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Athletic Club - Real Betis
- 68' Berenguer
- Fornals 52'
LocationSan Mamés , Bilbo
46.898 assistants
Athletic draw despite dominating Betis
The Lions did everything but score, including hitting the woodwork three times, as they produced their best performance of the season
Despite delivering a season-best performance, Athletic Club could only manage a 1-1 draw against Real Betis at San Mames on Sunday.
The night started with an emotional minute's silence for all those affected by the storms and floodings in Valencia.
The Lions had dozen of clear-cuts chances, but a massive Rui Silva, plus the woodwork, denied Athletic a massive win over Manuel Pellegrini, whose face belied his sense of relief when shaking Ernesto Valverde's hand at full-time.
Thank goodness for Álex Berenguer, who seemed to hang in the air for an eternity as he banged in a thumping heading to rescue a point for the Basques.
It was a first half for the ages. Oihan Sancet, Iñaki Williams and Aitor Paredes all hit the woodwork in different moments. Sancet also went inches away from tucking home an Iñaki cross, while Iñaki was also denied by Silva at close-range. Nobody in San Mames could quite believe what was happening.
With superb, electric football, Athletic sliced Betis open at will. Pellegrini made three changes at half-time to stem the tide. Ernesto Valverde's Lions are on the right track and this display proved that.
Football is a fickle beast. Shortly after half-time, Betis scored with one of their few chances of the night. Assane Diao found Pablo Fornals in the box and the former West Ham man fired a stinging low drive past Julen Agirrezabala.
Athletic did not give up, however. Sancet fired wide after being played through by a lovely Iñaki pass.
Not long later, Julen pulled out a magnificent stop to prevent Iker Losada from making it 0-2 on the counter-attack.
In the 68th minute, Oscar de Marcos swung in a beautiful cross for Berenguer, and The Cathedral began to believe again.
Two more chances via Iñaki Williams and Andoni Gorosabel, but once again Athletic were thwarted by Rui Silva, a true collosus between the sticks.
Athletic played to win and ended up drawing. The players can hold their heads high after a tremendous effort.
Time it's time to rest and recover ahead of Thursday's visit to Ludogorets in Bulgaria.