Real Madrid survive late Real Betis pressure as Bellingham and Vinicius hit woodwork

Real Madrid were forced to defend resolutely as Real Betis pushed for a breakthrough in the closing stages of their La Liga meeting, with Vinicius Junior striking the post and Jude Bellingham seeing a header saved by Alvaro Valles.

The match began with both sides competing for control, while a second-half spell of pressure produced several chances at either end.

Real Madrid won a corner on the left, taken by Arda Guler, whose cross found Dean Huijsen. The defender’s header rose over the crossbar. Real Betis then earned a corner from the same side, with Pablo Fornals’ delivery cleared by the defence towards the middle of the pitch.

Guler was shown a yellow card for a strong challenge in midfield. Real Madrid responded with a short corner routine involving Kylian Mbappe, who then attempted to break into the area before the move was stopped by the Betis defence.

Betis also threatened from set-pieces. Isco delivered a corner from the right, but the ball was headed away into midfield. Another Betis corner, again taken by Isco, was cleared from danger.

The visitors came closest when Antony Matheus tried his luck from outside the penalty area. His effort was brilliantly tipped behind for another corner by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Vinicius then went close at the other end after Arda Guler played the ball across the area, but his first-time effort struck the right-hand post and went out for a goal-kick.

Real Madrid continued to create opportunities. Guler sent another corner into the area and Dean Huijsen met it with a header, but Valles produced an excellent save. Bellingham later went close with a shot from the left side of the penalty area that went just wide of the left post.

Vinicius was involved again when he carried the ball forward and passed into the penalty area for Mbappe. The France forward’s effort was blocked by Nathan, before Mbappe followed up with another shot. Marc Bartra then made a crucial intervention on the goal-line to keep it out.

Real Betis responded with a free-kick from the defensive half after Vinicius was penalised for a foul. The home side also won a further corner on the left, with Fornals’ cross cleared away from the danger area.

Play was briefly stopped for a drinks break before Betis resumed possession. The hosts tried to increase the pressure, but Real Madrid maintained an organised defensive shape. A foul by Huijsen gave Betis another free-kick in the defensive half, while a further corner from Fornals was dealt with by the visiting defence.

There was a second pause to replace the ball. Betis were then awarded another corner, but the resulting delivery was cleared.

Vinicius tested Valles with a weak effort from inside the area, while Mbappe also saw a shot blocked by the Betis defence. Cucho Hernandez fired wide of the right post from inside the penalty area, and Antony Matheus later sent another effort from distance straight into Courtois’ arms.

Real Betis were forced into their first substitution after Diego Llorente required treatment and appeared unable to continue. The game resumed with Betis in possession.

Six minutes of added time were signalled. Real Madrid won two late corners on the left, both taken by Guler. The first passed without danger, while the second was met by Bellingham, whose header was saved superbly by Valles.

Guler then tried from outside the area but sent his effort over the bar. Betis earned a free-kick after another challenge, this time involving Bellingham, while Real Madrid continued to threaten from corners. A late delivery from the left was cleared, and Guler also sent a further cross into the area for the defence to repel.

The corner count was recorded as Real Betis one, Real Madrid two at one stage of the match, as both teams continued to rely on set-pieces for openings.