Real loses top spot with Betis loss

Former Barcelona forward Cristian Tello grabbed the decisive late goal that saw his old team regain the lead in the see-saw title race. Real is now second on 56 points after 27 games, two behind Barcelona which beat Real Sociedad 1-0 last Saturday to regain first place a week after losing 0-2 at the Bernabeu.

Betis had gone ahead in the 40th minute after a moment of confusion. It appealed for a penalty when Sergio Ramos collided into Nabil Fekir but the loose ball landed at the feet of defender Sidnei, who rifled it into the roof of the net.

The Brazilian’s joy was cut short when he was penalised for tripping Marcelo in the area.

Karim Benzema converted from the spot, his first goal in seven matches in all competitions. Betis captain Joaquin missed an open goal in the second half and Real defender Ferland Mendy hammered a shot against the bar but Tello decided an end-to-end game in the 82nd minute, keeping his composure to beat Thibaut Courtois and find the net.

Dybala sends Juventusto first place in Serie A

A wonderful winning goal from substitute Paulo Dybala sent Juventus back to the top of Serie A with a 2-0 victory over title rival Inter Milan at an empty Allianz Stadium in Turin last Sunday.

Juventus, which opened the scoring through Aaron Ramsey, leads on 63 points, one ahead of Lazio and nine clear of Inter in third, although Antonio Conte’s side have a game in hand. Ramsey fired home the first goal from close range soon after the break and was also involved in the second.