MATCH REPORT | Three vital points (1-2)
Real Betis took three golden points tonight from Villarreal. The team put on a good performance and was able to defend when it was necessary. The first half was quite even in all senses, but Fekir gave the Green and Whites the lead just before half time. Then, Betis had their best moment in the early stages of the second half and doubled its lead through Emerson. However, the referee gave Villarreal a penalty that wasn't so and the locals cut the lead. For the first time, Villarreal attacked more and pushed until the end, but Betis held and took the points home.
The first minutes went by with both teams playing a very tactical game and quite even in all senses. Not many chances took place. Betis had a couple. First Guardado shot slightly over the bar and then Fekir found the side netting. Villarreal got close to Betis area a couple of times, but none of them dangerous.
It seemed that the game was going into half time with the initial score when Fekir made a sensational personal play and scored.
Once into the second half, Betis had several chances to double the lead in the first minutes. First, a play with several shots, all of them blocked. Then, Guardado almost score. Finally, in the 52nd minute, Canales delivered a cross that Emerson headed in. Betis continued attacking and Ruibal almost made the third.
The team was going through its best memento when the VAR told the referee to check a play inside Betis' box. A penalty that wasn't but that the referee conceded. Moreno scored from the spot. The goal gave the home side wings and tried to attack.
Joel responded well to a shot from Moreno and Canales had a great one as well on the other end. Betis finally held on and took home three vital points.
Villarreal CF: Asenjo, Peña, Albiol, Pau Torres, Pedraza (Estupiñán 60'), Baena (Raba 60'), Foyth (Fer Niño 88'), Parejo, Moi Gómez (Costa 88'), Alcácer (Bacca 60'), Gerard Moreno.
Goals: Moreno, p. (65').
Booked: Parejo (42'), Foyth (55'), Peña (84').
Real Betis Balompié: Joel Robles, Emerson, Mandi, Víctor Ruiz (Sidnei 77'), Miranda, Guido Rodríguez, Guardado, Canales, Aitor Ruibal (Montoya 82'), Nabil Fekir, Loren (William 82').
Goals: Fekir (44'), Emerson (52').
Booked: Emerson (55'), Miranda (95').
Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano.