Real Madrid suffered a setback in their title defense, losing 2-1 to Real Betis. Atletico Madrid took advantage to climb to the top of La Liga, while Napoli kept pace with Inter Milan in Serie A. Bayer Leverkusen also closed the gap on Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
Real Madrid 's title defense took a hit with a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis on Saturday. Isco, playing against his former team, scored the winning penalty for Betis, who now sit level on points with league leaders Barcelona. Real Madrid opened the scoring at the Benito Villamarin stadium through Brahim Diaz, but Betis quickly responded with a Johnny Cardoso header. Isco sealed the victory for the home side with a penalty early in the second half.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid claimed a nervy 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, provisionally moving to the top of La Liga. Julian Alvarez's second-half strike proved to be the difference at the Metropolitano stadium. Despite hitting the woodwork three times, Athletic Bilbao couldn't find an equalizer, allowing Atletico Madrid to seize the lead. Barcelona, currently in second place, two points behind, have the opportunity to reclaim top spot with a victory against Real Sociedad on Sunday. In Serie A, Philip Billing's late goal earned Napoli a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan, keeping the pressure on the league leaders. The Danish midfielder scored his first goal for Napoli three minutes from the end, ensuring that Napoli remain one point behind Inter Milan. Federico Dimarco had given Inter Milan the lead with a stunning free-kick in the 22nd minute, but Billing's late strike prevented a significant blow to Napoli's title aspirations. In the Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen narrowed Bayern Munich's lead to eight points ahead of their Champions League clash. Leverkusen secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. Leverkusen dominated the game, scoring three goals in a seven-minute blitz in the first half. Nathan Tella, Nordi Mukiele, and Patrik Schick found the back of the net, while Hugo Ekitike scored a consolation goal for Frankfurt. Aleix Garcia sealed the victory for Leverkusen with a long-range effort in the second half
La Liga Real Madrid Real Betis Atletico Madrid Serie A Napoli Inter Milan Bundesliga Bayer Leverkusen Bayern Munich
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Real Madrid's Bellingham receives two-match Liga ban after red-card controversyThe latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
Man United loanee Antony to miss Real Madrid game after red in La LigaThe latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
Barca battle to keep La Liga lead as Alvarez-inspired Atletico apply pressureThe latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
Atletico Madrid Hammer Getafe 5-0 to Reach Copa del Rey Semi-finalsGiuliano Simeone shines with a brace as Atletico Madrid cruise past Getafe in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
Read more »
Keane eases pressure at Ferencvaros with first league win, Madrid go second in La LigaThe latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
Real Madrid Eyeing Trent Alexander-Arnold Transfer as Liverpool Star Faces CrossroadsEnglish full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold finds himself at a crossroads with Real Madrid reportedly courting his signature. As his Liverpool contract approaches its end, the 26-year-old could be lured by a lucrative free transfer to the Spanish giants, where he'd join forces with teammate Jude Bellingham. This situation mirrors that of Steven Gerrard, who also faced Real Madrid's interest years ago, ultimately choosing loyalty to Liverpool.
Read more »