Real Madrid failed to extend the lead at the top of the LaLiga standings after a 1-1 draw with Real Betis on Saturday evening.
Madrid's reference in the final third changed slightly, with Joselu relegated to the bench to see the man of the moment Rodrygo Goes alongside Brahim Diaz.
The front-two combined following the earlier stages to make the deadlock through Diaz, but it was brought back and evidently ruled out following an offside.
In a very tight opening spell, not a lot of moments towards the final third were presented amidst large possession stakes and turnovers too.
Los Blancos did look to open up the counterparts off a perfectly placed through pass by Toni Kroos to a certain Rodrygo, but Rui Silva was out charging and narrowed the angle.
As it remained tight, Kroos was on the ball again late in the half and managed to allocate Antonio Rudiger to launch a rasping header but Silva parried.
Madrid were energised eight minutes in the second period as Jude Bellingham beat to offside trap to bring down Diaz's through ball and finished with aplomb to bag his 12th of the season.
However, Betis drew level midway through the half after Aitor Ruibal lined up from 30-yards outside the area and drilled a spectacular shot into the far corner.
Los Blancos changed the personnel with 20 minutes to fulltime and saw a dejected Luka Modric make way for Dani Ceballos.
Kroos was within inches of regaining their lead as the minutes ticked by through a curling free-kick from a tight angle, but Silva palmed away.
Betis looked to steal the points in the final minute as a glancing header in the heart of the area by Isco bounced off the upright with Andriy Lunin well beaten.
Neither side were able to get the winner and collected a point apiece which ended Madrid's five-match winning run in all competitions.
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