Loren and Jese give Betis win at Real as Bale fails to play

Real Madrid’s nightmare 2018/19 season ended with yet another defeat, their 12th of the Spanish Liga season, suffering a 2-0 home loss to Real Betis.

Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior both returned from injury to make Zinedine Zidane’s starting lineup, but there was no place for Gareth Bale in what was widely expected to be his final game for the Spanish club.

The hosts were flat from the start, but could have taken the lead in the first half when a botched Betis clearance landed at the feet of Benzema inside the box, with the French striker striking the base of the post.

Real Betis took the lead, however, just after the hour mark when Giovani Lo Celso sent Andres Guardado to the byline, with the pass played by the Mexican to Loren Moron, who finished high into the roof of the net.

The visitors scored a second 14 minutes from time, with former Real Madrid winger Jese Rodriguez finishing off an exceptional Betis passing move which saw Firpo Junior cut a pass back from the byline.

Bale was denied his chance to say goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu, heading swiftly down the tunnel at full time as his teammates performed their customary, end of season lap of honour in front of the fans.

The breakdown in relationship between Bale and Zidane over the course of the season has been well-documented, but nonetheless, the Welsh winger surely deserved his chance to bid farewell to the club he helped win four Champions League titles, a Liga title and a Copa del Rey. Zidane, however, kept Bale on the bench seemingly in an attempt to force him out of the club. This was a petty move by a man who should know better.

Lo Celso has been one of the success stories of the Spanish season and on the basis of this performance it was easy to see why Real Betis have already made their move to sign the Argentinean on a permanent basis from Paris Saint-Germain. It was Lo Celso’s pass that split open the Real Madrid defence for the opening goal and he might have scored himself with a couple of opportunities.

Real Madrid - Navas 6, Carvajal 6, Varane 6, Nacho 5, Marcelo 4, Modric 4, Llorente 5, Valverde 5, Diaz 5, Benzema 6, Vinicius 6. Subs - Isco 5, Vazquez 5, Isco 5.

Real Betis - Lopez 6, Mandi 6, Bartra 6, Feddal 7, Carvalho 8, Francis 7, Kaptoum 6, Guardado 7, Firpo 8, Lo Celso 8, Loren 7. Subs - Jese 7, Tello 6, Sidnei.

32’ Off the post! Benzema should have opened the scoring! Varane's cross is controlled by Guerrero, but he then passes straight at the French striker 10 yards out. He strikes the woodwork, though!

33’ Save from the lob! That would have been an exceptional goal from Lo Celso! He spotted Navas just off his line and attempted to lob him. It was heading into the net, but he tipped over the bar.

61’ GOAL! Real Madrid 0-1 Real Betis: Real Betis have taken the lead at the Santiago Bernabeu! Marcelo was caught out as Guardado made a run in behind the Real Madrid defence, Lo Celso found him before a cross was sent into Loren. He finished high into the roof of Navas' net!

67’ Could have been two! Carvalho surged forward from deep with the ball eventually moved to Lo Celso. His strike from 20 yards out was a good one, but Navas makes the diving save.

69’ Big chance for Lo Celso! A wonderful pass from Carvalho splits the Real Madrid defence, but Lo Celso guides his left footed effort wide of the far post. He might have done better with that!

76’ GOAL! Real Madrid 0-2 Real Betis: What a goal from the away side! Real Betis are toying with Real Madrid here! Firpo is played to the byline and cuts the ball back for Jese who has the simple task of finishing high into the roof the net! The away side deserve their two-goal lead.

Only Lionel Messi (10) has hit the woodwork more often in La Liga this season than Karim Benzema (six).

Real Madrid suffered 12 defeats over the 2018/19 La Liga season.

Quique Setien became the first manager to win at Santiago Bernabeu and Camp Nou in a single La Liga season since Gregorio Manzano (Real Mallorca, 2002/03).