MATCH REPORT | Beautiful Sunday morning (3-2)
Real Betis Balompié got three great three points today in a game that had a bit of everything. The team got the lead in the first half through a magnificent free kick from Tello. However, Girona FC scored two goals before half time. Loren, early in the second half, levelled the score up and Canales, from the penalty spot, finished the come back in the added time.
The match began with the two teams testing each other on the pitch. The first occasion was for Lo Celso, who tried with an effort from outside the box that went wide.
In the 12th minute, Betis took the advantage in the score. A free kick one meter outside the area. Tello shoot and the ball went straight to the top-left corner, away from Bono. After the goal, the team continued attacking for several minutes. The Green and Whites were having the possession at this moment and Girona were trying to get their composure back.
After the first half an hour, Betis were still in control, but they had lost some presence in the final third of the field. Actually, in the first mistake made by the team in the whole game, Barragán gave a bad back pass and Doumbia found himself alone in front of Pau. He passed the ball to Portu, who assisted Aleiz García. The midfielder didn't miss into an empty goal.
The goal hit Betis hard and the away team, again through Aleix García, had another chance, but Pau López deflected the hard shot with his fingertips. Just before half time, Girona scored the second. Another mistake in defence and Portu got the ball and crossed it to the heart of the box, where Doumbia headed it in.
Two minutes into the second half, Betis scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside. In spite of this offensive start, the team did not seem comfortable on he pitch but managed to score. A great counterattack conducted by Canales. The midfielder got inside the area and dribbled. He then passed the ball to the far post where Loren produced a sensational strike that went in by the post.
The goal made the team improve and were now in control of the ball. After a long play, Lo Celso gave a great pass between lines towards Loren, but he didn't read the pass. Betis continued attacking and the rival were more focused in defence, but dangerous in counterattacks. At this point, both managers began to make changes.
In the 80th minute, Diego Lainez made his debut replacing Loren. With ten minutes left to play, the team were looking for the goal and the stands pushed. Canales gave a warning with a Good shot from outside the box that went out really close to the post.
In the added time, Lo Celso was kicked inside the box and the referee did not hesitate. Canales took the responsibility and sent Bono the wrong way to give the team the three points.
Real Betis Balompié: Pau López, Barragán, Mandi, Javi García, Bartra, Tello, Guardado (Feddal 66'), Canales, Lo Celso, Sanabria (Sergio León 70'), Loren (Lainez 80'). Goals: Tello (12'), Loren (53'), Canales, p. (93'). Booked: Sanabria (45').
Girona FC: Bono, Porro (Ramalho 61'), Alcalá, Bernardo, Juanpe, Valery (Munies 71'), Pere Pons, Aleix García, Borja García, Portu, Doumbia (Douglas Luiz 77'). Goals: Aleix García (35'), Doumbia (53'). Booked: Porro (10'), Valery (39'), Alcalá (55'), Ramalho (82').