THE LaLiga title race took yet another twist as Barcelona reclaimed top spot with 11 games to go – as Real Madrid put in their “worst performance of the season”.
Real Madrid moved into pole position last weekend with a 2-0 victory in El Clasico, taking a one-point advantage over their bitter rivals.
Real Madrid put in their “worst performance of the season” as they lost 2-1 at Real Betis on SundayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Furious Zinedine Zidane blasted his players as he saw them give up top spot in the LaLiga title raceCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
On Saturday, Barcelona moved back in front as Lionel Messi’s late penalty – his 438th league goal – proved to be the only goal in their home tie with Real Sociedad.
But Zinedine Zidane’s side relinquished their chance to return to the top of the pile with a shock 2-1 defeat away to Real Betis on Sunday.
Goals from Sidnei and former Barca youngster Cristian Tello either side of Karim Benzema’s equalising penalty secured the win for mid-table Betis.
But it was the manner of the defeat that infuriated Zidane most as he tore into his players for being totally outplayed for large periods with Nabil Fekir pulling the strings.
Sub Ferland Mendy struck the crossbar with 20 minutes to go – but Tello stole all three points with his finish eight minutes from time.
We lacked everything, it was our worst game of the season. We didn’t deserve to win.
Zinedine Zidane
Zidane fumed: “Today we lacked everything, it was our worst game of the season.
“We lacked energy, creativity, possession and aggression. We didn’t do anything well in the first or second half. We made lots of errors, gave the ball away a lot and when you are not at your very best things can get very complicated.
“We didn’t deserve to win. It’s a real blow and we have to analyse everything.”
Midfielder Casemiro immediately recognised the significance of the defeat – and the repercussions it could have come the end of the season in May.
The Brazilian said: “This defeat could cost us the title although we need to think game-by-game.
“If you want to win the league you have to play well in every game and we did not play well. They played much better than us and all we can do is congratulate Betis and keep working because we did not play how we needed to.”
And the Spanish press were not afraid to stick the boot in on Los Blancos as their hopes of winning any silverware this season took another dent.
One paper went with the headline “Madrid loses its head”, another wrote “This is how leagues are lost” and Barcelona-based publication Sport had “Thank you Betis, thank you Madrid.”
Madrid will be desperate to return to winning ways on Friday night at home to relegation-threatened Eibar before trying to overturn the 2-1 deficit to Manchester City in the Champions League.
Lionel Messi bagged his 438th league goal to secure a 1-0 win for Barcelona over Real SociedadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Spanish press were not afraid to stick the boot in on Los Blancos following the shock result
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
