In a fiercely contested match, Real Betis managed to secure a significant win against Espanyol by a score of 2-1 in the eighth round of the season. Espanyol started the game with momentum, taking the lead in the 14th minute thanks to a well-placed strike from Pol Lozano. However, the joy of the home fans was short-lived as Juan Hernández equalized for Betis with a powerful header shortly after the start of the second half, in the 54th minute.
Betis completed their comeback just three minutes later when Abde Ezzalzouli found the net, solidifying their lead at 2-1. From that moment on, Espanyol struggled to find an equalizer, with Javi Puado missing a crucial penalty in the dying moments of the match (102nd minute) that could have leveled the score.
Abde Ezzalzouli was the standout player, contributing significantly with a goal, making 23 accurate passes, recovering three balls, and attempting two shots on target. Juan Hernández also impressed, scoring one goal, taking three shots, and delivering ten successful passes.
The coach of Espanyol, José González Álvarez, opted for a 4-5-1 formation with Marko Dmitrovic in goal, supported by Omar el Hilali, Clemens Riedel, Leandro Cabrera, and Carlos Romero in defense, while the midfield comprised Pol Lozano, Edu Expósito, Tyrhys Dolan, Pere Milla, and Javi Puado, with Roberto Fernández leading the attack.
Meanwhile, Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis set up in a similar 4-5-1 formation, featuring Pau López in goal, supported by defenders Héctor Bellerín, Natan, Valentín Gómez, and Ricardo Rodríguez. The midfield included Pablo Fornals, Marc Roca, Antony, Giovani Lo Celso, and Abde Ezzalzouli, with Juan Hernández spearheading the attack.
Referee Iosu Galech Apezteguía was in charge of officiating the match at the Cornellà-El Prat stadium.
Looking ahead, Espanyol will face Real Oviedo away in their next match, while Betis will travel to play Villarreal. With this result, the hosts of the match now have 12 points, placing them in ninth position, while Betis climbs to fourth with 15 points in the league standings.
Substitutions for Espanyol
59’ 2T – Pere Milla was replaced by Urko Gonzalez
82’ 2T – Omar el Hilali went off for Rubén Sánchez and Edu Expósito for Ramón Terrats
Caution for Espanyol
26’ 1T – Pere Milla (Unsporting behavior) and 44’ 1T – Javi Puado (Arguing with an opponent)
Substitutions for Betis
67’ 2T – Giovani Lo Celso for Rodrigo Riquelme, Tyrhys Dolan for Luca Koleosho, and Pol Lozano for Kike García
76’ 2T – Antony for Aitor Ruibal and Pablo Fornals for Sergi Altimira
90’ 2T – Juan Hernández was substituted for Cédric Bakambu
Caution for Betis
32’ 1T – Pablo Fornals (Unsporting behavior), 44’ 1T – Antony (Arguing with an opponent), 54’ 2T – Giovani Lo Celso (Insulting or disapproving the referee), 55’ 2T – Valentín Gómez (Unsporting behavior), 57’ 2T – Pau López (Unsporting behavior), and 58’ 2T – Adrián (Unsporting behavior)