Great victory today for Real Betis Balompié in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals. The team came back after an early goal by Rayo Vallecano with great goals from Borja Iglesias and William Carvalho.

The game start in the worst possible way for the Green and Whites, as the home side needed only five minutes to take the lead. Balliu delivered a cross from the right and Álvaro García nodded it in in the far post. Betis struggled a bit to find their pace, but managed to do so not long afterwards and started to control the game.

Juanmi gave a warning with a chipped ball that went just wide after a sensational pass from Carvalho. A few moments later, Borja Iglesias made a great personal play, dribbling two defenders and shooting from outside the box to find the bottom left corner. The game continued with high intensity from both sides. Betis had the chance to take the lead just before half time, but Dimitrievski deflected the shot from Iglesias.

In the second half, the game continued as it has ended in the first period. Betis were controlling the ball and Rayo were trying to take advantage on their pace on the wings.

Until Carvalho's magic shone. The Portuguese received the ball at the edge of the box, nutmegged a defender and finished with a cool touch. From that moment on, Betis continued controlling the pace of the game. On the other side, Rayo were trying to push, but couldn't find gaps in Betis' defence. The one time they did, Rui Silva answered with a great save.

One step closer to the final, but it needs to closed at Heliópolis.

Rayo Vallecano: Dimitrievski, Balliu, Catena, Mario Suárez, Fran García, Santi Comesaña (Nteka 75'), Óscar Valentín, Isi (Bebé 75'), Trejo (Ciss 82'), Álvaro García, Sergi Guardiola (Falcao 62').

Goals: Álvaro García (5').

Booked: Valentín.

Real Betis: Rui Silva, Sabaly, Bartra, Víctor Ruiz, Álex Moreno, Guido Rodríguez, William, Aitor Ruibal (Bellerín 85'), Juanmi (Tello 66'), Fekir, Borja Iglesias.

Goals: Iglesias (26'), Carvalho (68').

Booked: Rui Silva.

Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez.