Real Betis 1-1 Real Madrid

Karim Benzema's 17th league goal of the season was not enough for Madrid

Zinedine Zidane failed to win for the first time since taking over as Real Madrid coach after his team were held to a shock draw at Real Betis.

Struggling Betis scored their first goal in eight matches when Alvaro Cejudo volleyed in a stunning opener.

Madrid dominated from that point and should have won a penalty after Karim Benzema was tripped before half-time.

But they took a point - leaving them four adrift of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid - thanks to Benzema's tap-in.

Re-live how Betis managed to hang on to frustrate Madrid

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Honeymoon period over for Zidane?

Bernabeu legend Zidane enjoyed a dream start as Madrid boss after replacing Rafael Benitez, winning both of his opening home matches against Sporting Gijon and Deportivo La Coruna at a canter.

And the Frenchman's first away match was not anticipated to be too taxing.

Betis had not won in 10 league matches - and, remarkably, had not even managed to score a single goal in their previous seven games.

Zidane was promoted from Madrid's reserve side following Benitez's exit

But they ended that drought in spectacular fashion through Cejudo's thunderous strike from 18 yards.

Madrid's response was surprisingly slow for a free-scoring side that had netted a league-high 58 goals in their previous 20 matches.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema and Pepe wasted a number of clear-cut opportunities, while the visitors were also frustrated by a string of superb saves by Betis keeper Antonio Adan.

Betis' resistance was ended when Rodriguez, who appeared to be offside, collected a throughball before squaring to France striker Benzema.

Barca's title to throw away?

Defending champions Barcelona will have enjoyed their day off on Sunday - watching both of their title rivals drop vital points.

The Catalan side moved to the La Liga summit after a 2-1 win at Malaga on Saturday, with Atletico unable to regain top spot when they were held at home to Sevilla.

Barca also have the luxury of a game in hand on the Madrid teams.

But Real will be hoping that Barca and Atletico can take points off each other when they meet at the Nou Camp next Saturday. Zidane's side play on Sunday, hosting mid-table Espanyol at the Bernabeu.

What Zidane said

"We will follow our working plan and we're on the right track," said the 43-year-old former France midfielder.

"You have to focus on the positive. We dropped two points and that is the negative part but we have to think that we can get over this and that you have to fight for the league until the end."