Less than five minutes until the break and, it has to be said, Betis are looking relatively comfortable again. Madrid not really threatened again since that flurry of chances just after the half-hour mark.

Karim Benzema is still chirping in the ear of the referee. And I don't think he is exchanging pleasantries. More demanding to know what more he had to do to win penalty after that earlier rogue Betis challenge (see 20:05)

Wale ibraheem: Edin Dzeko is misfiring at the moment, the reason Roma are sliding back. Don't see them taking anything from this match.

Malay Nemane: Can Betis and Real go into half time and come out in different coloured kit? Green vs dull grey is not a good kit choice.   

Joel Ike Ikechi: It's going to be a long night for Real, they really need to out perform Betis on the pitch, then silence their vociferous fans.

That's easier said than done Joel

Patrice Evra would be an unlikely opening scorer but he has two chances to give Juventus the lead.

Unfortunately the full-back scuffs both of them as Juve have no goals to show for the brighter start.

Image source, Getty Images

Another minute, another let-off for Real Betis. Real Madrid should have a penalty. 

Karim Benzema is about to pull the trigger inside the Betis box, only to tumble when a Betis defender treads on his heel. The France striker waves his arms at the ref, screaming like a baby which has just dropped his/her favourite toy.

But, rather unfortunately, he is waved to his feet...

Image source, EPA

How are Real Madrid not level?! The Betis defence nods off again, giving Pepe the freedom of the penalty area to meet James Rodriguez's corner. Somehow the Madrid defender powers his header wide.

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Mark this one down...Cristiano Ronaldo SCUFFS a shot. Remarkable. The Madrid superstar is allowed room to run into the Betis box, woefully dragging the ball wide with his left foot. That was a Sunday league finish...

Roma stalwart Daniele De Rossi is penalised for an off-the-ball dig at Mario Mandzukic, collecting a yellow card and conceding a free-kick 20 yards from goal.

The set-piece effort from Paulo Dybala is easily saved by on-loan Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

This looks like it could be a bad-tempered affair.

A dip in the atmosphere inside Estadio Benito Villamarín for the first time tonight. The Betis fans are probably stunned that they're actually beating Real Madrid. Home keeper Adan gathers another loose ball - but he hasn't been tested by the Madrid attack yet.

Cristiano Ronaldo grimaces. He signals to the bench. It isn't good news....

His boots aren't going to make it to the break.

The Real Madrid superstar isn't happy with his footwear, disappearing off for a few seconds to change them. My boots used to last a whole season when I was a kid, not 25 minutes....

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Juventus have made three changes as they chase an 11th successive Serie A win.

Among those returning are the former Manchester United pair of Patrice Evra and Paul Pogba.

Ex-Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko leads the Roma attack.

Juventus: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra, Mandzukic, Dybala.  

Roma: Szczesny, Manolas, Di Rossi, Rudiger, Florenzi, Vainqueur, Pjanic, Digne, Nainggolan, Salah, Dzeko.

Madrid's patient approach pays off, the visitors eventually creating a chance. A ball is swung in by Danilo from the right, straight on to the forehead of Isco. But the bearded Madrid midfielder cannot generate enough power to trouble Betis keeper Adan.

Betis manage to ride out that brief storm, keeping a regimented 4-5-1 formation that forces Madrid to patiently pass the ball around just inside their own half. 

Ola-oni Temitope: Tipping Juventus to win tonight. 

Joel Ike Ikechi: Coaching Real comes with a lot of pressure and expectations. If Zidane can be given time I believe it will turn out good. 

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, EPA

Madrid begin to up the tempo. Betis keeper Adan blocks at his near post before Cristiano Ronaldo claims he should be given a penalty for a foul. Nah...

The big one in Italy is under way. Juventus are aiming to reduce Napoli's five-point gap. Roma, runners-up in each of the past two seasons, are their opposition.

How have Real Madrid responded? That's the question I'm sure you're all asking. Not very well to be honest. Cristiano Ronaldo has a low shot saved...but he was offside anyway. The Betis backline held their line superbly.

So how have the fortunes of Juve and Roma changed so rapidly? Juve have cruised up the table by winning their past 10 Serie A matches, while Roma have plummeted after two wins in the same number of games.

And the Giallorossi's dismal form ended in coach Rudi Garcia being handed the Italian equivalent of his P45. Who did they turn to? Only old favourite Luciano Spalletti. 

But the last manager to lead Roma to silverware (way back in 2007-08) did not enjoy a romantic return. Against rock-bottom Verona - the city where Romeo and Juliet is set - his new side only managed a 1-1 draw.

Image source, Getty Images

If you haven't glanced at the Serie A table for a few months then you will be surprised.

In mid-October, Roma were top of the Italian top-flight and 11 points clear of defending champions Juventus. The Old Lady, who are aiming for a fifth successive Scudetto, were languishing in 12th place after a miserable start to their campaign.

But the two sides go into tonight's clash with hosts Juventus in second place - seven points ahead of fifth-placed Roma. 

Talk about a reversal of fortunes...