Real Betis - Athletic Club

Athletic Club lost 1-0 against Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín on Sunday afternoon. It was a particularly painful defeat as a win would have done wonders for the Lions’ European hopes, but there are still ten games to go.

Borja Iglesias scored the only goal of the game with a back-post header in the first half. The Lions pressed for an equaliser in the second half, especially in the final 15 minutes after Fekir received a straight red card, but they struggled to seriously trouble Rui Silva in the Betis goal.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side started well, with Unai Simón called upon to deny Iglesias and Juanmi early on. Betis’ winner arrived in the 20th minute, Miranda chipping in a cross which Iglesias headed in.

Iñaki Williams had Athletic’s best opportunity of the first half, the forward narrowly heading wide after getting on the end of Oscar De Marcos‘ cross from the right. The Lions got into Betis’ area on occasions, but only an Iker Muniain effort from the edge of the box managed to force Silva into a save.

Although Iglesias threatened with a header, Athletic upped the pressure after the break as they sought to find a breakthrough. In the 63rd minute, Muniain had the hosts defence twisting and turning, as he dribbled his way into the box before having a shot parried away by Silva.

Between stoppages, time wasting and with Betis sitting deep in defence, Athletic couldn’t find the rhythm or the final ball needed to equalise.