MX23RW : Tuesday, December 3 18:01:23| >> :120:6707:6707:
Real Madrid logo
La Liga
Apr 20, 2013 at 5pm UK
 
Real Betis logo

3-1

Özil (45', 90'), Benzema (57')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Molina (73' pen.)

Real Madrid overcome tough Real Betis test

Madrid overcome tough Betis test
© AP Photos
A brace from Mesut Ozil helps Real Madrid defeat Real Betis 3-1 at the Bernabeu in La Liga.

Real Madrid have have pulled six points clear of Atletico Madrid in La Liga, thanks to a 3-1 victory over Real Betis.

The visitors thought that they had opened the scoring after 10 minutes when Ruben Castro tapped in from close range after Diego Lopez had saved Joel Campbell's effort.

However, it was not counted as the linesman had his flag raised for offside.

Los Blancos steadily began to gain the upper hand and Cristiano Ronaldo nearly put them ahead in the 25th minute, but Adrian was on hand to make a vital stop.

Betis should have taken the lead in the 41st minute when Dorlan Pabon found Castro inside the box, but headed over Lopez's crossbar.

That sent Madrid in leading at the break, and they went forward looking for a second after the restart.

It was a lovely through-ball from Ronaldo that set Gonzalo Higuan free in the 57th minute and the Argentine kept a cool head to slot home.

The points looked to be staying at the Bernabeu, but a rash challenge by Nacho on Casto allowed Jorge Molina the opportunity to claw one back from the spot.

Lopez guessed the right way but was unable to stop it from burying in the top corner of the net.

Pepe Mel's side then threw caution to the wind and began to press for a leveller, which nearly came in the 88th minute.

Castro nearly capitalised on a mistake by Ricardo Carvalho, but his shot came back off the crossbar and Raphael Varane was able to clear off the line from the rebound.

Despite a few nervy moments, the points were wrapped up thanks to Ozil's second of the game in injury time.

ID:80580: cacheID:80580:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3464:
Written by
Michael Penkman
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Balaidos, home of Celta Vigo
Read Next:
Late goal gives Betis win
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Browns
32-41
Broncos
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona15111343162734
2Real Madrid14103130111933
3Atletico MadridAtletico159512681832
4Athletic Bilbao157532214826
5Villarreal147522723426
6Mallorca157351513224
7Osasuna156542023-323
8GironaGirona156452220222
9Real Sociedad156361311221
10Real BetisBetis155551618-220
11Sevilla155461419-519
12Celta Vigo155372327-418
13Rayo Vallecano144461416-216
14Las PalmasLas Palmas154382026-615
15Leganes153661420-615
16AlavesAlaves154291625-914
17Getafe152761013-313
18Espanyol144191527-1213
19Valencia132471321-810
20Real ValladolidValladolid1523101032-229


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!