MATCH REPORT | Real Betis deserved better (1-2)
Joel Robles' red card in the 7th minute had a great impact in the game
Real Betis Balompié started the season with a defeat at home that did not deserve so. The match became favourable for Real Valladolid early on when Robles was sent off for a tackle on Sandro. However, the team improved and was, in general, better than their rival. However, the visitors took the lead in the second half, but the Green and Whites replied six minutes later through Loren. It all seemed to end in stalemate, but the away time stroked again one minute before the end. Dani Martín, Pedraza, Fekir, Juanmi and Borja Iglesias made their debut with the team in an official match.
The match started with high pace, with the two teams fighting for the control. It all changed in the seventh minutes when Robles tackled Sandro just outside the box. The referee showed the keeper a straight red card. Joaquín was subbed off and Dani Martín made his debut. Following that moment, Valladolid tried to increase their pressure and enclose Betis that were trying to get their composure back. Halfway the first half, the away team had the ball more, but Rubi's men were defending well and started to have some chances.
The first of the game was for Tello. The winger made a good run in a counterattack and step into the area, but his effort was saved by Masip. The team had now improved. The next one was for Fekir, who tried with a free kick that went over the bar. Betis were now in control and looking for a goal. Tello tried again from outside the box, but again found the keeper's gloves. The game went into half time with the same score as it began.
The second half went underway with one change in Betis. Loren came on for Borja Iglesias, who finished the first period with some discomfort on his ankle. The beginning was pretty similar to the end of the previous 45 minutes. Betis had more possession, but Valladolid tried to take advantage of the extra man. The firs occasion was for Fekir, whose right-footed effort hit the side netting. Betis were playing brave and eager. But the away side took the lead thanks to an effort from Guardiola.
Betis answered in the best possible way and tied the score up six minutes later. Emerson, quite active during the match, gave a pass towards Carvalho, who let the ball pass through his legs, leaving Loren alone in front of the keeper. The striker finished with ease. After the goal, Betis kept trying to score. However, the players felt the physical disadvantage and the rival started to steal the possession.
With five minutes left to play, anything could happen. But Valladolid closed the score one minute before the end, in their only chance since the first goal. Plano produced a good strike to the far post and scored. Betis tried until the end, but left the game undeservedly empty-handed.
Real Betis Balompié:
Joel Robles, Emerson, Bartra, Sidnei, Pedraza, Javi García, William Carvalho,
Joaquín (Dani Martín 9'), Fekir, Tello (Juanmi 82'), Borja Iglesias (Loren 46').
Goals: Loren (68').
Booked: Emerson (26'), Pedraza (91').
Sent off: Robles (7').
Real Valladolid CF:
Masip, Moyano, Salisu, Olivas, Nacho, Alcaraz (Anuar 75'), Míchel, Antoñito
(Waldo 55'), Óscar Plano, Guardiola, Sandro (Unal 12').
Goals: Guardiola (62'), Plano (82').
Booked: Plano (35'), Antoñito (39'),
Alcaraz (44'), Moyano (54'), Míchel (91').
Referee: Santiago Jaime Latre.