Victory at Montilivi reinforces Real Betis (1-3)
Real Betis went to Montilivi with a need to change their run of results, and Julio Velázquez made it happen. The manager changed the tactical formation putting Rennella and Kadir on as starters. The Franco-Italian in tandem with Rubén formed the first two-pronged attack for the team this season because up until now Betis has played with one forward backed up with a line of three.
The home team, with a defence of five, started with a very direct style of play with all the passes looking for Sandaza, which Jordi and Perquis were able to shake off without a problem. Everything was working well for the green-and-white team until the thirteenth minute when they lost possession of the ball in the midfield allowing Girona to score the first goal of the match. The goal by Felipe was facilitated by the style of play the Catalan team was looking for from the start of the match, counterattacks. But Betis felt confident on the field of play and had possession of the ball. It did not take them long to level the match. The team from Heliopolis gave the home team a taste of their own medicine and Matilla found Rubén Castro in the area who did not let the opportunity slip through his fingers. One-all on the scoreboard and a new match started which Betis was to take advantage of.
Matilla took a free kick but Rennella didn't reach it but the rebound fell at Jordi's feet and his pass clipped Lejeune's leg and ended up in his own net. Having made a comeback there was an exchange of blows. A scoring opportunity for Girona was responded to by Rennella with a crossing shot. Machín's team responded with a free kick on the wing and from then on kept possession of the ball.
The final stages of the first half was full of rushed moves and inaccurate passes but there was no move on the scoreboard.
The second half started with Real Betis feeling the pressure and high balls started to be Girona's main argument. The match seemed to be lasting too long for Betis when Rubén was unable to finish off a centre by Matilla because he was brought down by Ramalho. Pero Valdés Aller did not award a penalty. It was the turning point that Betis needed. From this moment on the run of the match changed completely to the extent that Rennella's third shot on goal could have gone in. However, Mata came close to tying the match again. First, Velázquez put Pachecho on in place of Kadir. Once again the run of the match changed and the home team took control. Betis struggled to keep up with the pace imposed by Machín's team and Velázquez gave Chuli his first match minutes of the season. The pressure the Catalan team put on the visiting team had them on the ropes but Betis has the best player in this category.
Just when things were looking bad for the Heliopolitan team Rubén came along to calm things down. There are two things the player from the Canary Islands does perfectly: control the ball and shoot, and when he puts the two together there is only one result. Matilla gained possession of the ball in the midfield and invented a second assist for the forward. Rubén controlled the ball on the run and gained a meter's advantage over his mark. It finished up as it always does. He scored his fifth goal of the season and is on his way to becoming Betis's greatest goal scorer, giving his team the tranquillity of a two goal lead, 1-3.
Far from losing hope, Girona stepped up to the mark and started to take more risks. But Betis also has the best goalkeeper in this category. Antonio Adán made a tremendous save in a one on one with Sandaza putting paid to his attempt to reduce the gap. Velázquez put more players on in the midfield and gave Dani Ceballos his debut this season.
Everything worked out perfectly, Betis made a comeback in a very difficult match leaving Montilivi a stronger team.