Real Madrid’s aspirations of closing the gap at the summit of La Liga suffered a heavy blow on Friday night as Hector Bellerin produced a dramatic e...
Real Madrid’s aspirations of closing the gap at the summit of La Liga suffered a heavy blow on Friday night as Hector Bellerin produced a dramatic equaliser in the dying moments of the contest at the Benito Villamarin, forcing Real Betis to a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw. The visitors, having dominated large swathes of the encounter, were left to rue their inability to convert their lion’s share of possession into a more commanding lead, and in the scheme of things, the dropped points may yet prove costly in the title race. Carlo Ancelotti’s men began the match with a commendable intensity, pressing high and carving out several promising opportunities inside the Betis box. However, a lack of a clinical edge in front of goal meant they could only take a slender advantage into the interval, a lead that felt far too fragile given their territorial superiority. The hosts, to their credit, remained resilient and organised, refusing to be overawed by the occasion, and their patience was rewarded in the most dramatic fashion. As the clock ticked past the 90 minute mark and the travelling support began to savour what appeared to be a hard fought victory, Betis launched one final assault on the Madrid goal. A cross into the box was met by Bellerin, the former Arsenal man, who arrived at the far post with impeccable timing to steer the ball home and send the home crowd into raptures. It was a cruel end for Real Madrid, who had given a good account of themselves for much of the game but ultimately paid the price for their profligacy in front of goal. At the end of the day, the powers that be at the Santiago Bernabeu will know that such sloppiness cannot be tolerated if they are to maintain any realistic hope of overhauling the league leaders. For Real Betis, the point is a valuable one as they continue their push for a European place, and the manner in which they snatched it from the jaws of defeat will only strengthen their resolve. Back home in Nigeria, the reaction from fans gathered at viewing centres in Surulere and Wuse II was one of mixed emotions. Many who had staked their hard earned naira on a Madrid victory were left shaking their heads in disbelief, while those who had backed the underdogs celebrated with a fervour that could be heard from the streets of Abuja to the bars of Ikeja. The Super Eagles faithful, ever passionate about the European game, discussed the performance of Nigerian internationals across the continent and lamented the missed opportunities that had cost Madrid dear. It was a night of high drama that firmly reminded everyone why the beautiful game remains the heartbeat of Nigerian football culture.
