Interesting match between Betis and Villarreal, as both teams are going through very different moments: Home club is in crisis, the fire of their ex coach Rubi has not fixed their scoring problems, as their lost to Levante on their last game proves. On the other side, Vilarreal are on a great momentum, with 13 out of 15 possible points since LaLiga returned, which has allowed them to dream about qualifying for the Champions League.
The game started very dynamic, as both reached the opponent´s box with danger, but the visitor´s were more effective and found the first goal on the 6th minute: Gerard Moreno transformed a penalty provoked by defender Bartra on forward Bacca.
The Béticos tried to respond after the goal, and the polemic came in the 15th minute: Betis got an owned goal by Villarreal´s defense from a cross, but the goal was disallowed by offside. The fact is that no one of the players that were offside interfered in the action, but the VAR confirmed the call. There is no game without controversial decisions.
The match was being very intense and Betis did not surrender, but right when their goal was close, Villarreal´s forward Gerard Moreno invented an outstanding turning movement inside the box that left defender Sidnei on the ground and ended into the net: 0-2. Betis had their opportunities, but they were unlucky on the finish. Furthermore, their midfielder Fekir was sent off in extra time due to a second yellow card after protesting to the referee one of his calls.
Second half started with Betis on attack, but they did not generate any danger on them. It was maddening to see how Betis attempts barely crossed the half. On the other hand, Villarreal´s coach Calleja looked to take advantage of Betis mistakes, and they certainly did. Betis players Canales and Bartra faces from the stands said it all.
Bacca was close to score on the 73rd minute, but he sent his shot out after intercepting a pass from Betis defense. In the 82nd Cazorla missed a golden opportunity and in the next play Samu Chukwueze made a great run that did not find the net either. Villarreal´s coach made the right substitutions, as Cazorla and Chukwueze showed a great level and changed the team´s pace.
Outstanding performance by Villarreal, which keeps the positive run and provides them with confidence towards their next meet against Barcelona, a crucial game for both teams. On the other side, Betis keep heading downwards and we will see if they do end suffering for relegation.
