Real Madrid's title defense dented with Betis draw

Real Madrid stumbled to a damaging 0-0 draw at Real Betis on Sunday, leaving them nine points behind leaders Barcelona in the  Liga title race.

After the Catalans beat Valencia 1-0 earlier to extend their lead, Madrid needed to win at the Benito Villamarin to maintain the seven-point deficit they started the weekend with.

Reigning Spanish champions Madrid forged the better openings and turned the screw in the final stages, but could not find the goal they needed to stay as close as possible on Barcelona's tail.

Karim Benzema had a free-kick strike disallowed for a handball by team-mate Antonio Rudiger, while Betis goalkeeper Claudio Bravo made fine saves to deny the French forward and Vinicius Junior. 

Thibaut Courtois was also forced into two superb stops by Betis who showed why they are in contention for a Champions League place next season with a hearty performance.

Carlo Ancelotti set up in a 4-4-2 with Vinicius and Fede Valverde on the wings, with Rodrygo partnering Benzema up front.

Betis were missing injured playmakers Nabil Fekir and Sergio Canales, although the latter should return to face Manchester United on Thursday in the Europa League.

Rodri Sanchez played as the central attacking midfielder and shone as Betis gave as good as they got against second place Madrid.

Courtois was alert to palm away a stinging drive from Ayoze Perez, before the home fans chanted Fekir's name after eight minutes -- his shirt number -- showing their support after he was ruled out until next season with a knee injury.

Benzema thought he had fired Real Madrid ahead with a deflected free-kick, but the goal was ruled out by VAR as the ball struck his team-mate Rudiger's forearm.

Eduardo Camavinga, selected at left-back, teed up Vinicius, who fired over the bar.

The Brazilian, as has become customary in La Liga, was engaged in a running battle with the Betis defence.

Vinicius has not scored away from home in the top flight since August, but brilliantly set up Benzema at the start of the second half with former Barcelona stopper Claudio Bravo parrying the effort.

It was Madrid's first shot on target since last weekend's draw against Atletico Madrid, after they failed to manage any against Barcelona in their Copa del Rey defeat by Barcelona on Thursday. 

Courtois made a stunning save to thwart Borja Iglesias at the other end, when the striker seemed poised to score.

Rodrygo should have put Madrid ahead at the end of a fine Madrid break but fired over from Valverde's cross from eight yards.

Dani Ceballos, on as a substitute for Madrid and whistled by his former side's fans, stroked an effort narrowly wide with 15 minutes remaining. Vinicius was denied by Bravo at the near post.

Benzema blazed over from distance in stoppage time with an ambitious effort, but Betis held on and came close themself with a Luiz Henrique drive which whistled narrowly wide.