Real Madrid lose 2-1 at Betis as Barcelona stay top in Spain

One week after beating Barcelona, Real Madrid gave back the lead of the Spanish league to its fiercest rival after what its coach called the team’s worst performance of the season.

Madrid was thoroughly outplayed by Real Betis in a 2-1 loss in Seville to fall two points behind Barcelona on Sunday with 11 rounds left.

Neither of the league’s powerhouses is proving to be dominant this campaign. Madrid and Barcelona fans are becoming accustomed to seeing their teams drop points or squeak out wins against modest rivals.