After a 3-2 win against Almería ended Real Bets’ two-match losing run in La Liga, Los Verdiblancos certainly wanted to carry momentum into their clash with Valladolid as Juanmi raced on to Sergio Canales’ through ball and tucked under Jordi Masip in the first minute. The early goal caught Valladolid cold and the visitors faced a Betis onslaught as Nabil Fekir nearly added a second with a low curling effort that Masip tipped around the post.
A rapid recovery was going to prove a struggle for a Valladolid side that had scored a league-low six goals on the road this season, but Pucela’s direct approach led to an equaliser when Kike Pérez drove at the Betis defence, and played in Cyle Larin, who marked his first starting appearance with a low strike past Claudio Bravo. However, Valladolid couldn’t contain Betis’ relentless attack and Ayoze Pérez won a penalty after dribbling into the area and drawing a late foul from Martin Hongla. Canales then converted the spot-kick sending Masip the wrong way and tucking into the bottom corner.
Eager to end their six-match winless run at Estadio Benito Villamarín, Betis flew out of the traps in the second half and substitute Luiz Henrique nearly made an instant impact, shooting low from close range, only for Masip to flick the effort over the bar with his feet. Valladolid were penned back for most of the half, but a moment of magic nearly levelled the scores again as Monchu’s free-kick clattered off the post.
Despite a late flurry of Valladolid attacks, Betis were never really threatened in the closing stages and Manuel Pellegrini will be relieved to see his side win their first home La Liga games since October. Valladolid’s attacking issues on the road plagued them once again in this contest. Pucela couldn’t generate any clear-cut chances after Larin’s equaliser and Pacheta’s side remain just four points above the relegation zone.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Sergio Canales (Real Betis)
