If Betis won, they slept in the Champions zone. If Real won, they tied with Atlético de Madrid. It was more than 3 points and they both knew it. But in the end, they came to nothing, because Sheriff and Pellegrini canceled and they missed a golden opportunity to take a giant step towards the top continental competition.
RSO
BET
Real society
I recall; Gorosabel (Aritz, 87′), Zubeldía, Le Normand, Rico; Rafinha (Januzaj, 65′), Zubimendi, Merino, Silva; Isak (Portu, 80′), Sorloth.
Betis
Bravo; Bellerin, Pezzella, Bartra, Moreno; Rodríguez, Fekir, W. Carvalho (Aitor Ruibal, 45′); Canales, Juanmi (Joaquín, 68′), Borja Iglesias (Willian José, 77′).
Referee
Diaz de Mera (Castilian-La Mancha)
Incidents
TA: William Carvalho (37′), Rafinha (60′), Guido Rodríguez (75′), Bartra (91′), Silva (91′), Sorloth (92′). TR: Silva (93′).
They came from two identical streaks, undefeated for over a month. 10 points out of the last 12 possible and after two comebacks on the last day.
And aware that it was a game of 6 points, their coaches did not reserve anything and brought out all the artillery. Neither Imanol Sheriff either Manuel Pellegrini, that despite having a Cup final around the corner put all the meat on the grill.
La Real wanted revenge after a Verdiblanco 4-0 in the first round at Villamarín and a 0-4 at Anoeta in the Cup quarters, but the first to warn was Pezzellawith a header that kicked off a game with a lot of rhythm.
Little by little, the Real began to recover higher up, to be more intense in the pressure and to create chances with the help of Isaacalthough the most serious warning was given by Zubimendi at 16 minutes, with a goal that the referee annulled for offside.
William Carvalho He also warned on the Betic side, shooting away a good play from Fekir, through whom the clearest of the Andalusians passed.
The party seemed about to explode at all times. No one wanted to give up even a meter. No one was spared an effort. The stakes were high and blows were exchanged. Only a little aim was missing, which seems to have stayed at home.
At the end, distribution of points that knows very little for two teams that have Europe practically guaranteed, but to which the Champions League escapes them a little more. In addition, in key Barça, the blaugrana breathe easy since the tie, with two games less, leaves the Catalans with a margin of 3 points over Betis and 5 over Real.