Real Betis Balompié were narrowly defeated 2?1 by Athletic Club on Matchday 29 of LaLiga, in a closely contested encounter at San Mamés.

The hosts took the lead midway through the first half when Vivian found the net in the 25th minute. Athletic extended their advantage on the stroke of half-time through Sancet. After the restart, Real Betis responded with greater intensity and were rewarded in the 74th minute, when Pablo Fornals reduced the deficit with a well-struck direct free-kick..

Nevertheless, Real Betis head into the international break in fifth place in the standings, maintaining their advantage over the chasing pack in the race for European qualification.

Athletic Club: Unai Simón, Lekue, Vivian, Laporte, Yuri, Rego (Navarro 87'), Galarreta (Vesga 63'), Williams, Sancet (Unai Gómez 71'), Berenguer (Nico Serrano 87') and Guruzeta (Jauregizar 63').

Real Betis: Pau López, Ángel Ortiz (Bellerín 46'), Llorente, Natan, Valentín Gómez, Amrabat, Marc Roca (Altimira 46'), Antony (Fornals 46'), Ez Abde, Aitor Ruibal (Chimy 74') and Cucho Hernández (Bakambu 62').

Referee: Muñiz Ruiz. Booked Unai Simón for Athletic Club and Natan for Real Betis.

1?0 Vivian (25')

2?0 Sancet (45')

2?1 Fornals (74')