MATCH REPORT | A point in adversity (1-1)
Real Betis Balompié got today one point due to the hard work and sacrifice made by the team. In spite of the terrible performance from the referee, with many decisions that went, strangely, against the Green and Whites, the team put on a decent performance. The team got a man sent off after 30 minutes in a play in which Álex Moreno saw a red card that wasn't it so. However, the team took the lead just before half time. In the second half, Rayo leveled the score.
The first minutes were of absolute evenness on the pitch, especially the first 30 minutes. Both teams fought for the possession and had chances, although none of them clear enough. Everything changes in the 33rd minute, though, when the referee showed Álex Moreno a red card in a play that did not deserved more than a yellow.
The referee again went against Betis soon afterwards when he did nothing about a clear hand ball by Catena inside Rayo's area. Even if everything was going against the team, Canales gave the lads the lead after a phenomenal play with Fekir and Bellerín.
After half time, Rayo came on trying to push from the start. The home side tried to attack against a Betis that defended fiercely. Rayo were not able to create many chances, and when they did, they found a solid defensive line or a great Rui Silva.
However, 20 minutes before the end, Rayo Vallecano equalized the game. After several rebounds, Balliu took the ball and smashed it into the roof of the net. Both teams had a couple of chances each before full time, but the score did not move.
Rayo Vallecano: Luca Zidane, Balliu, Catena, Saveljich, Fran García, Óscar Valentín (Guardiola 59'), Comesaña, Nteka (Álvaro García 66'), Trejo (Ciss 83'), Isi (Bebé 66'), Falcao.
Goals: Balliu (70').
Booked: Valentín.
Real Betis: Rui Silva, Bellerín, Bartra, Edgar, Álex Moreno, Guido Rodríguez, William, Canales, Tello (Aitor Ruibal 84'), Fekir, Borja Iglesias (Guardado 39').
Goals: Canales (45').
Booked: Canales, Guardado, Rui Silva.
Sent-off: Moreno.
Referee: Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz.