Their eyes on Paris, Real Madrid settle for draw with Betis

Sports Desk, May 20 (EFE).- Real Madrid and Real Betis ended their respective LaLiga campaigns Friday with an uneventful 0-0 draw that reflected the absence of anything at stake for either team and the Blancos’ focus on the May 28 Champions League final in Paris.

Having already clinched their 35th LaLiga title, Real Madrid had no reason to take any risks ahead of their showdown with Liverpool for a record-extending 14th Champions League crown.

And the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu likewise had their gaze fixed on Paris, as attested by a huge banner with an image of the Eiffel Tower and the words “The King of Europe Always Returns.”

For Betis, even a victory over the Blancos would not be enough to overtake Sevilla for fourth place, while a point was sufficient to nail down the fifth spot.

Before play began, Real Madrid rendered a guard of honor to Betis for their triumph in the Copa del Rey and the visitors returned the gesture in recognition of the Blancos’ winning the league.

The most emotional moment of the contest was Real Madrid supporters’ farewell to team captain Marcelo after 16 years with the club.

Though both teams created chances, they combined for just five shots on target and Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva made the only save of the night to deny LaLiga scoring king Karim Benzema. EFE

Omb/dr