Real Madrid finished the weekend nine points behind LaLiga leaders FC Barcelona following a goalless draw against Real Betis on Sunday night.
Madrid named Lucas Vazquez, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Rodrygo as their changes from the 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in their last league match.
The host made a strong opening as Borja Iglesias combined with a lay-off on the edge of the area and hit a powerful first-time shot that brought a stupendous save out of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Los Blancos were ahead from their first threat as Karim Benzema steered a free-kick outside the area into the top-corner, but it was overturned as the ball hit Antonio Rudiger's hand on the way through.
However, the disallowed the effort didn't dampen the mood of the visitors and they still went out pushing for the opener as a first-time shot by Federico Valverde shaved the crossbar.
Los Blancos carved open the host five minutes from halftime when Vinicius Junior ran out wide and cutback for Benzema to hit a first-time shot only for Betis goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to produce a save.
Betis responded minutes later, Iglesias closed in with a shot at the near post, but Courtois made himself big and smothered from point-blank range.
As Betis camped down the right of Madrid's defence where Vazquez operated, the visitors removed the player in question and introduced Dani Carvajal.
With the danger stopped, Los Blancos began to pick out each other and a smooth passing move around the area led to a ball in for Dani Ceballos to profit but he side-footed wide.
Madrid were close again in the last 12 minutes through a header at the back-post by Nacho Hernandez following Carvajal's cross, but Bravo parried away.
The visitors kept coming forward as the minutes ticked away, but didn't breakthrough and settled for a point which left them nine points off the league leaders FC Barcelona.
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