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STATS Perform/dpa
Real Madrid closed out their title-winning La Liga campaign with a low-key 0-0 draw against Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu on Friday.
Neither team had anything to play for and that was clear from the outset, with the match played at a sedate tempo as Madrid looked to avoid overexerting themselves ahead of next weekend’s Champions League final against Liverpool.
Carlo Ancelotti named a strong line-up for the match but Los Blancos remain winless and goalless in five home league games against Betis.
Marcelo and Isco were sent on for their final appearances at the Bernabeu but it was not to be a triumphant farewell as Betis held on for a draw.
Toni Kroos fired wide after Karim Benzema’s shot was blocked and Willian Jose narrowly missed the target from 20 yards after an open start to the half. Decent openings were few and far between, but Casemiro rifled a low drive just outside the post on the stroke of half-time after charging through the middle.
Benzema volleyed straight at Rui Silva seven minutes after the restart and Rodrygo sent his follow-up wide under pressure from Marc Bartra. Joaquin came off the bench in the 74th minute for his 600th La Liga appearance, joining Andoni Zubizarreta (622) as the only players to reach the milestone.
The 40-year-old winger was unable to mark the occasion with a goal as he lifted an effort from the edge of the six-yard box over with three minutes remaining, but the point was enough for Betis to clinch fifth place.
Real Madrid closed out their title-winning La Liga campaign with a low-key 0-0 draw against Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu on Friday.
Neither team had anything to play for and that was clear from the outset, with the match played at a sedate tempo as Madrid looked to avoid overexerting themselves ahead of next weekend’s Champions League final against Liverpool.
Carlo Ancelotti named a strong line-up for the match but Los Blancos remain winless and goalless in five home league games against Betis.
Marcelo and Isco were sent on for their final appearances at the Bernabeu but it was not to be a triumphant farewell as Betis held on for a draw.
Toni Kroos fired wide after Karim Benzema’s shot was blocked and Willian Jose narrowly missed the target from 20 yards after an open start to the half. Decent openings were few and far between, but Casemiro rifled a low drive just outside the post on the stroke of half-time after charging through the middle.
Benzema volleyed straight at Rui Silva seven minutes after the restart and Rodrygo sent his follow-up wide under pressure from Marc Bartra. Joaquin came off the bench in the 74th minute for his 600th La Liga appearance, joining Andoni Zubizarreta (622) as the only players to reach the milestone.
The 40-year-old winger was unable to mark the occasion with a goal as he lifted an effort from the edge of the six-yard box over with three minutes remaining, but the point was enough for Betis to clinch fifth place.
