Real Madrid's La Liga title hopes further dented by late Real Betis goal

Real Madrid's hopes of winning the title in La Liga this season took another hit, with Los Blancos conceding a stoppage-time goal to Hector Bellerin and settling for a 1-1 draw with Real Betis on Friday, April 24. The result takes Madrid to 74 points with five matches remaining. Barcelona currently sits on 82 points but could push their advantage to nine points with a victory Saturday, April 25, against Getafe.

Madrid was ahead in the 17th minute thanks to a strike from Vinicius Jr. off a rebound, and it could've been two in the 53rd minute when Kylian Mbappe put the ball in the net from close range only for his lovely finish to be correctly ruled out for offside. Mbappe asked to leave the match in the 81st minute, perhaps raising concerns about fitness for a team already missing some of their best players .

With the final whistle approach and Betis still trailing 1-0, a chaotic sequence in the box saw Betis attacker Antony beat Madrid defender Ferland Mendy and play a pass that eventually bounced to the feet of Bellerin. His shot beat Andriy Lunin, and the home fans were able to celebrate both the goal and a draw. The point solidifies Betis' position in fifth place in the table, good to qualify for next season's Europa League.

Madrid travels next to Espanyol and then to Barcelona, where its historic rival may have an opportunity to clinch a league title with a win in El Clásico. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Real Madrid concede late, see title hopes fade in draw with Real Betis