Is this the end? Former Arsenal star snatched the win from Real and sent Barca towards the title

It was already almost clear before the match that Barcelona would most likely win the La Liga title this season. But whenever we think Real Madrid might introduce even a hint of uncertainty into the race, they immediately prove us wrong.

Tonight, they took the lead against Betis in the 17th minute, only to suffer a shock in the final seconds — a result that leaves Barça on the verge of a virtually certain title.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s team started on the front foot and threatened early. In the 7th minute, Brahim Diaz delivered a cross from the edge of the box that found Kylian Mbappe in front of goal, but his touch sent the ball just wide.

Betis were struggling to cope with Madrid’s tempo in the opening stages, barely seeing the ball and relying mostly on long runs from Cedric Bakambu, who couldn’t quite make them count.

Mbappe had another big chance in the 13th minute after a lightning-fast counter-attack left him nearly one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the Frenchman fired his effort over the bar. Just four minutes later, Madrid made their dominance count. Federico Valverde tested Valles from distance, and after the goalkeeper parried the shot, Vinicius reacted quickest to tap in the rebound and give the visitors the lead.

Betis slowly grew into the game as the half progressed. Antony tried his luck from distance in the 27th minute, but his effort sailed over. A few minutes later, Ezzalzouli showed his pace down the left and set up Bakambu, but the striker’s finish was poor and went wide.

The home side came closest to equalizing just before halftime, largely thanks to Lunin’s heroics. In the 43rd minute, Antony unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the area, but Lunin made a brilliant save to deny him.

Deep into stoppage time, the Ukrainian goalkeeper produced a stunning double save — first stopping Bakambu in a one-on-one, and then denying Antony again from distance. Betis ended the half as the better side and arguably deserved a goal.

The second half continued at a high tempo. Real Madrid thought they had doubled their lead in the 53rd minute when Mbappe scored an acrobatic overhead kick after a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Madrid kept pushing, and in the 60th minute Bellingham had a chance after being set up by Vinicius, but his shot lacked power and was easily collected.

Betis remained dangerous, especially down the left flank. In the 65th minute, Natan once again caused problems, beating Alexander-Arnold before firing over the bar. Just a minute later came the biggest chance of the half for the hosts — Hernandez struck a powerful volley from around 15 meters out, aiming under the crossbar, but Lunin produced yet another outstanding reflex save to preserve Madrid’s lead.

Kylian Mbappe had a decent chance in the 70th minute to extend the visitors’ lead after finding space past Hector Bellerin, but the home goalkeeper was alert and saved the Frenchman’s effort.

Betis refused to give up until the very end — with 15 minutes left, Natan threatened Real Madrid’s goal with a drop-kick from the edge of the box, but Lunin once again reacted brilliantly to keep it out.

Valverde had the chance to put the game to bed 10 minutes from time when he broke down the right and fired towards goal, but his shot went straight at the Betis goalkeeper.

Antony was particularly lively in this match and had another chance in the 84th minute to score against the royal club, firing from a very difficult angle on the left, but his effort went just wide of the goal.

And just when everyone thought the match was over and that all three points were heading to Madrid, the stadium erupted — almost in desperation, in the final seconds of the game, after a scramble in the box, Bellerin got to the ball, struck it without hesitation, and beat Lunin for a point that was celebrated like a victory.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 32

Friday

Betis - Real Madrid 1-1 (0-1)

/Bellerin 90+4 - Vinicius 17/

Saturday

15.00: (2.25) Alaves (3.35) Mallorca (3.50)

17.15: (5.60) Getafe (3.70) Barcelona (1.65)

19.30: (2.15) Valencia (3.50) Girona (3.70)

22.00: (2.20) Atl.Madrid (3.40) Ath.Bilbao (3.30)

Sunday

15.00: (2.75) Rayo Vallecano (3.10) Sociedad (2.70)

17.15: (2.40) Oviedo (3.30) Elche (3.00)

19.30: (2.15) Osasuna (3.45) Sevilla (3.70)

22.00: (2.10) Villareal (3.45) Celta (3.50)

Monday

22.00: (2.10) Espanyol (3.50) Levante (3.80)

***odds are subject to change***