Betis came from a goal behind to beat Madrid 2-1 at Estadio Benito Villamarin and dent Los Blancos’ title hopes.
The visitors made a superb start to the match and went ahead on ten minutes through Brahim Diaz, but former Real Madrid star Isco played a key role in Real Betis’ comeback win.
The ex-Spain midfielder, who won three La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues during his nine-year spell at the Bernabeu, delivered the corner from which Johnny Cardoso headed home an equaliser before half time.
Betis captain Isco then slotted home a 54th-minute penalty after Antonio Rudiger fouled Jesus Rodriguez before passionately celebrating in front of the home fans.
Isco ran off with his team-mates before knee-sliding in front of the Real Betis supporters.
While it did not feel overly provocative, Isco – who shared a warm embrace with Carlo Ancelotti after the game – still felt the need to apologise for his celebration.
‘I apologise to Real Madrid fans for my celebration,’ he said. ‘I am very grateful to Real Madrid, they will always be in my heart.’
The result leaves Real Betis sixth in La Liga, while Real Madrid stay third, level on points with Barcelona and two adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid.
Asked whether the title was slipping away from Madrid, a dejected Ancelotti said: ‘Yes, this is a hard blow. We have to react.
‘Losing at this stage is very expensive, because all the teams are running and we… we didn’t play well in this match.’
‘We started well, but we were not able to maintain the initial rhythm, both in terms of attitude and commitment. We lost control against a team that played better and deserved to win.’
The defeat was far from ideal preparation for Real Madrid ahead of the first-leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with arch-rivals Atletico Madrid.
‘If we play like this we won’t win on Tuesday, that’s pretty clear,’ Ancelotti added.
‘Hopefully, this will wake us up. It seemed like we were organized and compact in recent times and we weren’t able to do it.’
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