SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 24: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Antonio Ruediger during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Betis Balompie and Real Madrid CF at Estadio La Cartuja on April 24, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) | Getty Images Real Betis 1-1 Real Madrid (Vinícius Júnior). Not this year… This is my immediate reaction. Coming up: Low player ratings, awkward interviews and a podcast with myself and Kiyan.A handful of unexciting affairs, Clásico aside, remained until a dire season was done – and a trip to Real Betis represented a fresh opportunity for embarrassment.
After midweek talk regarding youth players, it was interesting to see Thiago Pitarch slot straight back into the line-up out of nowhere. Make of that what you will. The rest of the line-up was as expected – with UEFA Youth League hero Javier Navarro amongst a youthful bench. Álvaro Fidalgo, Isco and Diego Llorente were present for the home side.
Fede Valverde was captain.📋✅ Our starting XI!🆚 @RealBetis_enpic.twitter.com/jSNeVnOpsD— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 24, 2026This is one of the rare one-paragraph games, after a dry first half that saw Vinícius Júnior score from a rebound, and Andriy Lunin save the half with three great saves late on. Real Betis had a few openings in the second half, and despite the lack of competitiveness, managed to find that leveller in added time through Héctor Bellerín. Full-time, 1-1 – and one step closer to the season’s end.