Real Betis 1-2 Sevilla
Sevilla moved up to fourth in the table tonight after winning a pulsating clash with Real Betis in the final La Liga match of the weekend.
La Liga: Real Betis vs Sevilla is the sporting highlight of the year in Andalusia, and there was more than local pride at stake in the red hot atmosphere of the Estadio Benito Villamarin. Sevilla is on the hunt for a top four place while Betis started the match a single place above the drop zone. And a goal in each half, punctuated by a Betis equalizer gave bragging rights to Julen Lopetegui’s Sevilla.
The Real Betis vs Sevilla results will always make or wreck your weekend, dependant on whether you’re green and white…or red and white. And Betis can feel unlucky to come away with nothing.
Highlights of the game
Sevilla came into the game on a five match unbeaten run and started in a mood to make it six. In the early exchanges Luuk de Jong forced a good save from Joel when he met a Lucas Ocampos corner, and Jesus Navas crossed for Nolito who aimed his shot towards the bottom left corner but again Joel saved.
And the early pressure told as Los Palangalas went ahead on 12 minutes after Zouhair Feddal cut de Jong down on the left wing. The centre back was booked, and punished again when the free kick found Ocampos on the left side of the box and he slammed home his fifth league goal of the season.
As Sevilla continued to dominate, Ocampos, brimming with confidence, tried an audacious shot from 40 yards which forced Joel into a save low to his left, but Betis began to get into the game midway through the first 45. Nabil Fekir fired just over when Aiassa Mandi put him in, though chances were few and far between for the hosts.
Overall Sevilla had the better of the first half and looked like going onto the break ahead, but they were pegged back in the last minute. Betis striker Loren Moron is in the leading group of La Liga top scorers this season with seven already, and he bagged his eighth after he picked up the pieces when Emerson’s header was blocked, smashing his shot into the roof of the net.
The Benito Villamarin exploded into life and they almost roared their team on to a second before the break, but Vaclik managed to keep out Alex Moreno’s header which was destined for the bottom corner.
Moron had a chance to make it 2-1 early in the second half, but he headed Moreno’s cross high and wide. And then the visitors struck again when Ever Banega put de Jong through on goal and he finished with a flourish, firing his shot into the top left corner, giving Joel no chance.
Real Betis boss Rubi brought his talisman Joaquin on to try to inspire a second comeback. Moron forced Vaclik into another save, and Moreno too saw his header kept out by the Sevilla keeper. Then, on 71 minutes Betis came so close to an equaliser when Moron hit the post from close range.
Sevilla almost got a third when Franco Vazquez found Ocampos, but Joel saved well, low to his left, but the visitors were on the back foot in the closing stages as Los Verdiblancos pressed for an equalizer.
Key statistics
The pre-match Real Betis vs Sevilla betting odds had Sevilla as favorites at odds of 2.14, but their hosts gave them a real battle, dominating possession and the shot count by 16 to ten.
Sevilla’s three points take them up to fourth in the La Liga table while Betis stays fourth from bottom. It’s Los Verdiblancos first home defeat in six, but Sevilla have extended their unbeaten run, in all competitions, to six.
What’s next?
Next week, here at SBOBET, we’ll be covering all the best action in the Euro 2020 qualifying games with previews, betting tips and match highlights.
Then we’re back to business in Spain. Sevilla is going nicely in the Europa League, winning four from four and already qualified for the last 32, and so Julen Lopetegui can concentrate on league matters. His team has an away game against Real Valladolid next. Their hosts are sitting in 13th with two wins and two defeats from the last four games.
After the break, Los Verdiblancos have another home game against Valencia who are up to ninth after back to back wins.
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