19/10/2014 - 20:11

Velázquez was happy with his team's performance against Lugo. For that friendly match the coach opted for a new formation with three fullbacks, two wing backs, three midfielders and two forwards. A formation which he would repeat at the Butarque Stadium. The only change was Adán in goal, and Cejudo as a substitute for the injured Piccini. Leganés always give their all at home, they haven't lost a single game there, and their stadium was packed with fans wanting to watch the favourite in the category. The positive effect of the home crowd was evident in the attacking style of their players.

There were no real goal-scoring occasions in the first half for either team. The game became very physical and the closest chances came from interceptions near each goal area. A set piece by Asier Garitano's team gave rise to the first real opportunity, but Adán was a rock for the Betis lads. Bit by bit, the home team moved up through the midfield as Betis failed to find a way to move up the pitch. Rubén Castro and Molina moved forward, but didn't have sufficient space to create any dangerous plays. In minute 27, Molina headed the ball towards the player from the Canary Isles who shot with his left foot, but the ball just brushed past the left post of Queco Piña's goal. Alvaro replied for Leganés, but Jordi Figueras stopped the ball within the area.

Real Betis couldn't get organised on the pitch due to the strong pressure from their opponents in midfield. The Betis defence coped well with the attacking plays from the 'Pepineros'. Molinero made another attempt at Adán's goal but the first half finished without any more excitement.

However, the attitude changed after the break. Velázquez's lads came out more dominant and they spent more time in the rivals goal area. Rubén centred the ball to the penalty spot, but Molina couldn't do much with it. Real Betis moved up a gear.

The green-and-whites coach shuffled the bench and substituted players without changing the formation. Rennella came off and was substitued by Jorge Molina. The game became really physical again and after Matilla was given a yellow card, Velázquez substituted him with N'Diaye. The isolated attacking plays came from the Leganés team and for a while Adán was the star of the show. Kadir came off and was replaced by Cejudo in the last substitution for the green-and-whites and N'Diaye attempted to make the most of a foul against him, but his shot hit the far post. Betis were desperate to get more possession and dominance in the game. The individual plays began to come from Real Betis and Rennella and Rubén were trying hard.

But then, in the last minute, when it looked as though the match would be a draw, the fatal blow came for the green-and-whites. The home team began to attack down the left wing and there was nothing Adán could do to stop Velasco's ultimate shot at goal. The goal, almost in the last moments of the game, left the Betis team unable to reply as they saw their one point disappear before their eyes.