Real Betis couldn’t get today their third victory in a row. In a quite even game, Athletic Club was slightly better and left the three points at home. After their two goals, Rubén Castro scored and got the team closer, and the lads tried until the end.

For the game today, Víctor Sánchez chose an eleven with many changes to the one used in Vigo. The first five minutes were of a high pace and chances in both sides. First, it was Aduriz who trued with a header that Adán blocked. Jonas Martin replied a minute after but found the gloves of Kepa. Both teams were pressing very high on the rival.

The game was a display of fight and intensity rather than brilliant plays. A lot of fouls were committed and the game was constantly interrupted. The first clear chance was again for Aduriz, who set foot on the box alone and tried to dribble past Adán, but the keeper swept the ball well. The home team was improving and started to have more control. De Marcos shot to the post in the most dangerous action of the first half.

The home team wasn’t playing brilliantly either, and step by step Betis stole the possession and started to get closer to the opposite box. The game resumed after half time in the same fashion of the final minutes of the first half. However, everything changed when the referee whistled for penalty after Mandi tackled Aduriz inside the box. The striker set the ball on the spot and scored with a low strike.

Athletic got better after the goal and son scored the second. Bad defensive setting by Betis and Raúl García assisted Muniain. Nothing was closed yet, and Betis reacted in the best possible way, scoring soon afterwards. Álex Martínez shot and Kepa deflected the ball. Rubén Castro showed up and tapped the ball in.

Víctor Sánchez decided to use all the offensive power and Álex Alegría and Pardo replaced Petros and José Carlos. Betis wanted to risk and was improving in attack. Athletic was now more focused on defence and looking for counterattacks. In one of those plays, they had a great opportunity, but Aduriz couldn’t beat Adán. Real Betis had its final chance too, but the effort made by Pardo was deflected by Yeray and went out by an inch.

Athletic Club: Kepa, De Marcos, Yeray, Laporte, Balenziaga, San José, Beñat (Rico 87), Susaeta (Williams 77), Muniain, Raúl García (Iturraspe 73), Aduriz.
Goals: Aduriz, p. (53), Muniain (70).
Booked: Susaeta (8).

Real Betis Balompié: Adán, Cejudo, Mandi, Pezzella, José Carlos (Álex Alegría 68), Álex Martínez, Petros (Rubén Pardo 68), Brasanac (Joaquín 58), Dani Ceballos, Jonas Martin, Rubén Castro.
Goals: Rubén Castro (63).
Booked: Brasanac (12), Mandi (57), Adán (71).