Isco led Real Betis to a 2-1 victory over his former club, Real Madrid, in a dramatic and potentially pivotal win on Saturday evening.
While much attention was focused on Vinicius Junior’s milestone 300th appearance for Madrid, it was Isco, with 353 matches for Los Blancos, who proved the decisive figure at the Benito Villamarin.
Brahim Diaz gave Madrid the lead in the 10th minute. Kylian Mbappe skillfully maneuvered through Betis defenders on the edge of the box before setting up Ferland Mendy for a close-range shot. Betis goalkeeper Adrian blocked the effort, but Diaz was on hand to tap in the rebound.
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Isco, making his mark after missing the first four months of the season due to a broken leg, continued his strong form following a brace against Getafe last week. The five-time Champions League winner delivered a perfectly placed corner that Johnny Cardoso headed past Thibaut Courtois, who failed to keep it out with a weak wrist.
But Isco wasn’t finished haunting his former club. Just ten minutes into the second half, he played a brilliant ball to Betis’ young forward, Jesus Rodriguez, who surged through a gap in Madrid’s defense. Antonio Rudiger clumsily fouled Rodriguez, conceding a penalty, which Isco calmly converted.
Madrid struggled to respond and rarely looked likely to find an equalizer. The defeat leaves Carlo Ancelotti’s side second in the standings, though Barcelona and third-placed Atletico Madrid still have their matches to play this weekend.
