MATCH REPORT | A fight against tough luck (1-1)
Real Betis Balompié got a point against Gefate CF at Benito Villamarín Stadium. Mata gave the lead to the visitors from the spot in the 15th minute ad Joaquín closed the score in the 73rd minute also with a penalty.
The match began with options for the two teams, with high intensity on the pitch. The first chance was for Getafe with a shot from Cucurella that hit the outside of the post. Betis replied soon afterwards. Fekir dribbled two defenders with a jaw dropping move and assisted Iglesias, but a defender deflected the ball wide.
A few minutes later, Cucurella made a good run in a counterattack and was brought down by Barragán inside the area. The referee pointed to the spot and Mata gave the visitors the lead. To make matters worse, William Carvalho was sent off with a straight red card in the 25th minute for a tackle on Arambarri. Once again, the team was trailing and one man down in the early stages of a match.
Joel Robles saved the second for the away team with a great save in a free kick that took a deflection on the wall. Real Betis were trying to react and Canales produced a strong shot from distance that Soria had to send to corner kick. The last occasion of the first half was for Jorge Molina, who again was denied by Robles.
After half time, Loren came on to replace Kaptoum, giving the team a more attacking attitude in spite of the inferiority. In fact, the striker provoked two yellow cards, for Nyom and Arambarri, in his first two touches in the game. The fans began to push harder and the team kept on attacking. Pedraza tried with his right foot, but sent the ball over the bar.
The only team attacking at this point was Real Betis. And finally the reward came. Djené tackled Fekir down inside the box and Joaquín did not miss the chance from the spot. The team continued trying in order to get the three points, but the danger that Getafe could make harm in a counterattack was evident. In fact, Ángel scored in one of them, but it was disallowed for offside. In the injury time, the referee showed Loren a red card and left the team with nine men.
Real Betis Balompié: Joel Robles, Barragán, Mandi, Sidnei, Pedraza (Álex Moreno 83'), William, Kaptoum (Loren 46'), Fekir, Canales, Joaquín (Javi García 87'), Borja Iglesias. Goals: Joaquín, pen. (73'). Booked: Mandi (8'), Barragán (12'), Fekir (53'). Sent off: Carvalho (25'), Loren (93').
Getafe CF: David Soria, Damián, Djené, Cabrera, Nyom, Jason (Timor 69'), Maksimovic (Enric Gallego 85'), Arambarri, Cucurella, Molina (Ángel 60'), Mata. Goals: Mata, pen. (15'). Booked: Jason (35'), Nyom (50'), Arambarri (52'), Damián (74'), Djené (79').
Referee: José Luis González González.