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Real Madrid falls 2-1 to Betis as Isco shines in comeback; Atletico maintains lead

Kylian Mbappé returned to the starting lineup for Madrid following a brief absence due to a dental issue, but Coach Carlo Ancelotti removed him 15 minutes from the end, noting that he wasn’t at full fitness due to his recent troubles.

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Real Madrid encountered a setback in the Spanish league title race as Isco Alarcón inspired Real Betis to a 2-1 comeback victory over the reigning champions.

The former Madrid midfielder initiated the comeback by delivering a corner kick that Johnny Cardoso headed home in the 34th minute, cancelling out Brahim Díaz’s opening goal for Madrid. Isco later converted a penalty in the 54th minute after Antonio Rudiger fouled Jesús Rodríguez in the box, giving Betis the lead.

This loss leaves Madrid tied on points with Barcelona, which is set to play against Real Sociedad on Sunday. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid extended its lead at the top of the table by two points after substitute Julián Álvarez netted a late goal for a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Kylian Mbappé returned to the starting lineup for Madrid following a brief absence due to a dental issue, but Coach Carlo Ancelotti removed him 15 minutes from the end, noting that he wasn’t at full fitness due to his recent troubles.

“We lost our momentum, and the game slipped away from us,” Ancelotti remarked, responding to the defeat. “It’s a tough blow, and we must improve. Our performance today was not up to par.” After a bright start to the league, Madrid has struggled recently, securing only one win in their last five matches, including a surprising defeat to Espanyol.

Isco, returning to haunt his old team, has been instrumental for Betis since joining them three years ago after a successful stint with Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles. Despite his departure, Isco proved to be the standout performer in the match at Benito Villamarín.

“It’s all about the team effort. Madrid has incredible players, and without my teammates’ hard work, we wouldn’t have achieved this victory,” Isco said, expressing appreciation for his time at the club.

His strong performance reflects his full recovery from a leg injury that sidelined him last summer, and he voiced his desire to represent Spain again after years away from the national team.

Initial hopes for Madrid were raised when they scored early, with Mbappé assisting Ferland Mendy, who set up Díaz for the goal. However, that momentum rapidly turned as Isco’s corner found Cardoso, who was left unmarked to level the score. Thibaut Courtois saved another close-range header in a demanding first half despite the rain.

Manuel Pellegrini, Betis’s coach and a former Madrid manager, praised his team’s resilience in holding off Madrid’s attempts to regain control of the match.

“We sought the win and created more chances than they did,” he stated. “They deserved their goal but from that point on, it was our game.”

Madrid’s injury list included Jude Bellingham, who was serving a suspension, and others sidelined included Dani Ceballos and Federico Valverde.

In the match involving Atletico, Álvarez scored the decisive goal in the 66th minute with a pass from Marcos Llorente, marking his 21st goal in all competitions since arriving from Manchester City, ten of which are in La Liga. Athletic Bilbao, who faced their first league defeat since October, nearly equalized several times, hitting the woodwork thrice, with Iñaki Williams coming particularly close.

Cricket news

Who is Sahil Parakh? Teenager makes IPL debut for Delhi Capitals vs RCB

Sahil Parakh, an 18-year-old batter from Maharashtra, made his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals against RCB in IPL 2026.

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Sahil Parakh, an emerging batter from Maharashtra, made his Indian Premier League debut for Delhi Capitals during their 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

The 18-year-old was handed his maiden cap as the franchise made changes to its playing XI, looking to test fresh talent in a crucial stage of the tournament.

Opens innings alongside KL Rahul

Parakh was included as an opening batter and partnered experienced wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul at the top. The move reflected Delhi Capitals’ intent to experiment with their batting combination and give exposure to young players in high-pressure games.

Short stay at the crease

The debut outing did not last long for the youngster, as he was dismissed early in the innings. Despite the brief appearance, the opportunity marked an important milestone in his career.

Promising name from domestic circuit

Parakh is a left-handed batter who has impressed in age-group and domestic cricket, earning attention for his performances at the state level. His selection in the Delhi Capitals squad for IPL 2026 underlines the franchise’s focus on nurturing young talent for the future.

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Cricket news

Who is Praful Hinge? Young pacer who made instant impact with match-turning IPL debut spell

Praful Hinge grabbed attention with a three-wicket over on his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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Praful Hinge bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL

Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.

His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Domestic cricket background

Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.

While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.

Bowling style and strengths

Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:

  • Maintaining a disciplined line and length
  • Ability to generate movement off the pitch
  • Effectiveness in short, impactful spells

His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.

Breakthrough IPL moment

Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.

A promising start

Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.

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Cricket news

At 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes India debut, could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may soon make his India debut after a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.

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Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.

The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.

Strong performances boost selection chances

Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.

Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.

Could become youngest India debutant

If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.

The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.

Future tours also on radar

Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.

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