Real Betis Balompié got a great win tonight in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round against FC Zenit. In a crazy game, the Green and Whites took the lead early in the game with two goals. However, Zenit responded and tied the game in three minutes. Just before half time, Betis pulled ahead again. In a tense second half, the score did not move.

From the kick-off, Betis started pressing and attacking. This way, after just eight minutes, Joaquín delivered a free-kick that Guido Rodríguez headed in. Ten minutes later, Willian José made a good run in the middle and finished it with a fantastic strike from outside the box.

After the two goals, the home side pushed forward and started to attack with more consistency. Dzyuba cut the lead and three minutes later Malcom equalized. The game was close in all aspects of the game. But just before half time, Ruibal stole the ball close to Zenit's area and gave a great pass to Guardado. The Mexican found the back of the net with a cool finish.

After half time, both sides came back for an intense second period. The Russian side wanted to push, while Betis looked to manage the timing of the game with composure. Both sides had chances to score. Mostovoy hit the crossbar, while at the other end, Ruibal missed the target.

At the end, a good result for Real Betis that needs to be closed in Seville next week.

FC Zenit: Kerzhakov, Karavaev (Mostovoy 46'), Chistiakov (Erokhin 88'), Barrios, Rakitskyy (Krugovoy 46'), Santos, Wendel, Kuzyaev, Claudinho (Yuri Alberto 65'), Malcom, Dzyuba (Sergeev 73').

Goals: Dzyuba (25'), Malcom (28')

Booked: Rakitskyy, Barrios.

Real Betis: Rui Silva, Sabaly, Pezzella, Edgar, Álex Moreno, Guido Rodríguez, Guardado, Aitor Ruibal (Bellerín 85'), Juanmi (Tello 58'), Joaquín (William Carvalho 58'), Willian José (Borja Iglesias 78').

Goals: Guido Rodríguez (8'), Willian José (18'), Guardado (41')

Booked: Tello.

Referee: Benoit Bastien, France.