Barcelona president Joan Laporta insisted the club never "bought referees nor had the intention to" following revelations from the Negreira case.
Last month, broadcaster SER Catalunya alleged Barca had paid €1.6million to the company of Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira – the former vice-president of Spain's Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) – between 2016 and 2018.
Newspaper El Pais claimed Negreira's company – DASNIL 95 SL – produced written reports and DVD assessments of referees prior to games.
Barca strenuously denied any wrongdoing at the time, adamant that such "technical reports related to professional refereeing" were "common practice among professional football clubs" as they acknowledged working with "an external consultant". Negreira denied favouring Barcelona.
El Mundo then alleged Barca stopped making payments to Negreira after he was no longer the CTA vice-president.
A joint investigation by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the CTA found no evidence of corruption nor influence over referees, while a probe into Negreira's affairs by the prosecutor's office is ongoing.
Laporta was not eager to talk about the subject on Tuesday when asked during what was billed as a "lunch discussion", but he felt the need to reiterate Barca's denial of wrongdoing.
"We have prepared a press conference to talk about this topic, but today I have this lunch," he said.
"Let me be clear, Barca have never bought referees nor had the intention to buy referees. Absolutely never.
"The forcefulness of the facts contradicts those who try to change the story. We are doing well again, nothing is accidental."
Laporta even seemed to suggest the scandal was part of a wider conspiracy to tarnish Barca's reputation after their refusal to sign up to LaLiga's deal with private equity fund CVC Capital Partners, who pledged €2billion in exchange for an 8.2 per cent stake in a new company that will receive revenue from the league's broadcasting and sponsorship rights.
"There is a campaign to harm the interests of Barca," he added.
"It is a campaign aimed at controlling the club. LaLiga does not accept that Barca did not sign the contract with CVC."
Chelsea midfielder Omari Hutchinson is one of five English-based players that were, on Tuesday, named in the Reggae Boyz squad for two friendlies against Trinidad & Tobago to be held on the 11th and 14th of March in Montego Bay.
The 19-year-old, who spent seven years at Arsenal before moving to Chelsea last year, played his first game for the Reggae Boyz in an unofficial 0-6 friendly loss to Catalonia in May 2022.
The other four England-based players in the squad are Tyler Roberts (Wolves), Dexter Lembikisa (Wolves), Delano McCoy-Splatt (Fulham) and Dante Cassanova (Tottenham Hotspur).
Also selected in the squad for the first time is 17-year-old Kingston College standout Dujuan “Whisper” Richards who was recently on trial at Premier League outfit Newcastle United.
The full squad is as follows: Tyler Roberts (Wolves), Collin Anderson (Cavalier), Trivante Stewart (Mt. Pleasant), Dujuan Richards (Phoenix Academy), Jourdain Fletcher (NEROCA), Lamar Walker (Portmore United), Demario Phillips (Mt. Pleasant), Delano McCoy-Splatt (Fulham), Ravel Morrison (DC United), Dante Cassanova (Tottenham Hotspur), Alwayne Harvey (Mt. Pleasant), Jahshaun Anglin (Harbour View), Omari Hutchinson (Chelsea FC), Dwayne Atkinson (Cavalier), Dexter Lembikisa (Wolves), Ricardo Thomas (Dunbeholden), Jamoi Topey (Mt. Pleasant), Richard King (Cavalier), Fitzroy Cummings (Vere United), Adrian Mariappa (Unattached), Sue-Lae McCalla (Mt. Pleasant), Oshane Staple (Harbour View), Jamali Waite (Pittsburgh Riverhounds), Kemar Foster (Waterhouse), Asher Hutchinson (Arnett Gardens)
Christophe Dugarry is "happy" for Paris Saint-Germain that Neymar is injured as his absence provides an "incredible opportunity" for head coach Christophe Galtier.
PSG on Monday revealed Neymar is out for the rest of the season after undergoing ankle surgery.
The Brazil forward did the damage during a 4-3 win over Lille last month and is expected to be sidelined for up to four months.
Neymar has scored 18 goals and provided 17 assists for the Ligue 1 leaders this season, but former France striker Dugarry believes they are better off with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi as an attacking duo.
He told RMC Sport: "I'm happy for PSG that Neymar is injured. I think this is an incredible opportunity for Galtier.
"The team is much more balanced with five defenders and Mbappe and Messi up front."
A straight-talking Dugarry does not want to see former Barcelona man Neymar play for PSG again.
He added: "I can't see him anymore, I can't stand him anymore. I can't stand his dribbling and that attitude. I don't want to see him on the field anymore, I'm tired!"
Dugarry would be much more concerned for PSG if either Messi or Mbappe were unavailable.
He said: "Hugo Ekitike has shown that he is still not at the desired level and the other attackers are also mediocre."
PSG will attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit when they face Bayern Munich in a Champions League round of 16 second leg at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
Zinedine Zidane interrupted his hunt for a top job to give the glowing reference that secured his former Real Madrid assistant a first head coaching role in Switzerland.
David Bettoni has been appointed boss of Sion, the club where Mario Balotelli plays, and that may mean Zidane will be looking for a new second-in-command when he returns to football.
Zidane recently has made no secret of his eagerness to get back into work, having walked away from the Madrid hotseat after the 2020-21 season.
A post with a big club likely awaits the France great, while Bettoni begins his life as a head coach with a ringing endorsement from his friend and former boss.
Bettoni has been appointed on a short-term basis initially, taking the job until the end of the season.
Sion president Christian Constantin told newspaper Le Matin he spent over an hour on the telephone with Zidane, joking that was more than former French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet was willing to give of his time.
Le Graet caused uproar in France at the start of the year when he said he would not even have answered his phone to Zidane if he had called to enquire about the France job. That was after Zidane saw his hopes of being made boss of Les Bleus scuppered by Didier Deschamps signing up for another World Cup cycle.
Constantin said of his chat with Zidane: "It made me very happy to be able to talk about football with him for an hour and a quarter. He had a much better reception with me than with Le Graet!
"He told me how loyal David had been to him, that he had never sought to find fault with him in his mission. Without him, he told me again, I would never have succeeded in doing what I achieved at Real during all his years."
Sion sit ninth in the 10-team Swiss Super League and have not won a game in the competition since October.
Bettoni, who first got to know Zidane when they were teenagers at Cannes, initially joined Madrid when Zidane was in charge of the youth side, before stepping up and helping his compatriot lead Los Blancos to three Champions League triumphs.
Manchester United have reportedly been sending scouts to watch Roma striker Tammy Abraham, although their pursuit could be complicated by interest from his former club.
Abraham, 25, left Chelsea following the 2020-21 season for a £34million fee, and the England international has already exceeded his Chelsea haul of 82 appearances and 30 goals in less than two seasons in Italy.
After racking up 53 outings and 27 goals in his debut campaign with Roma, Abraham has come back down to earth this time around, with just seven goals in 34 games.
There is said to be interest from United in the striker with 11 senior caps for England, although Chelsea will ultimately have the final say about whether they allow him to head to Old Trafford.
TOP STORY – CHELSEA HOLD THE KEYS TO UNITED'S ABRAHAM PURSUIT
The Athletic is reporting United are closely monitoring Abraham's progress this season and have been present at a number of Roma games for that reason, but Chelsea have negotiated a buy-back clause that will give them the option of first refusal.
As part of the sale to Roma, Chelsea included a stipulation that allows them to bring Abraham back for £70.9m (€80m) after at least two seasons have passed – meaning it will activate this coming offseason.
The report adds that Chelsea are in desperate search of a new centre forward, and that while the fee involved may be significant, it is believed to be far less than the demands expected from Napoli for 24-year-old Victor Osimhen.
ROUND-UP
– According to Mundo Deportivo, citing Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter have enquired about 29-year-old Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti, who will be available for an affordable fee after rejuvenating his prospects with a strong loan spell at Lecce.
– Tottenham are trying to pry 28-year-old midfielder James Ward-Prowse away from Southampton, who would almost assuredly leave his club if they cannot fight their way out of the relegation places, according to Football Insider.
– Sport is reporting Barcelona have an interest in signing 27-year-old Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio if he allows his contract to expire in a few months and can join on a free transfer.
– According to Calciomercato, Inter are hoping to replace outgoing centre-back Milan Skriniar with Lille 22-year-old Tiago Djalo.
– Newcastle United are eyeing Manchester United's Scott McTominay and Leicester City's James Maddison as potential midfield reinforcements for next season, per Football Insider.
All Saints United and FC Aston Villa are now level on points at the top of the table after week 14 of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) Premier League held at the ABFA Technical Centre in Pynter.
All Saints United moved to 34 points from 14 matches with a 2-0 win over Willikies on Sunday.
Shafeeq Joseph and Daryan James got the goals for the new league leaders in the 57th and 77th minutes, respectively.
FC Aston Villa boast a similar record in 14 matches thanks to a 1-0 win over Piggott’s Bullets on Saturday.
The game seemed to be heading for a draw before Shahoi Dorsett sealed the crucial three points for Villa with a 95th minute penalty.
Former leaders Grenades are now third, one point behind All Saints and FC Aston Villa after suffering a 1-4 defeat at the hands of Greenbay Hoppers on Sunday.
The Hoppers went 4-0 up in the span of 28 minutes as Rodney Lawrence (26’), Javorn Stevens (31’), a 45th minute Chad Williams own goal and an Akeem Christian own goal in the 54th sealed the fate for Grenades.
They got a consolation goal through Barrington Blake in the 56th minute. The Hoppers are now fifth with 21 points from 13 games.
Old Road is fourth, nine points behind Grenades after a 5-1 win over Swetes in the week’s opening game on Friday.
It was Swetes who took an early lead when Shackwon Simon scored in the 16th minute.
Stefan Smith equalized for Old Road eight minutes later and the teams went into half-time with no further goals added.
Things changed quickly in the second half as Jaheim Hazelwood gave Old Road the lead six minutes after the restart before a Raheem Deterville double in the 61st and 71st minutes gave them a 4-1 advantage. Jabarry Chandler put the final nail in the coffin in the 88th minute. Swetes are sixth in the table with 21 points from 14 games.
Saturday’s other matches saw Empire beat Ottos Rangers 3-0 and Parham secure a 3-1 win over Cedar Grove Blue Jays.
Empire’s goals came from Rakeem Joseph in the seventh minute, Nyque Watkins in the 13th minute and Shemar Scott in the 45th minute.
They are now 10th in the league with 17 points from 13 games while Ottos Rangers are eighth with 19 points from 13 outings.
Parham took the lead J’Twan Brown in the 45th minute before Malcolm Stewart doubled the lead in the 48th minute. The Blue Jays got a lifeline in the 50th minute through a Keon Greene penalty before Stewart got his second of the game in the 81st minute to secure the win.
With 15 points from 14 games, Parham are now 12th in the standings while their opponents are 14th with 10 points from 13 matches.
Sunday’s other game saw Liberta Blackhawks and SAP combine for 12 goals, with the latter securing an 8-4 win.
Shavorn Phillip gave the Blackhawks the lead in the 28th minute before SAP equalized through Tyrique Tonge in the 30th. It was 2-1 Liberta a minute later as Louron Anthony scored before SAP equalized once again, this time through Danniel Osbourne in the 42nd minute.
The only word to adequately describe the second half was ‘goal-fest.’
Fifteen minutes after the resumption, Tonge got his second of the game to give SAP their first lead before Phillip got his second of the game a minute later for Liberta to make it 3-3.
SAP then broke the game open through a Peter Byers double in the 73rd and 77th minutes before Tonge got his third and fourth of the game in the 81st and 87th minutes to make in 7-3, effectively ending the game.
Malique Martin got Liberta’s fourth goal in the 89th minute but the scoring was capped off in the 90th minute when Byers completed his hat-trick, the second for SAP on the day.
SAP are now 11th in the table with 16 points from 13 games while the Blackhawks, with only two points from 11 games, are last in the standings.
Ninth-placed Tryum and 15th placed Five Islands will do battle on Monday to close out the game week.
Neymar will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to ankle surgery, Paris Saint-Germain announced on Monday.
The Brazilian has been out of action since suffering an ankle injury during the 4-3 victory over Lille in February.
Head coach Christophe Galtier confirmed last week that Neymar would remain absent for the Ligue 1 clash against Nantes, a 4-2 win, as well as Wednesday's Champions League round-of-16 second leg against Bayern Munich.
It has now been announced that a return this season is not on the cards, with Neymar out of action for the next three to four months.
A statement read: "Neymar Jr has featured several episodes of right ankle instability in recent years.
"Following his last sprain contracted on February 20, the Paris Saint-Germain medical staff recommended a ligament repair operation, in order to avoid a major risk of recurrence. All the experts consulted confirmed this need.
"This surgery will be performed in the coming days at ASPETAR Hospital in Doha.
"A delay of three to four months is expected before his return to collective training."
Neymar had been enjoying his most productive season for PSG since the 2018-19 campaign, equalling a tally of 34 direct goal involvements (18 goals, 16 assists) in all competitions – joint second-highest in his PSG career, behind the 44 in his debut season.
FIFA could abandon plans for Saudi Arabia's tourism body to sponsor the Women's World Cup after a major backlash from co-hosts Australia and New Zealand.
The sport's governing body was reportedly set to add Visit Saudi as a tournament sponsor for the competition, though no official announcement has been made.
An angry response from both the two host nations and leading players, such as United States veteran Alex Morgan, has reportedly forced a rethink from FIFA now however.
Both Football Australia and New Zealand Football remain frustrated by a lack of clarity though, with the latter's chief executive Andrew Pragnell voicing his displeasure.
"I found the response fairly ambiguous," he told local media. "It didn't confirm nor deny the potential Visit Saudi sponsorship that has been reported in the media.
"It did allude to the importance of treating all member associations equally and the importance of engagement as opposed to isolation.
"Other than that, it stated that they'd be reaching out through their media and partnerships team for further conversations.
"We're left in a little bit of uncertainty as to what's going on here, to be frank, which is a bit disappointing.
"Anything further I say would be speculation because I don't know, but clearly our letter, given the delay in the response, and the absence of confirmation or denial, has caused some form of rethink in FIFA about this issue."
Football Australia chief executive James Johnson echoed his opposite number's comments, adding that any such sponsorship would not match their values for the tournament.
"It was an overwhelming consensus that this partnership does not align with our collective vision for the tournament and falls short of our expectations," he said.
"While we await further clarity and information as to the details of the partnership from FIFA, we continue to convey this clear message on behalf of Football Australia, New Zealand Football, and our community."
Bruno Guimaraes feels "at home" with Newcastle United despite reports of interest from European champions Real Madrid.
Guimaraes was Newcastle's flagship signing in January 2022 in their first transfer window following the takeover by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
The Brazil international had a huge impact and has impressed again this season in a team battling for Champions League qualification, having also reached the EFL Cup final.
This form is said to have caught the attention of LaLiga giants Madrid, but Guimaraes appears committed to Newcastle.
The ex-Lyon midfielder accepted the North East Football Writers' Association Player of the Year award on Sunday before posting on social media.
"When I said yes to Newcastle, I was sure I was choosing a big project," Guimaraes wrote.
"From the bottom of my heart, I didn't expect to live the wonderful things I'm living here.
"Respect for the team, love for the fans and each day feeling more at home.
"Thanks for everyone that made [it] possible to live all of this."
Guimaraes has three goals in 18 league appearances this season, although he missed much of February through suspension.
Newcastle have suffered a dip in form since the Premier League restarted after the World Cup, with just two top-flight wins from their last nine games.
Back-to-back defeats against Liverpool and Manchester City, either side of their EFL Cup final loss to Manchester United, have stalled their momentum.
The Magpies will hope to return to winning ways when they face Wolves on Sunday.
Victor Osimhen is winning plenty of admirers at Serie A leaders Napoli having netted a league-high 19 goals.
The 24-year-old Nigeria forward joined Napoli in 2020 and is under contract until 2025.
But the Partenopei will have their work cut out keeping Osimhen that long, even if they will reportedly ask for more than €100million to let him go.
TOP STORY – OSIMHEN IS UNITED'S PRIORITY STRIKER TARGET
Osimhen is top of Manchester United's four-man striker shortlist, according to Football Insider.
United boss Erik ten Hag has identified Osimhen as his preferred off-season signing to bolster their front line.
According to the report, United wants three major off-season signings to maintain the momentum gained this campaign, including adding another quality striker.
Osimhen is the top priority ahead of Tottenham's Harry Kane, Roma's Tammy Abraham and Salzburg's Benjamin Sesko on their shortlist.
ROUND-UP
– The Athletic reports United are tracking Abraham, but he also has interest from Chelsea, who negotiated a £70.8m (€80m) buy-back clause when they sold him to Roma.
– Angel Di Maria is open to staying with Juventus, who are ready to work to agree a new contract with the winger, claims La Gazetta dello Sport.
– Barcelona are preparing to pounce for Marcus Thuram, who will exit Borussia Monchengladbach as a free agent at the end of this season, reports Fichajes.
– It had been reported Houssem Aouar would join Eintracht Frankfurt, but Calciomercato claims there is new interest from Napoli along with Milan in the Lyon midfielder.
– Newcastle United coach Eddie Howe is a big admirer of Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu and wants to sign him in the off-season, claims The Mirror.
Leah Williamson toasted an end to Arsenal's trophy drought as England's Euro 2022 captain helped the Gunners topple Chelsea in the Women's League Cup final.
The leader of the Lionesses is vice-captain of Arsenal, with the 25-year-old having been part of the side that won the 2018-19 Women's Super League.
Sunday's success at Selhurst Park was the first silverware the team have won since that league championship, with captain Kim Little scoring from the spot in a 3-1 win over Emma Hayes' Blues.
Australia star Sam Kerr headed Chelsea into a second-minute lead, with the side from west London looking to follow up their FA Cup victory over Arsenal from seven days earlier.
However, Arsenal turned it around, with Swedish forward Stina Blackstenius slotting a 16th-minute equaliser before Scottish midfielder Little netted a penalty eight minutes later after Katie McCabe was tripped.
An own goal from Niamh Charles in first-half stoppage time turned out to be the game's final goal, giving Arsenal a record-extending sixth triumph in the competition.
Williamson said of the result: "I feel good, you've got to break the chain at some point so today was that day."
Satisfied skipper Little told BBC Sport: "I'm so proud of the team. Off the back of last week's result we needed to turn it around, and we had a good week's training and talked about a lot of things we needed to be better at.
"I was thinking after they scored, 'what could we have done to stop that?', because it was such a good goal. But because it was so early we just needed to reset and we did that, and the rest of our first-half performance was pretty special and that's what won us the match today.
"We want to win trophies, and we're disappointed in ourselves that we've not done that before now, but here it is, and I'm just happy and proud of the girls."
Arsenal edged the game by 1.56 to 1.20 on expected goals, despite having just eight goal attempts to 14 by Chelsea.
Head coach Jonas Eidevall, who has delivered silverware just 18 months into his reign, gave his coat away after the game to a fan who had offered the team encouragement after the FA Cup loss to Chelsea.
The Swedish coach explained to arsenal.com: "I said, 'People like you are what make this football club great. Your optimism gives me energy, and I can give that back to the team and it can help our performance. So, you come here and do the same thing next Sunday and we win, you’ll get my coat.'
"I’m very happy for him, very happy for us and now I just need to sort out a new coat."
Carlo Ancelotti vowed Real Madrid will not give up on chasing down Barcelona at the top of LaLiga, despite his side falling nine points adrift of the leaders on Sunday.
Madrid were held to a goalless draw by Real Betis on a potentially pivotal day in the title race, a few hours after 10-man Barcelona had battled to a 1-0 home win against Valencia.
Los Blancos still have to travel to Barca in a fortnight, but Opta's league predictor now gives the reigning champions just a 9.8 per cent chance of finishing top of the table.
After seeing his side held for a second league game running, having drawn 1-1 against Atletico Madrid last week, Ancelotti accepted Madrid have their work cut out.
"It's not impossible," he told Movistar when asked if there is any hope of catching Barca. "It will be very difficult, very complicated, but we have no doubt we'll fight until the end.
"Of course these results are affecting the team. If it doesn't then you have no room to improve."
Madrid are without a win in three games after going down 1-0 to Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Thursday.
The European champions have failed to score in their past two games, which is as many as in their previous 39 matches.
After being unable to register a shot on target against Barca and in the first half against Betis, Madrid did at least improve in the second half as Claudio Bravo made five saves.
"It was a difficult match for us," Ancelotti added. "We know we could have done better in terms of efficiency in attack. We had opportunities but lacked efficiency.
"This is the reality. We've scored only one goal in our past three games, and it's clear to see what we're missing from set-pieces. We have the quality to be doing better.
"We know we have to improve in that regard. We know in moments like this we have to do better."
Karim Benzema thought he had given Madrid the lead in the 15th minute, only for his free-kick to be ruled out after a VAR check showed the ball hit Antonio Rudiger on the arm.
Madrid have now played out six goalless draws with Betis in the league this century – against no side have they done so more often – with this latest stalemate particularly costly.
Dani Ceballos, who wasted one of a few good chances that fell the visitors' way in the second half, echoed Ancelotti's sentiment that his side must keep on fighting.
"There are still games left and we are not that far away [from Barcelona]," he said. "The DNA of this club is to fight until the end. Where there is an opportunity, Madrid will fight.
"We have a very important game against Espanyol next Saturday in front of our fans. We also have Barcelona to play, so we have to do our best before the international break."
Betis fell short of registering a fourth straight league win for the first time since December 2021, but head coach Manuel Pellegrini was happy to come away with a point against his former club.
"Winning games is important, but if you can't do that then it's better to not lose," said Pellegrini, whose side are three points adrift of fourth-placed Real Sociedad.
"I think it was a fair point for both teams. There are many teams in the fight for the top four and others will also start to challenge."
Jose Mourinho is bullish about Roma's prospects of a top-four finish in Serie A but acknowledged his team are unpredictable after their victory over Juventus.
Gianluca Mancini's second-half strike made the difference for the Giallorossi as they seized a 1-0 win over the Bianconeri at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.
The result moved Roma into the top four, edging out Milan with a superior goal difference, and puts them in the mix for Champions League qualification.
When asked if his team can secure a place in Europe's top continental competition, Mourinho was at pains to point out they must show consistency in their quality first.
"The problem is that you never know how Roma will play," Mourinho told DAZN. "We have to know our limits. At that point, we can play to win and bring home the result.
"In isolated matches, we can do well against everyone. But any championship is a marathon. We must always give everything to bring home the result.
"We won because the players gave 100 per cent. They won the match, not my tactical organisation. Juventus are very compact, and it was important we kept the ball."
Mourinho was poised to miss the match from the sidelines after he was handed a touchline ban, though it was suspended ahead of the fixture.
Asked whether he expects to serve it next week, the Portuguese coach sidestepped giving a direct opinion, saying: "There is a process, and until it is finished, I don't want to say anything."
Juventus ended the game with 10 men after Moise Kean was shown a red card inside a minute of his arrival late on for kicking out at Mancini.
Visiting head coach Massimiliano Allegri said he had accepted an apology from the Italy international, adding: "He made a mistake and he is sorry.
"He put the team in a difficult spot. Lessons must be learned from these things, and he had a wrong reaction. Maybe he was nervous."
Real Madrid fired another blank as their LaLiga title hopes were further dented in a goalless draw away at Real Betis.
The reigning champions knew there was no real margin for error at Estadio Benito Villamarin following Barcelona's narrow 1-0 home win over Valencia earlier on Sunday.
However, on the back of failing to register an attempt on target in their 1-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg loss to Barcelona, Madrid once again failed to click in attack.
Karim Benzema had a first-half goal ruled out by VAR, but Carlo Ancelotti's side were otherwise subdued as they could only close the gap on leaders Barca to nine points.
Benzema thought he had given Madrid the lead with a superb free-kick early on, but it was ruled out after a VAR check due to the ball brushing Antonio Rudiger's arm in the wall.
While the visitors were unable to get a shot on target prior to half-time, Betis twice tested Thibaut Courtois, with Ayoze Perez forcing the Madrid goalkeeper into a good stop.
Claudio Bravo finally had something to do early in the second period when pushing aside Benzema's first-time effort from near the penalty spot.
Betis continued to look threatening and would have been in front if not for a big Courtois save to thwart Borja Iglesias, who had time to set himself and get a shot away in the box.
Rodrygo and Dani Ceballos both fired off target from good positions as Madrid, who started with Lucas Vazquez and Eduardo Camavinga at full-back, continued to toil.
Bravo stood firm in the Betis goal in a nervy conclusion to ensure the points were shared in Andalusia.
Gianluca Mancini's thunderous strike moved Roma up to fourth place in Serie A with a 1-0 victory over Juventus at Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.
The centre-back's rasping second-half drive sealed three precious points, boosting Roma’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
After a week dominated by off-field headlines for head coach Jose Mourinho and former Juve playmaker Pablo Dybala, the Giallorossi claimed what could prove to be a huge victory.
Defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow for Massimiliano Allegri's Juve side after a performance in which they will feel they did enough to earn a point and Moise Kean was sent off in the closing stages, less than a minute after coming on, for kicking out at Mancini.
Knowing victory would edge them above Milan and into the top four on goal difference, Roma sought to impose themselves upon their visitors early on.
Yet Juventus were stubbornly defiant in front of a partisan crowd, and did their best to take the initiative themselves.
It was the Bianconeri who came closest to a breakthrough in the first half, when Adrien Rabiot saw his header saved by Wojciech Szczesny near the left post in the 43rd minute.
Emboldened by their support from the stands, the hosts broke the deadlock eight minutes after the interval, with Mancini letting fly from long range with his right foot and giving Szczesny no chance.
Juan Cuadrado almost levelled matters on the cusp of the hour with a superb free-kick that struck the post.
Juve were unable to salvage a point and Kean was shown a straight red card for lashing out at Mancini soon after coming on, adding insult to injury.
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