Two second-half goals from Raul and Julio Baptista gave Real Madrid a 2-0 home victory over Real Betis as the title holders regained their position on top of the Primera Liga. Real struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first-half while the visitors produced several scares. Mark Gonzalez could have fired Betis in front when he capitalized on a defensive mix-up inside the area but blasted poorly wide with the goal at his mercy. David Odonkor had another chance when his header from a corner was denied by the crossbar. Real coach Bernd Schuster introduced Arjen Robben and Robinho early in the second-half and his substitutions bore fruit. Dutch winger Robben sidestepped a defender and fed Raul, who was brought down by David Rivas inside the area as the referee pointed to the spot. The in-form skipper stepped-up to convert the penalty and give Real the lead six minutes past the hour mark Brazilian striker Baptista ensured the victory five minutes from time with a spectacular overhead kick that went into the back of the net.
