Heading into this match top of La Liga with a two-point cushion over Real Madrid, Girona’s confidence was flowing in the early stages against Real Betis as the Gironistes saw plenty of possession and searched for an opening.
Yet the table toppers faced the toughest home defence in La Liga. Real Betis held firm for the first 20 minutes before Ayoze Perez threatened with the hosts’ first chance of the game when he controlled expertly in the box but lashed his resulting shot high and wide.
Despite scoring just once in their last three league matches, it was Los Verdiblancos who continued to work the better quality opportunities. Assane Diao was next to try his luck after he went on a blistering solo run through Girona’s defence and shot over the bar from six yards.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side were soon made to rue their missed chances before the break as Aitor Ruibal scythed down Pablo Torre in the box for a stonewall penalty.
Having opened the scoring in Girona’s last two matches, Artem Dovbyk confidently converted the spot-kick, sending Rui Silva the wrong way and tapping into the corner.
Girona were well on their way to keeping their unbeaten run on the road this season intact and Dovbyk nearly sealed all three points with a low shot that skimmed the post just after the break.
Betis’ eight-match run without loss at Estadio Benito Villamarin was under threat until Pezzella reacted first to a tame Girona clearance in the 88th minute, unleashing an unstoppable outside-of-the-boot finish into the top corner past a rooted Paulo Gazzaniga
Michel’s Girona almost secured a 10th consecutive away victory, which would have confirmed top spot in La Liga heading into the winter break, but Pezzella’s late leveller rescued Betis a point. Manuel Pellegrini’s side eventually showed enough grit to keep pushing for a point and a moment of quality from an unlikely source ensured Betis remain unbeaten in 13 league matches.
Flashscore Man of the Match: German Pezzella (Real Betis)
Cadiz and Real Sociedad share spoils
In the other early evening match in LaLiga, Real Sociedad could only draw 0-0 with Cadiz. The Andalusian side will be pleased with taking a point off the top-six side from San Sebastian.
You can read all about that match here.
