<p>Seville: Real Madrid slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis after their former player Isco converted a second-half penalty on Saturday, denying the visitors the chance to top LaLiga.</p><p>The loss leaves Real Madrid level on 54 points with leaders Barcelona, who host mid-table Real Sociedad on Sunday.</p><p>Third-placed Atletico Madrid, who have 53, went top later on Saturday when they beat fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao.</p><p>"I'm dead, exhausted. In the end it's very hard to win games against Madrid, who have millions of resources, it's very difficult," Isco, named man of the match, told Movistar.</p><p>"I'm happy for the win against the best team out there today. Hopefully we can finish the year in the best possible way."</p><p>Madrid dominated the early proceedings and took the lead after 10 minutes when Brahim Diaz tapped in Ferland Mendy's pass from the left after a great through ball from Kylian Mbappe.</p>.Man City's Rodri returns to individual training after ACL injury.<p>Betis overcame the sluggish start, though, and equalised in the 34th through Johnny Cardoso's close-range header off a corner from Isco.</p><p>Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pulled off a crucial save to deny Cardoso a second goal shortly before halftime.</p><p>The Belgian, however, could not prevent Isco from scoring a clinical spot kick to hand Betis the lead nine minutes after the break following Antonio Rudiger's foul on Jesus Rodriguez.</p><p>Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti sought to spark some life into his attack with the introduction of Arda Guler and Endrick, but Betis' backline held firm while goalkeeper Adrian blocked a late attempt from Vinicius Jr.</p><p>"We started off a bit off the pace, letting them play too much and they hurt us. But the team improved halfway through the first half," the 32-year-old Isco said.</p><p>"I am always grateful to Madrid for having helped me fulfil all the dreams a child has and I will always have Madrid in my heart," he added, having won five Champions League trophies, three LaLiga titles and the Copa del Rey with the club.</p><p>Betis now have 38 points and are in sixth spot, the final European qualifying berth. </p>
<p>Seville: Real Madrid slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis after their former player Isco converted a second-half penalty on Saturday, denying the visitors the chance to top LaLiga.</p><p>The loss leaves Real Madrid level on 54 points with leaders Barcelona, who host mid-table Real Sociedad on Sunday.</p><p>Third-placed Atletico Madrid, who have 53, went top later on Saturday when they beat fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao.</p><p>"I'm dead, exhausted. In the end it's very hard to win games against Madrid, who have millions of resources, it's very difficult," Isco, named man of the match, told Movistar.</p><p>"I'm happy for the win against the best team out there today. Hopefully we can finish the year in the best possible way."</p><p>Madrid dominated the early proceedings and took the lead after 10 minutes when Brahim Diaz tapped in Ferland Mendy's pass from the left after a great through ball from Kylian Mbappe.</p>.Man City's Rodri returns to individual training after ACL injury.<p>Betis overcame the sluggish start, though, and equalised in the 34th through Johnny Cardoso's close-range header off a corner from Isco.</p><p>Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pulled off a crucial save to deny Cardoso a second goal shortly before halftime.</p><p>The Belgian, however, could not prevent Isco from scoring a clinical spot kick to hand Betis the lead nine minutes after the break following Antonio Rudiger's foul on Jesus Rodriguez.</p><p>Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti sought to spark some life into his attack with the introduction of Arda Guler and Endrick, but Betis' backline held firm while goalkeeper Adrian blocked a late attempt from Vinicius Jr.</p><p>"We started off a bit off the pace, letting them play too much and they hurt us. But the team improved halfway through the first half," the 32-year-old Isco said.</p><p>"I am always grateful to Madrid for having helped me fulfil all the dreams a child has and I will always have Madrid in my heart," he added, having won five Champions League trophies, three LaLiga titles and the Copa del Rey with the club.</p><p>Betis now have 38 points and are in sixth spot, the final European qualifying berth. </p>