MATCH REPORT | Onto the next round undefeated and group leaders (0-0)
The team couldn't beat F91 Dudelange on a pitch in dreadful conditions
Real Betis Balompié closed the Europa League group stage with a draw against F91 Dudelange. The game was affected by the condition of the pitch, which was frozen and did not allowed the players to play well and even run in some areas. Still, the team goes through the next round as group leaders.
The game went underway amidst difficult conditions. The cold weather had left some icy bits on the pitch, and the players struggled to move the ball around with quality and some even had difficulties not to slip. However, Betis tried to press high and control the possession and this way came the first chance when Francis shot wide a pass from Loren.
Betis were monopolising the ball but it was really difficult to play at Stade Josy Barthel due to the condition of the playing field. Really close got Loren to open the score just in the 25th minute when he got a loose ball inside the are and shot, but the keeper deflected his effort.
Ten minutes later, again Bonnefoi denied Loren in an even better chance. A good delivery from Francis was finished y the striker from close range but the keeper was close and sent it wide. Gradually, the Green and Whites began to get closer and closer to the opposite box, while the rivals did not find their way to the goal defended by Robles.
Just before half time, Joaquín almost made the opener in a free kick, finding a good save from the goalkeeper. The second half began with a lower pace compared to the end of the first, and Dudelange played for some minutes near Betis' area. They actually had one chance through Sinani, who sent his effort over the bar.
Both teams were finding it difficult and chances were not coming often. León, right away after coming on, hit the side netting after a good play. Setién made the three changes really quickly, trying to give something different to the team.
At this point, Betis were again in total control of the game, and almost everything happened on Dudelange's half of the pitch. Close to the ned, Bonnefoi made the save of the game to a header from Javi García.
The game ended and, in spite of the result, the team finishes the group stage as leaders.
F91 Dudelange: Bonnefoi, Jordanov, Schnell, Prempeh, El Hriti,
Stolz, Stelvio, Kenia (Malget 70'), Couturier, Turpel, Sinani (Jensen 88').:
Booked: Schnell (43').
Real Betis Balompié: Joel Robles, Francis, Sidnei, Javi
García, Feddal, Tello, Carvalho (Bartra 73'), Kaptoum, Inui, Joaquín (Boudebouz
75'), Loren (Sergio León 69').
Referee: Peter Kralovic, Slovakia.