A huge step to promotion (2-4)

Real Betis wins a difficult match in Santander and is just one victory away from Liga BBVA

Today, Betis has taken much closer to achieve its return to the top division in Spanish football after the match against Real Racing Club. Even without showing its best gameplay, the attacking force of the team, again, made the difference at the end. With the goals of Rubén Castro (2), Jorge Molina and Bruno, the Green-and-White returns home with a great feeling. And that is because winning one of the three matches left would mean that the Club will achieve promotion and would also be champion of Liga Adelante.

Although, the match didn’t start well for the men managed by Pepe Mel. Real Racing Club it’s a team with a lot at stake as well, fighting to avoid relegation. And the home players came on the pitch also eager to obtain three crucial points for them. And in the 3rd minute, they had one of the best chances in the match. Sylla made a cross to Álvaro who, completely off mark in the second post, shot poorly. The following minutes continued with the control of Racing. They were putting up some good pressure, and Betis was unable to build plays. In this scenario came the first goal for Real Racing Club. In another play coming from the wings, Sylla won the position to the defenders and scored.

Even if it was a hard blow, this seemed to make Betis react. Just three minutes after Sylla’s goal, Bruno scored in a set play. Strategy corner kick between Portillo and Kadir, the cross from the later was headed in by Bruno. But this didn’t mean that Betis was in control of the game. On the contrary, as Racing continued pushing forward, having a couple of really good chances. But Betis has in its squad some of the best attacking players in Spanish football. After a good combination of passes, Molinero crossed the ball to Rubén Castro, who made a one-two at first touch with Kadir and sent the ball to the top right corner of the goal. A sensational goal from the top striker of Liga Adelante, and just a few minutes before half time.

The situation changed at the beginning of the second half, though. Even if its team was winning, Pepe Mel wasn’t happy with the match that his men were playing. And the half-time talk seemed to work, as Betis started the second half much better off. In the 49th minute, Casado, trying to avoid the ball to go out, sent a great ball to Rubén Castro who lobbed the ball over Germán and made the third for Betis. Another classy finish from number ‘24’. But Rubén is not the only Betis striker in a great momentum. Just four minutes after, Molina found a loose ball and shot from distance, and the ball found nothing but the back of the net. Molina goes on scoring, match after match.

After this fourth goal, the match changed completely. Racing was affected by these two goals in four minutes, and Betis wanted the match to end. The visiting team was building plays at ease, without rush, and moving the ball around. Racing wanted to attack, but was doing it so without creating clear chances. But they managed to score again. After a miss from Casado, Concha scored a great goal with his left foot.

This appeared to make Racing wake up again, and tried tirelessly to get into the match again. Then, Betis focused in defend and counterattack. But in the end, nothing changed. And Betis returns home knowing that, on Sunday, it could be a First Division team again.

Real Racing Club: Germán, Iñaki, Juanpe, Orfila, Fede (Samuel 75), Borja, Miguélez, Concha, Álvaro (Durán 78), Quique, Sylla (Iván Moreno 67).
Goals: Sylla 22, Concha 74.
Booked: Miguélez 28, Iñaki 52, Orfila 65, Juanpe 78.

Real Betis Balompié: Adán, Molinero, Bruno, Jordi Figueras, Casado, Lolo Reyes, Dani Ceballos (Xavi Torres 71), Portillo, Kadir, Jorge Molina (Rennella 65), Rubén Castro (Cejudo 85).
Goals: Bruno 25, Rubén Castro 41 and 49, Jorge Molina 53.
Booked: Molinero 19, Casado 29, Lolo Reyes 65.

Referee: Ascendiano Monescillo.