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Real Madrid News New La Liga ball technology responsible for Real Madrid equaliser being ruled out vs Real Betis Real Madrid came within centimetres of rescuing themselves against Real Betis, only for one of La Liga’s newest technological additions to intervene. Los Blancos had hammered away at Betis’ goal last night, only for the gatekeeper, Alvaro Valles, to shut the door and let nothing through. It took something absolutely spectacular to beat Valles last night, with Carlos Espi scoring an overhead kick that was eventually ruled out. According to Mundo Deportivo, the decision was assisted by the new sensor inside La Liga’s match ball. The technology allowed VAR to establish the precise moment the ball was played. Using that, they determined that Madrid’s summer signing was marginally offside at the beginning of the attacking sequence that resulted in the goal. Espi denied dramatic equaliser The moment arrived after Espi entered the match in the 87th minute with Madrid chasing a 1-0 deficit. The young striker appeared to make an immediate impact with an outstanding overhead kick that found the net and seemingly brought Madrid level. Celebrations followed, but referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez was instructed not to restart the match while VAR reviewed the build-up. The check eventually identified Espi in an illegal offside position, meaning the goal could not stand. It was a painful decision for Madrid, particularly because the infringement occurred at the start of the move rather than during Espi’s spectacular finish. How the new technology works The sensorised ball is one of La Liga’s major technological additions this season and works alongside semi-automated offside technology. Its importance comes from identifying the exact instant a player makes contact with the ball. For extremely tight offside decisions, determining that precise frame can be crucial. The technology was also involved earlier in the match. Madrid were initially awarded a corner after Dean Huijsen’s effort appeared to have been touched by the Betis goalkeeper, but the sensor and images established that the ball had instead struck the crossbar. The decision was changed and a goal kick was awarded. For Madrid, the technological decision going against them was the final blow on an already frustrating night. Despite creating numerous chances, Betis produced a defensive performance to remember and managed to protect their 1-0 lead. In the end, it was one of those games that Jose Mourinho would like to forget quickly, and it remains to be seen whether Madrid can return to winning ways against Inter Milan in the Champions League. Real Madrid News Real Madrid summer signing a doubt for Champions League clash against Inter Milan According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid could be without key defender Marc Cucurella for Tuesday’s Champions League opener against Inter Milan. The Spanish left-back was forced off late in the defeat to Real Betis with muscle discomfort. The injury is not believed to be serious, but the timing leaves the World Cup winner facing a race against the clock to be fit for one of the most important matches of the early season. Cucurella suffers late setback Cucurella has seemingly established himself as Jose Mourinho’s preferred option at left-back and appears to have moved ahead of Alvaro Carreras in the pecking order. However, the former Chelsea defender was unable to finish Saturday’s match against Betis after suffering cramps in the closing stages. The problem is not currently considered serious, although there is concern over whether he will recover quickly enough to feature against the Nerazzurri at the Santiago Bernabeu. With the players being given the day off today, Real Madrid will return to training on Sunday, when Cucurella’s condition will be assessed more thoroughly. Growing list of absentees Cucurella could join an increasingly long list of players unavailable to Mourinho for the Champions League fixture. Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick are among the players currently dealing with injuries, although there is still a possibility that Tchouameni or Endrick could recover in time. Mourinho must also contend with suspensions as Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva and Eduardo Camavinga are unavailable for the Champions League opener The growing list of absences leaves Real Madrid with limited room for manoeuvre as they prepare for their first Champions League match of the campaign. The timing could hardly be worse for Mourinho. Real Madrid suffered their first defeat of the season against Real Betis, meaning Tuesday’s meeting with Inter has taken on even greater significance. Inter Milan arrive in Madrid as Italian champions, making the Champions League opener a major test for Mourinho’s side. The next few days will determine whether Cucurella can recover in time. If he fails to make it, Mourinho will have another selection problem to solve as Real Madrid look to respond immediately to their first setback of the season.