Betis breaks its bad streak against an anxious Athletic

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Fekir drives the ball against Yuri. CRISTINA QUICLER (AFP)

Betis broke their losing streak against a stuck and anxious Athletic, who subjected the Verdiblanco team to a siege after Fekir was red-carded in the 80th minute, but could not find a way to score against a very orderly opponent.

Betis, with a lot of suffering and also with a lot of skill, won a victory that allows them to continue fighting for a place in the Champions League.

Manuel Pellegrini's men knew how to compete in a tough match, which became uphill after the red joust for Fekir, who sometimes loses his temper.

The world champion kicked Munian without the ball, who recriminated him in an unsportsmanlike manner with a pull on the ears, a few touches from Fekir himself.

Thus, with a lot of effort and after a good first half, Betis beat this Athletic team that always gives the impression of being able to give more than it gives.

BETBetis

1

Rui Silva, Juan Miranda (Aitor Ruibal, min. 69), Bartra, Sabaly, Pezzella, Paul Akouokou (Edgar González, min. 87), Fekir, Guido Rodríguez, Canales, Juanmi and Borja Iglesias (William Carvalho, min. 72)

ATH-Athletic

0

Unai Simón, Yeray, De Marcos, Yuri (Balenziaga, min. 57), Daniel Vivian, Vesga (Oier Zarraga, min. 70), Berenguer, Muniain, Unai Vencedor (Nico Serrano, min. 83), O. Sancet (Raúl Garcia, min. 83) and Williams (Nico Williams, min. 58)

Goals

1-0 min.

19: Borja Iglesias.

Referee

Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz

Yellow cards Yuri (min. 7), Berenguer (min. 15), Pezzella (min. 24), Juan Miranda (min. 27), Aitor Ruibal (min. 75), Nico Williams (min. 76), De Marcos ( min. 79), O. Sancet (min. 79) and Canales (min. 79)

Red cards Fekir (min. 79)

Betis reaches 49 points and Athletic wasted a good opportunity to get closer to the European positions.

He had the Andalusians at six points and now he has them at nine.

The continental fight does not let up and, for now, the Basques are somewhat away from it.

Athletic always tried, but it didn't hit him.

Manuel Pellegrini is a coach who has the virtue of almost always converting the decisions he makes to improve his team into positive ones.

Betis came to the important duel against Athletic after five games without a win (three losses and two draws) and, most importantly, showing a clear lack of level in the defensive section.

The Chilean decided to do without one of his best men, William Carvalho, to bring in Paul and play, along with Guido, with two defensive pivots.

The idea was embodied in a more cohesive Betis, which showed signs of improvement against an always thriving and fast Athletic.

The presence of that couple allowed, in addition to dividing up the defensive functions, to give air to Fekir and Canales, a couple that showed their talent and imagination.

Betis, therefore,

At 12 minutes, a great combination between Borja Iglesias and Juanmi left the latter alone, who with everything in his favor shot at the hands of Unai Simón.

In minute 20, Fekir got a ball on the wing and put it into space for Miranda, who crossed to the far post so that Borja Iglesias, very active, scored with a header.

The Andalusian team took the lead, improving the performance they had offered in previous games.

The clearest option for the Basques came in the 28th minute. The eternal De Marcos tempered a cross into the small area, where Iñaki Williams rose to finish off a header and be about to beat Rui Silva, who was once again the starter.

Betis maintained control of the game in the second half.

It was very difficult for Athletic to reach the Betic area despite the fact that Iñaki Williams gave a feeling of constant danger.

Marcelino wanted to punish the reprimanded Miranda with the entry of Nico Williams on the right wing.

What was not well understood is that he entered for his brother, who was giving Bartra the afternoon.

Athletic had been saved after Borja Iglesias finished off just wide.

The entry of William Carvalho gave Betis a lot of security, until Fekir lost his temper.

In the 80th minute, the red against Betis unbalanced the clash.

With one more, Athletic went for a tie.

He did it in a disorderly way and without resources, overwhelmed by a hostile environment in which the balls disappeared when leaving the band.

The 97th minute arrived and Betis claimed victory after five games without doing so.

Athletic lacked a lot of clarity in attack to achieve, at least, the draw.

It is a team without a goal, at least outside of Bilbao.

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