Sports

Ramos penalty helps Real Madrid edge out Real Betis 3-2

Seville, Sep 26 (efe-epa).- Real Madrid had to work hard for their first win this season in La Liga on Saturday night, as they managed to go past a resilient Real Betis 3-2 thanks to Sergio Ramos converting a late penalty awarded through VAR.

Madrid started off on a positive note and were rewarded when Valverde took advantage of a great cross from Benzema to net the ball at the near post in the 14th minute, giving his team a 1-0 lead.

Instead of losing steam, Betis hit back with two goals in just two minutes: the first one from the Algerian Aïssa Mandi in the 35th minute; and another from the Portuguese William Carvalho in the 37th minute, giving them a 2-1 lead at half time.

Madrid lost the German Toni Kroos to an injury just before the break and Zidane sent in Modric, who helped his team start attacking with purpose in the second half.

Madrid’s equalizer came early, just two minutes into the second half, through an own goal from Brazilian Emerson, who ended up turning the ball into his own net in an attempt to block Benzema on a cross from Carvajal.

Real Madrid started dominating after equalizing, despite Betis offering some resistance.

Zidane’s forwards were constant in their attacks, with Benzema and Jovic creating a one-on-one chance against Betis goalkeeper Robles, who was able to save the goal.

Betis was reduced to 10 players in the 67th minute as Emerson was sent out, following a VAR intervention, for a foul on Jovic.

This made things easier for the Madrid attack as Betis focused on defense, only disturbing the opponents’ goal once during this period, through a Carvalho shot that Courtois pushed out for a corner.

Sergio Ramos lead a counter-attack and easily converted a penalty in the 82rd minute – given after VAR revealed that Betis defender Bartra hit the ball with his arm – giving a decisive 3-2 lead to Real Madrid which Betis could do nothing to overturn despite 8 minutes of extra time. EFE-EPA

cc/ht/ia

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