Real Betis beat RC Deportivo de La Coruña tonight in the first leg of the last 32 in Copa del Rey. The goal came in the first half through a header by Sanabria, who scored his first goal as a Green-and-White. The game was quite even throughout the 90 minutes, but the team showed a better version than the rival and didn’t concede any goal, which can be crucial in the round. Before the kick-off, both teams observed a moment of silence for the plane crash suffered by Associaçao Chapecoense de Futebol.

In the first stage of the match, Betis wanted to take the initiative, and looked for ball control. The team gained it and soon tried to attack. In this way, the goal came in the 19^th minute of the game. Durmisi made a good play on the left wing and delivered a cross to the heart of the box, where Sanabria appeared to head the ball in. The Paraguayan striker scored his first goal for Real Betis.

Betis could have scored again soon afterwards, but when it looked that Felipe Gutiérrez was about a score, a defender deflected the ball. A couple of minutes after, Deportivo had a good chance, but the header by Sidnei went wide. The game went on with both teams fighting for possession, but none of them was clearly better than the opponent.

The match continued in the same fashion after half time. Betis was trying to put pressure on the rival, but not too high on the opposite side of the field, as not conceding was very important. Sanabria made a great personal play, dribbling several defenders, but his effort was too bland and the keeper stopped it. Víctor then moved the bench and made a double substitution, with Bruno and Joaquín coming on for Jonas Martin and Sanabria.

Deportivo tried to attack with more intensity in the final stage of the game, but Betis was very strong in defence, and trying to counterattack. In the end, a victory that eases the way to the next round, but it needs to be closed at Riazor Stadium.

Real Betis Balompié: Dani Giménez, Piccini, Mandi, Donk, José Carlos, Durmisi, Brasanac (Fabián 86), Jonas Martin (Bruno 63), Felipe Gutiérrez, Álex Alegría, Sanabria (Joaquín 63).
Goals: Sanabria (19).
Booked: Jonas Martin (35), Brasanac (85’).

RC Deportivo de La Coruña: Rubén, Juanfran, Albentosa, Sidnei, Fernando Navarro, Luisinho, Bergantiños (Borges 75), Mosquera (Guilherme 46), Carles Gil, Marlos (Joselu 67), Andone.
Booked: Bergantiños (73), Luisinho (79).