MATCH REPORT | How beautiful is to be a Real Betis fan (1-0)
The team won thanks to a penalty scored by Canales
Real Betis Balompié got today three wonderful points against Club Atletico de Madrid. In a very intense match, as it is usual against the 'colchoneros', the team performed superbly and knew how to manage the advantage gotten thanks to a goal by Canales from the penalty spot. The players worked hard and fought until the final whistle.
The first chance came just in the second minute. Betis delivered a corner kick that Feddal headed inside the area, but Oblak made an astonishing save. The game had started with high pace. Not just because of the early occasion, but because of the way the teams were playing.
Soon, it could be seen that Atletico wanted to impose the high intensity and strong pressing they usually display. Betis, on their hand, wanted to get the possession and manage the game. The first for the away team came in the 9th minute in a counterattack made by Griezmann and Morata. The Spaniard shot in the end but Pau López saved it. Step by step, Atletico began to control the ball but the match was open with options for the two teams but no clear chances.
Halfway through the first half Betis regain possession and were trying to open gaps where to attack. They managed to do it so several times but not with the clarity to create problems to Oblak. The final minutes of the first half were of Betis' absolute control.
The second match began with one change in the away side, as Filipe Luis came on for Arias. Griezmann had two early chances. First with a header that went quite wide. Then, with a shot from the edge of the area that went not too far from the goal. The first for the Green and Whites came through Canales, whose effort from outside the box was blocked by Oblak.
In spite of Atletico early rush, Betis got their composure back and also the ball. After several dangerous plays, in the 63rd minute the referee whistled for penalty when Filipe clearly touched the ball with his hand. Canals took the responsibility and put the ball in the net close to the post. Atletico almost equalised immediately after with a good effort from Griezmann. A great curled shot that hit the post. Atletico had taken a step forward and forced Betis to defend closer to their area.
However, the team did not focus only in defence and had a great chance after a good team play. Barragán received inside the box and shot, but the ball went over the bar. Immediately after, Kaptoum made a sensational play on the left and assisted Guardado, whose effort went not too far from the top corner.
High tension at Heliópolis in the final minutes. The stands were pushing and putting Atletico under pressure. The siege was evident but Betis were defending superbly. The final whistle came and the Green and Whites got three great points.
Real Betis Balompié:
Pau López, Barragán, Mandi, Feddal, Bartra (Sidnei 51'), Francis (Junior 72'),
Guardado, Kaptoum, Joaquín (Javi García 83'), Canales, Sergio León.
Goals: Canales, pen. (64').
Booked:
Mandi (81'), Junior (82'), León (85'), Pau López (86').
Club Atlético de
Madrid: Oblak, Arias (Filipe Luis 46'), Giménez, Lucas Hernández, Juanfran,
Rodrigo, Thomas, Correa (Kalinic 74'), Lemar (Vitolo 62'), Griezmann y Morata.
Booked: Arias (39'), Correa (40'),
Hernández (50').