Carvajal gesture sparks scrutiny of Alexander-Arnold in draw

Real Madrid right back Trent Alexander-Arnold faced scrutiny after teammate Dani Carvajal appeared to mock his defensive effort during the team's 1-1 draw against Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin Stadium on Friday.

Vinicius Junior gave Madrid the lead in the 17th minute, but Hector Bellerin equalized for Betis in the fourth minute of stoppage time, dealing a blow to Madrid's La Liga title hopes. The result left the club 11 points behind leader Barcelona, which secured a 2-0 victory at Getafe with a goal from Marcus Rashford. Madrid has already been eliminated from the Champions League by Bayern Munich and the Copa del Rey by second-division Albacete, dimming its prospects for silverware this season.

Footage broadcast by Movistar Plus captured Carvajal, a 34-year-old substitute and Madrid academy product whose contract expires at season's end, making a walking gesture with his fingers on his leg. The clip showed him glancing toward the pitch, exchanging words with a bemused expression, and pointing before mimicking the motion. It then cut to Alexander-Arnold, 27, losing a challenge high up the pitch, allowing Betis to complete three passes and advance down the right flank on a...