In a surprising turn of events, former Real Madrid player Isco Alarcón played a crucial role in Real Betis’ 2-1 comeback win over the defending champions. Isco delivered a corner kick that led to Johnny Cardoso’s equalizing goal in the 34th minute, cancelling out Brahim Díaz’s opener for Madrid. Isco later scored from the penalty spot after setting up Jesús Rodríguez, putting Betis in the lead.
The loss for Madrid has left them tied on points with Barcelona, with Atletico Madrid closely behind. Despite a strong start, Madrid struggled to maintain their momentum and suffered a setback in the title race. Coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed disappointment in the team’s performance and emphasized the need to bounce back.
Isco’s impactful performance against his former team showcased his skill and determination, with the 32-year-old midfielder proving to be a key player for Betis. Following the match, Isco credited the team’s collective effort for the victory, highlighting the hard work of his teammates.
Madrid will now shift their focus to the upcoming Champions League clash against Atletico, hoping to bounce back from their recent struggles. Isco’s stellar display against his old club serves as a reminder of his enduring talent and contribution to Betis’ success.
Federico Valverde was in the process of recovering from an unspecified knock, while Betis found themselves grappling with the absence of several players due to injuries, notably midfielders William Carvahlo and Marc Roca. In a thrilling turn of events, Dodi Lukebakio emerged as the shining light for Sevilla amidst an otherwise lackluster season, as he netted his 11th league goal in the 81st minute to salvage a crucial point in a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo also locked horns in a hard-fought battle that ended in a 2-2 draw against Girona. For more updates on soccer, visit the AP soccer website: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer.
