With a 2-1 loss to Real Betis on Saturday, La Liga winners Real Madrid's championship defense took a hit. Isco scored the game-winning penalty kick. Third-place Atletico Madrid took the lead with a win over Athletic Bilbao. Despite the upcoming Champions League matchup with city rivals Atletico, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti selected a solid lineup with little margin for error in the battle for the championship.

Brahim Diaz gave the visitors the lead at the Benito Villamarin Stadium, but Betis equalized with a header from Johnny Cardoso, and Real Madrid failed to include Jude Bellingham, who was suspended. Early in the second half, Isco scored a penalty to give the Andalusian team a well-earned win. After missing several months of play due to a fractured leg, Isco made a comeback in December and has been playing at his best lately.