Atletico go top after Real Madrid stumble at Betis

La Liga champions Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis on Saturday, which coach Carlo Ancelotti said was a "big blow" to their title defence, while Atletico Madrid took advantage to move top of the table.

- Agencies

BARCELONA:

Diego Simeone's side scraped a nervy 1-0 win against Athletic Bilbao, fourth, to lead Barcelona and Real Madrid by two points.

For Betis, Isco scored the winner from the penalty spot against his former side Madrid, third, with Barca in action on Sunday against Real Sociedad and able to reclaim top spot with a win.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti picked a strong line up, with no breathing room in the title race, despite the impending Champions League clash against rivals Atletico.

"If we play like this on Tuesday we will not win," said Ancelotti, whose side have one win in their last five Liga matches.

The visitors took the lead at the Benito Villamarin stadium through Brahim Diaz but Betis struck back with a Johnny Cardoso header, as Real Madrid missed the suspended Jude Bellingham.

Isco secured the Andalusian side a deserved victory with a penalty early in the second half.

"It's a big blow. We have to react," continued Ancelotti.

"We started well, but later we did not have the same level of commitment, the game got out of control against a side that played better than us and deserved to win."