Match Analysis: Real Betis 1-0 Real Madrid

Real Madrid's Spanish title defence has been thrown into question after they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Real Betis on Saturday.

The home side took the lead after 17 minutes when Benat converted from outside the penalty box and despite Madrid pressure, they led at the interval.

Madrid did respond in the second period, but they could not open their tally as Betis held on for all three points.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the action between the two La Liga rivals.

Match statistics:

Real Betis Shots 8 On target 3 Possession 31% Corners 1 Fouls 22

Real Madrid Shots 13 On target 8 Possession 69% Corners 10 Fouls 9

Was the result fair?

Looking at the statistics from the match, it would be hard to argue that Madrid did not deserve to secure all three points. However, Betis's defending and workmanlike spirit could not be broken. Better finishing would have handed Madrid at least a point in this match, but Betis deserved the victory due to their overall performance.

Real Betis's performance

8/10. It wasn't the most expansive match of football that Betis have ever played, nor was it their most impressive. But will they mind? Not one bit. The foundation of the victory was built from the back with Adrian impressive between the sticks. The result has moved them into fifth spot in the table.

Real Madrid's performance

4/10. Madrid entered the match knowing that anything but three points would not be good enough as they attempt to catch Barcelona. They enjoyed plenty of possession throughout the 90 minutes and despite a fair number of attempts, you never really felt that the equaliser was coming. It would take a major collapse from Barcelona to hand them a way back into the title race.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Adrian: If you are going to beat Madrid then your goalkeeper has to play well. That was certainly the case this evening with the 25-year-old Spaniard putting on a stunning display.

Biggest gaffe of the match

Angel di Maria had a glorious chance to level for Madrid shortly after falling behind in the first period, but somehow the Argentine clipped his effort over the crossbar from just inside the penalty area.

Referee performance

Jesus Gil had a fairly straightforward 90 minutes of action this evening. He was not prepared to tolerate play-acting and was quick to hand out bookings when necessary.

What next?

Real Betis: Betis are in Copa del Rey action against Real Valladolid on Tuesday before returning to La Liga action away to Deportivo La Coruna next Sunday.

Real Madrid: Jose Mourinho's side are also in Copa del Rey action this week against Alcoyano before facing Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby next Saturday.