2-3: UD Almeria’s comeback bid falls short in action-packed game against Real Betis
The Rojiblancos came back from behind twice, yet they could not score points against the clinical Beticos at the Power Horse Stadium.
UD Almería deserved to score a point at least in an action-packed match against the Verdiblancos, who took an early lead courtesy of Rodri's six-minute opening goal. The competitive UD Almeria side did not give up and Luis Suarez blasted in the equaliser. In the 41st minute, Real Betis broke the deadlock through a chip goal from Canales. The Indálicos walked out onto the pitch in the second half with very clear ideas and creating countless threatening situations. After 62 minutes, Samú Costa got off the mark this season to tie the game again. However, it was a short-lived joy as Real Betis, for the third time, put themselves in front; Guardado scored a thumping header from a corner-kick. The hosts tried their hardest until full-time, yet they did not find a reward.
There were two changes to the side that faced Rayo Vallecano last Monday. Head coach Rubi brought in Portillo and Eguaras in place of Robertone and Leo Baptistao, who are serving one-game bans.
An electric opening to the game, a cauldron of noise from the fans as both Andalusian sides went back and forth up the pitch in a sold out Power Horse Stadium. Real Betis got off to a dream start as Borja worked his way into the area to hit the woodwork before match's MVP Rodri fired home the rebound opener on 6 minutes (0-1).
This did not affect UD Almeria, quite the contrary. Luis Suarez, who was on fire, was about to equalise with a low driven shot following a well-timed assist from Embarba's header, but just 10 minutes later, the hosts received the well-deserved prize of the tie. This time, Luis Suarez beat goalie Rui Silva with a wonderful nutmeg goal from inside the box (1-1). The Rojiblancos continued to make their presence felt in the final third after the early opener by the Verdiblancos. Out of the blue, the Béticos broke the deadlock in the 41st minute since Canales picked up a well-timed pass from peer Rodri and put it past Fernando, scoring a cheeky chip goal (1-2).
Injured Pozo made way for Mendes in the second period. The Rojiblancos continued where they left it off. More scares led to Samú Costa’s leveller being chalked off because Meleros was offsides. With 55 minutes on the clock, Luis Suárez’s goal bound strike from distance was palmed away from danger. UD Almería were bossing the ball in the opening minutes of the second period.
Once again, the Indalicos pegged their opponents back. Portuguese Samú Costa collected a loose ball and got off the mark to make it 2-2. But soon after, clinical Betis put themselves in front one more time... Guardado headed in a corner to earn his name onto the scoresheet to seal victory (2-3). Next, Ramazani tried his luck from the edge of the area, but keeper Rui Silva denied his fine effort within 85 minutes. Despite coming back from behind twice, it was not possible to draw level.