Real Madrid were once again left frustrated on Friday night after being held to a draw by Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín, extending their recent inconsistency despite showing early promise in the match.
Los Blancos started brightly and took the lead through Vinícius Júnior, who struck early to put Carlo Ancelotti’s side in control. However, they were unable to maintain their advantage, as Real Betis pushed forward in the closing stages and eventually found an equaliser through Héctor Bellerín in the final minute, ensuring the points were shared.
Beyond the result, Real Madrid’s concerns deepened with a potential injury to Kylian Mbappé. The French forward was forced off in the 81st minute after experiencing discomfort, raising immediate concern within the squad during a critical phase of the season.
Initial reports, including updates shared by José Luis Sánchez and reported via Fabrizio Romano, suggest Mbappé is dealing with a hamstring overload in his left leg. While the issue does not yet appear to be a major tear, the involvement of the hamstring muscle group is considered sensitive and requires careful assessment.
Mbappé reportedly signalled discomfort and requested to be substituted, indicating that he was unable to continue safely. He is scheduled to undergo medical tests, which will determine the severity of the injury and provide clarity on his expected recovery timeline.
Early indications suggest the striker could face a spell on the sidelines lasting several weeks, depending on the final diagnosis. In a more serious scenario, there are concerns that the injury could rule him out for the remainder of the season.
At minimum, Mbappé is expected to miss Real Madrid’s upcoming league fixture against Espanyol. However, the major uncertainty surrounds his availability for the upcoming El Clásico, which could play a decisive role in the title race.
With just over two weeks remaining before that crucial encounter, Real Madrid face an anxious wait over the fitness of one of their most influential attacking players. His potential absence would represent a significant blow to the club’s ambitions in the closing stages of the campaign.
