Real Betis Balompié got tonight their fourth victory in a row at home in two weeks. The team beat Rayo Vallecano, a team that pout up a fight until the last moment. In the second half, a goal from the spot by Lo Celso and an absolutely spectacular goal from Sidnei left the three points at home.

Just from the start, Rayo applied a really high pressure on Betis, that still tried to create plays from the back. The team, however, struggled to get with clarity to final third, and the away team were just waiting trying to counterattack using the pace on the wings.

Step by step, the Green and Whites began to get control and create some danger but Rayo were defending well. If not, the referee signalled several fouls on attack that were more than disputable. The first clear chance, in fact, was for the team from Madrid. Álvaro made a good run and shot, but Pau López made a good save. The visitors took then a step forward and had more presence in attack.

Betis got their composure back and the ten final minutes of the first half were played almost entirely on Rayo's side of the pitch. The best chance so far was for Sidnei, who headed a delivery from Canales slightly over the crossbar. A similar play just before the whistled, this time by Carvalho, missing the target by a narrow distance.

Five minutes after the start of the second half, Rayo had one of their best in the game. Embarba dribbled and produced a left-footed effort that went just high. Loren replied in the following play. The striker stole the ball near the box and shot, but it was a soft effort that Dimitrievski saved. A moment of doubt in the 56th minute arrived when Loren was tackled inside the box. The referee let the play continue but when it ended, he was warned by the VAR. He went to check in the screen and pointed to the spot. Lo Celso took the responsibility and sent the keeper the wrong way to open the score.

After the goal, the away team tried to attack a bit more but Betis was still having more and better chances. Actually, Tonny Sanabria almost increased the difference in the score but his shot went just wide. Nonetheless, Rayo also had their saying, and De Tomás forced Pau to make a superb save. But the best moment of the night was yet to come. Sidnei got the ball in Betis' half of the field and made a run towards the box. Once inside, he dribbled a defender in style and beat the keeper.

After the second goal, Rayo Vallecano tried to get something out of the game but they were unable to create danger.

Real Betis Balompié: Pau López, Barragán, Mandi, Bartra, Sidnei, Junior, Carvalho (Javi García 84'), Lo Celso, Canales, Sanabria (Sergio León 80'), Loren (Joaquín 71'). Goals: Lo Celso pen. (60'), Sidnei (76'). Booked: Carvalho (31'), Barragán (59').

Rayo Vallecano de Madrid: Dimitrievski, Advíncula, Amat, Gálvez, Álex Moreno, Imbula, Santi (Medrán 60'), Embarba (Bebé 80'), Pozo (De Tomás 60'), Álvaro, Trejo. Booked: Santi (32'), Embarba (32'), Medrán (61').

Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera.