre-match prediction. Madrid may be without a number of key players this evening, but I cannot see past a comfortable home victory.
Just a reminder of the main team news. Nacho, Casemiro and Ricardo Carvalho all come into the Madrid team this evening, while Ronaldo also starts. Betis boss Pepe Mel, meanwhile, pairs Campbell with Pabon in attack. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Madrid.
The Madrid soap opera continued this week with Jose Mourinho all but confirming that he will not be at the club next season. Meanwhile, the cameras have once more been trained on Iker Casillas, who takes his place on the bench this evening. Relaxed atmosphere around the stadium for this particular match.
Confident start from the home side as they take control of the possession, with Ozil and Modric seeing plenty of the ball in the early stages. Betis have been impressive away from home this season, however, and will provide a stern test. Half-chance for Ronaldo as the Portuguese collects a pass from Callejon, but Adrian is out to make the challenge.
Early stoppage in play as Paulao hits the deck holding his knee, but it does appear that the Brazilian will be fit to continue. Plenty of Madrid players will be looking to impress in this match ahead of the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund next week. Not too much to report in the opening six minutes of football.
Again Ronaldo is the target as Marcelo collects possession on the left before finding the Portuguese, Ronaldo in turn finds Callejon, but the Spaniard just cannot collect at the vital moment. Ozil has possession outside the box moments later, but he is immediately surrounded by two defenders. High-tempo opening, but still no opportunities for either side.
CHANCE! Betis have the ball in the back of the net as Castro taps home from close range, but the offside flag is raised. The chance came in the build-up, however, as Campbell struck an effort from inside the box, but Lopez got down to make a fine save. That is why the Spaniard is keeping Casillas out of the team.
It's nice work from Casemiro as the Brazilian collects possession outside the box before striking towards the bottom corner, but Adrian is across to make the save. Carvalho has a half-chance from the resulting corner, but the Portuguese misses the target by some distance. One-way traffic as the home side start to take control of proceedings.
Another half-chance for the home side as Callejon finds Benzema in the box, the Frenchman attempts to turn and strike in one movement, but Paulao is on hand to make a fine challenge. Really opening period of the match in the last couple of moments as Campbell finds Pabon down the left, but his effort is wide of the post.
The Madrid pressure continues to rise as Ronaldo combines with Marcelo before the Brazilian strikes an effort from a wide area, but Adrian just manages to divert it past the post. Once more the resulting corner is met by Ronaldo, but Paulao manages to block the forward's header. After a slow opening, both sides have started to demonstrate their attacking intent.
Slight problem for Marcelo here as the Brazilian hits the deck. Not too much in the challenge with Pabon, which makes you worry more. The defender is indeed replaced as Raphael Varane enters the field. Pabon is involved moments later as he combines with Campbell, but Diego Lopez is quick off his line to clear the danger.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. It really does not look too clever for Marcelo, meanwhile, as the Brazilian leaves the stadium on a stretcher. That will certainly rule him out of the Dortmund clash next week. Fabio Coentrao is also struggling, which gives Jose Mourinho serious problems in that department.
Another half-chance for the home side as Ronaldo meets a pass from Benzema on the edge of the box, but the Portuguese can only slice wide of the post. Ruben Castro is involved down the other end as he combines with Campbell before driving into the box, but the Spaniard is challenged by Varane. Neither goalkeeper has been tested with 23 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side as Ronaldo meets a corner from Modric, but Adrian is on hand to make a fine save. Where on earth was the marking? Betis are certainly not afraid to attack, but they have been very questionable in defence this season - conceding the same number as bottom side Celta Vigo.
Again Campbell and Pabon combine for the away side as the latter drives past two defenders before finding his strike partner, but Campbell can only clip his effort over the crossbar. Meanwhile, it is the away supporters creating most of the noise inside the stadium. Little over 15 minutes of the half remaining.
A simple long pass allows Ronaldo into the Betis box, but for once the Portuguese's touch is just too heavy. It is quite extraordinary that Madrid have not yet opened the scoring. Betis continue to provide a threat down the other end, however, as Campbell spins and fires just wide of the target.
Betis continue to threaten the home side as Benat collects possession in his own half before finding Ruben Castro down the right, but once more the final ball into the box is just short of the required target. Meanwhile, it has been an impressive opening 32 minutes for Madrid midfielder Casemiro, who joined the club on loan from Sao Paulo in the January transfer window.
Good possession from the home side as Callejon comes deep before finding Ronaldo behind the Betis defence, but once more Adrian is quick off his line. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last five minutes or so, however, with Madrid seemingly moving through the motions. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
The Betis supporters are having a real party in the Bernabeu as we approach the latter stages of the first period. In truth, aside from a couple of half-chances, not too much has happened. Betis attack moments later as Pabon finds Campbell in the box, but the forward can only volley wide of the post.
Just a reminder that following the completion of this match we have action from Barcelona against Levante, be sure to remain with us for that. Madrid continue to play their football in and around the Betis box, but once more the final pass is just too heavy for Ronaldo.
CHANCE! Best opportunity of the match for the away side as Pabon finds the head of Castro in the box, but somehow the Spaniard fires straight over the crossbar. What a chance to take the lead moments before the break. Meanwhile, Madrid continue to be frustrated by a host of offside decisions.
POST! Thumping effort from Ronaldo as the Portuguese collects possession on the edge of the box before striking towards goal, but it smashes off the post. Benzema picks up the rebound, but the Frenchman was in an offside position. You sense that Mourinho could have a few words to say at the interval.
CROSSBAR! Wonderful combination between Pabon and Campbell once more, which leads to the former striking an effort from outside the box, but it smashes against the crossbar. Meanwhile, it appears that we will have an additional one minute of stoppage time.
GOAL! Madrid 1-0 Betis (Ozil)
Betis cannot make it to the break as Ozil collects possession outside the box before driving towards goal and slotting his effort into the back of the net. Wonderful finish from the German international.
HALF-TIME: Madrid 1-0 Betis
So there we have it. Madrid enter the break with a one-goal lead courtesy of a fine finish from Ozil on the stroke of the interval. Betis had chances of their own in the shape of Pabon and Campbell, but their willingness to play a high line contributed to their problems. They now have it all to do.
STATISTICS: The home side have just about shaded the possession with 55%, while both sides have had nine attempts. However, Madrid have tested the opposing goalkeeper three times. In truth, a 1-0 lead at this stage of the match is just about a fair reflection of what we have seen. But there is still a lot of football to be played.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have an embarrassment of riches on the sidelines with the likes of Kaka, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel di Maria ready to enter the action. Meanwhile, Betis have options in the shape of Jorge Molina and Alvaro Vadillo. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for the home side at the interval, but Nosa is replaced by Jorge Molina for Betis. As it stands, Madrid would move 10 points behind leaders Barcelona. The away side get the second period underway.
Bright start from the home side as Ozil collects possession on the right before combining with Ronaldo, but Paulao is across to fell the German. The resulting cross is whipped into the box by Callejon, but Adrian comes out to claim the danger, before Pabon advances down the other end.
Ronaldo takes matters into his own hands down the right as he darts past two defenders before delivering a cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Benzema, who was being closely marked by Javi Chica. Once more Pabon threatens down the other end, but Varane is across to shepherd the ball out of play.
The pressure continues from Madrid as Varane combines with Ronaldo before delivering a cross into the box, but Paulao is across to make the clearance. Ozil tries his luck from distance moments later, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. You just get the feeling that the next goal could be decisive in terms of the final result.
Half-chance for Betis as Benat collects possession on the edge of the box before dropping his shoulder and striking towards the top corner, but Lopez was comfortable in dealing with the danger. Chica delivers a dangerous cross into the box moments later, but Varane is across to clear. Good pressure from Betis.
Penalty appeal for the home side as Ronaldo is bundled over in the penalty area, but the referee is not interested. Replays have shown that the correct decision was made, with Amaya winning all of the ball. Still no real chances for either side in the early stages of the second period.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of making a number of sloppy challenges. Varane is again involved down the right as he floats a cross towards Ronaldo, but once more the Portuguese had moved into an offside position. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
GOAL! Madrid 2-0 Betis (Benzema)
Madrid have their second of the match as Ronaldo finds Benzema in the box, the Frenchman takes one touch before finishing into the bottom corner. That has been the difference. It is a long way back for Betis from this position.
Another change for the away side as Campbell is replaced by Alvaro Vadillo. Good response from Betis since conceding as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is cleared by Albiol before Benat heads the second over the crossbar. Vadillo has a strike from outside the box moments later, but it was always moving high of the target.
Meanwhile, Madrid are forced into a change of their own as Luka Modric is replaced by Pepe. Not a bad sub to have on the bench! It could be a costly evening for Madrid with Marcelo and Modric both exiting with injuries. I suspect that Ronaldo could be replaced as we approach the latter stages.
The Madrid players appear to be dropping like flies at the moment as Benzema in the latest to hit the deck, but it does appear more of an impact injury than a serious strain. Another half-chance arrives for Betis as Molina strikes one from outside the box, but it was always moving high of the crossbar.
Half-chance down the other end as Ronaldo finds Callejon on the edge of the box, the Spaniard turns inside, but Amaya is across to make a fine challenge. If there is one player that needs a goal for Madrid, then it is the Spanish attacker. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in the Bernabeu.
Betis make their third change of the match as Ruben Perez replaces Canas, who has struggled with the intensity in the second period. You have to credit the Betis supporters for their noise this evening as they continue to sing their hearts out. The away side's work-rate cannot be called into question.
Ronaldo is again involved for the home side as he collects possession down the left before finding Benzema in the box, but the Frenchman's effort is blocked by Amaya, who has been impressive this evening. The resulting corner eventually falls to Pepe, but Chica throws his body in the way. Impressive defending from the away side.
PENALTY TO BETIS!
The away side are awarded a penalty as Castro is felled by Nacho in the box. Probably the easiest penalty that the referee has ever given. Meanwhile, change for the home side as Benzema is replaced by Gonzalo Higuain.
GOAL! Madrid 2-1 Betis (Molina)
Betis score on their travels once more as Molina plants his effort into the top corner. Just about as cool as you could ever imagine. The away side are back in the game there is no question about that.
What Betis lack in ability, they more than make up for in pure effort and work-rate. Madrid attempt to regain their two-goal lead as Ronaldo drives into the box before striking from close range, but it was always swerving past the post. Little under 15 minutes of football remaining in Madrid.
Another half-chance for the home side as Ronaldo strikes a free kick from outside the box, but Adrian is on hand to make the save. Hang on, Madrid are playing, Ronaldo is on the pitch and he hasn't scored? Maybe I have spoke too soon with more than 10 minutes remaining.
Slightly bitty period of the match in the last few moments with both sides guilty of making a number of late challenges. Half-chance for the away side from the resulting free kick as Castro meets the delivery from Molina, but his header just moved high and wide of the crossbar. Plenty of Betis pressure here.
Mourinho is certainly not a happy manager at the moment as Ronaldo becomes the latest player to have his name taken by the referee. Betis continue to force the issue with high balls into the Madrid box, but the home side are always a threat on the counter. End-to-end football with 83 minutes on the clock.
Madrid have just taken the sting out of the match in the last couple of moments with a period of extended possession. Benat is involved moments later as he searches out Molina with a long pass, but Lopez is quick off his line to quell the danger. Betis are running out of time here.
Again Madrid come under pressure as Pepe is bundled off the ball on the edge of the box, Campbell has a strike from close range, but Varane is on hand to make a fine challenge. The resulting corner is whipped into the box by Benat, but Lopez rises to claim the cross. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side to nick a point as Castro pounces in the box following a mistake from Carvalho, but his effort thumps against the crossbar, before Varane clears under pressure from Pabon. Madrid hold onto their lead.
GOAL! Madrid 3-1 Betis (Ozil)
Madrid wrap up the points in the latter stages as Ozil latches onto a cross from Callejon before firing home from close range. That is game, set and match for the home side.
FULL-TIME: Madrid 3-1 Betis
So there we have it. Ozil scores twice as Madrid record a 3-1 win over Betis. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for action from Barcelona. Until then!
