Real Madrid slip further behind in La Liga race after goalless draw against Real Betis

Real Madrid have slipped nine points behind Barcelona in La Liga after 24 games.

The Catalans secured a narrow 1-0 win over Valencia on Sunday afternoon to go ten points clear at the top of the La Liga table.

Madrid were looking to respond immediately later in the day when they faced Real Betis.

However, a disallowed Karim Benzema goal was all they had to show for their efforts.

The French striker had a goal chalked off for offside in Thursday’s defeat to Barcelona.

He was also unlucky against Manuel Pellegrini’s side at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.

Los Blancos failed to register a shot on target in their Copa del Rey loss to Barca.

They produced a much-improved attacking effort against Betis but were unable to break the deadlock.

They could have lost if not for Thibaut Courtois’ heroics in goal.

As expected, the visitors enjoyed the larger share of possession.

Unfortunately, their 62% possession could only yield a point, and the result piles further pressure on Carlo Ancelotti.

The Madrid board questioned the Italian’s tactics against Barca and criticised his lack of a plan B.

Some senior figures were bemused by his decision to start Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

The Croatian was left on the bench against Betis, but it changed nothing.

Madrid play Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday and will hope to bounce back. Liverpool and Barcelona are next on the agenda.

How they fare in the next three games will have a huge say on their Champions League and La Liga campaigns.