Heading into this weekend, no side in LaLiga had won a larger share of their points on home soil than Almeria, but the visitors took advantage of a sloppy start to race into the lead. Borja Iglesias’ effort rebounded off the post and into the path of Rodri to convert from close range.
Not deterred by falling behind, Rubi’s men were straight on the front foot and ought to have equalised through Luis Suárez, but he failed to direct a huge chance on target after combining with Embarba.
The Colombian would make no such mistake second time round though, rifling through Rui Silva after running onto a loose Betis pass in their own half.
Manuel Pellegrini would now be charged with lifting the spirit of his charges, and Los Verdiblancos’ threat on the counter was enough to inspire the visiting support.
Iglesias hit the woodwork for the second time in the match, before midfield maestro Sergio Canales restored the lead.
Rodri’s cross from the left found Canales who produced a glorious first-touch followed swiftly by a delicate lob that rendered Fernando Martínez helpless.
The hosts flew out of the traps after the restart, seeing a goal ruled out for offside within the opening 10 minutes of the half, before Silva was forced into a brilliant save to deny Suarez an equaliser.
Shortly after the hour mark though, the tidal wave of momentum finally bore fruit, as Silva’s heroic dive to deny Babic’s header could only be parried into Samuel Costa’s path for a tap-in.
Having been pegged back for a second time, the set-piece route would yield Betis’ third of the contest, as veteran midfielder Andres Guardado expertly steered his header into the far corner.
Finally, the Rojiblancos had no answer as they slipped to just a second defeat in their last eight home matches in La Liga, leaving them just two points above the drop zone with all of their rivals yet to play.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Rodri (Real Betis)
