Betis 2 - Real Madrid 1

Betis: Ricardo; Damià, Melli, Juanito, Fernando Vega; Arzu, Rivera; Edu (Caffa 88'), Capi (Sobis 59'), Mark González; Pavone (Juande 74'). 4-2-3-1.
Madrid: Casillas; Michel Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Marcelo; Guti, Gago; Robben, Baptista (Higuaín 68'), Drenthe (Van Nistelrooy 58'); Raúl (Balboa 77'). 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Betis: Melli, Mark González, Pavone for Alex Ortíz, José Mari, Xisco / Madrid: Drenthe for Robinho.

Goals:
0-1. 05. Drenthe. Turned ball into net after defence failed to clear Robben cross.
1-1. 31. Edu. Steered header down past Casillas from Pavone cross.
2-1. 35. Mark González. Steered header down past Casillas from Edu cross.

A set-back for leaders Real Madrid this weekend, a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Betis allowing their closest rivals to close the gap. Bernd Schuster lined with the same side which put seven past Valladolid last weekend, and they started well. Baptista forced a good save out of Ricardo in the second minute from a free kick, and four minutes later Drenthe put them ahead after Melli could only deflect Robben's cross into his path.

Robben had a chance to increase the lead soon afterwards when he shot over the top after Guti put him through. But after that Betis came back with two similar goals in four minutes, Edu getting ahead of Marcelo to head Pavone's cross down past Casillas, and then turning provider for Mark González to do likewise, again beating Marcelo to the ball.

Casillas had to be on his toes to keep out Pavone after the break, and Schuster decided to bring on Van Nistelrooy, who he had been saving for the midweek Champions League game. The Dutch striker hit the post soon after coming on, but was also lucky not to be sent off after catching Melli with a flying elbow late on. Edu fired a late chance over the top, but the locals had already done enough to earn three valuable points which takes them away from the danger zone. Madrid had lost again in Andalusia, the third time they have done so this season, and their gap at the top has been reduced to five points. As they say, it's not over until the fat lady sings!