Real Betis 2-3 Real Madrid: VAR to the rescue for Zidane's men again

Real Betis 2-3 Real Madrid: VAR to the rescue for Zidane's men again

Ramos celebra el gol de penalti marcado ante el Betis
Ramos celebra el gol de penalti marcado ante el Betis | AFP

A late penalty awarded by VAR helped Madrid to the three points on Saturday

Sergio Ramos' controversial late penalty earned Real Madrid their first win of the new season as they beat 10-man Real Betis in Seville on Saturday. 

Ramos scored from 12 yards after Marc Bartra had handled the ball as champions Madrid made it four points from two games following last week's goalless draw against Real Sociedad.

However, replays showed Bartra had been pushed by Borja Mayoral before the ball struck the upper part of his arm but another big VAR decision went in Madrid's favour. 

Zinedine Zidane's side took an early lade when Federico Valverde turned home a cross from Karim Benzema, who was paired with Luka Jovic in attack. 

However, Real Betis turned the game on its head with two goals in as many minutes before half time. 

Manuel Pellegrini's side leveled in the 35th minute through Aissa Mandi, who headed home from the brilliant Sergio Canales. 

Almost from kick-off, the home team then led. Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois got a hand to midfielder William Carvalho's shot but he could not keep it out. 

Madrid got back on level terms almost immediately after the restart. 

Dani Carvajal's cross looked to have been finished by Benzema but replays later showed Barcelona loanee Emerson had got the final touch. VAR also verified Benzema was onside. 

Emerson's night got worse in the 67th minute when he was sent off and Madrid went on to win the game.  

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