AAP Soccer

Bellingham strikes again but Real Madrid held at Betis

By AAP Newswire

Dec 10, 2023

Jude Bellingham scored again for an injury-depleted Real Madrid in a 1-1 draw at Real Betis in the Spanish league.

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The 20-year-old England midfielder used his chest to cushion a pass from Brahim Diaz before slotting under Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva to open the scoring in the 53rd minute on Saturday.

Bellingham's transformation into a clinical finisher with a league-leading 12 goals has kept Madrid at the top of the table.

He has 16 goals in 18 games in domestic competition and the Champions League.

Betis right back Aitor Ruibal equalised in the 66th from outside the right corner of the box with a powerful looping strike that sailed past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

Both sides had late chances to snatch the victory. Former Madrid playmaker Isco Alarcon headed against the woodwork for Betis and Madrid substitute Joselu Mato shot inches wide.

The draw left Madrid top of the table, but Girona are just one point behind before Sunday's visit to Barcelona.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti started Luka Modric after the veteran midfielder missed two games with a thigh problem.

Betis remained seventh. Manuel Pellegrini's team are undefeated in nine consecutive league games at its Benito Villamarín Stadium.

Kirian Rodriguez scored the only goal as Las Palmas won 1-0 at Alaves.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press