Leaders Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis
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Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Betis v Real Madrid - Benito Villamarin, Seville, Spain - December 9, 2023 Real Betis' Aitor Ruibal celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo
SEVILLE - A stunning goal from Real Betis' Aitor Ruibal cancelled out Jude Bellingham's strike for Real Madrid early in the second half to earn the home side a 1-1 draw in LaLiga on Saturday.
Carlo Ancelotti's side remain top of the table with 39 points, one ahead of Girona, who face third-placed Barcelona on Sunday.
Bellingham gave the visitors the lead with a fine low finish following Brahim Diaz's brilliant chipped pass on the edge of the box eight minutes after halftime.
Betis bounced back in the 66th minute when Ruibal equalised with a long-range rocket into the far corner.
The home side's Isco went close against his former team right on the 90-minute mark, but his header hit the post, much to Madrid's relief. REUTERS