3-1: UD Almería lost to mighty Betis when they were playing at their best
The Rojiblancos pegged back the hosts at the beginning of the second half, and when they were pressing higher in the final third, Betis extended their lead to claim victory
UD Almería left the Benito Villamarín Stadium defeated but holding their heads high. Their rivals have not lost a single LaLiga Santander game yet at their stadium this season. Betis grabbed the opening goal (1-0) in the 22nd minute, a result that would remain unchanged until the end of the first half. In the second half, UD Almeria started full of beans and found the equaliser shortly after the restart through El Bilal's consolation goal, however, Real Betis broke the deadlock and extended their lead. UD Almería were closed to coming back from behind again to make it 2-2 with Baptistão slapping the turf in frustation, and shortly after, the home side slotted home the third to keep all three points (3-1).
Rubi made two changes to the starting line-up compared to the previous game; the head coach brought in Eguaras instead of Robertone and Ramazani replaced booked Embarba up front.
In the opening minutes of the match, UD Almería found what they were looking for, having the ball, however, Real Betis quickly ended up taking control of the match and began to set up chances. In the 11th minute, Rodri missed a great goal-scoring opportunity as he dummied before shooting, although defender Ely managed to deflect the ball.
After this warning, Ramazani regretted a double chance, first trying to wow everyone from more than 40 metres, but the Belgian's shot went wide and, right away, he would have a one-on-one that the goalkeeper won. Despite these fine efforts, the Verdiblancos opened the scoring within 22 minutes courtesy of William Carvalho (1-0) after a well-timed assist by Alex Moreno. From this opener, Betis bossed the ball against UD Almería, who did not give up in the match and continued with their initial idea of having possession, and although they made their presence known in the attacking third, they were unable to create big chances.
In the second period, the game was a completely different story. With 50 minutes on the clock, Akieme gave the hosts a fright with an explosive shot that Rui Silva parried away, but a minute later, UD Almería's equaliser was scored by El Bilal Touré assisted from peer Melero to draw level (1-1); same combination as in the home match against Rayo Vallecano.
Real Betis reacted and were about to get back ahead on the scoreboard with a clear header from Álex Moreno. Despite this, the Rojiblancos began to have the ball and control a bit more the game. Nonetheless, in the same way as in the first 45 minutes, the Betis players commenced to press high to get back in front and once again, they succeeded. Inside 66 minutes, Borja Iglesias beat keeper Fernando with a low finish in the bottom corner (2-1).
Far from losing hope with that second goal, UD Almería could have pulled one back to make it 2-2. Baptistão's smart run to put the Betis goalkeeper's reflexes to the test ended up with the player not getting it on target. A few minutes later, on 71 minutes, the hosts bagged the three points after tapping it in for the third time, once again William Carvalho, who was on song, smashed the ball past Fernando (3-1).
Finally, UD Almería would not be able to find the back of net anymore in Seville. They were trying their very best until the final whistle and walked away defeated in a packed stadium that has not yet seen Real Betis drop points in LaLiga this campaign.