After a double honor guard by the national champion and cup winner, the fans at the Bernabéu were ready to rehearse for the big dress. Real felt a lot of Liverpool eyes were watching the match and wanted to look good.
The home team dominated the match, but it was Willian Jose who signed the first big chance of the match. He snatched the skin from his compatriot Casemiro and hit the post with his shot.
Real Madrid took care of possession, but it took a long time before Ancelotti’s side threatened Betis. Attacking duo Benzema-Vinicius missed a big chance after the coffee.
The fans present in Madrid were not affected at all, so coach de Koninklicki intervened. Left-back Marcelo and midfielder Isco were allowed to attend again to bid farewell to the home team’s fans. Hazard remained on the bench, and Gareth Bale – Real’s third departure – was not even present.
The last achievement of the match came from the visitors, but Joaquin threw the ball high over Thibaut Courtois. Today’s lesson? Next week should be better against Liverpool.
In the match, Gareth Bale’s absence was particularly striking. The Welshman faces a departure from Real Madrid, but he wouldn’t have seen him anywhere tonight.
“He wanted to be there, but next week he will have another chance,” said Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian promised in the press chat that Bale would be “in good shape for the final”.
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