Villarreal beat Real Betis with goals from Barry and Ayoze and strengthen their place in the fight for fifth
It was a duel between the big guns. And it did not disappoint. Villarreal beat Real Betis 1-2 in a thrilling match at the Benito Villamarín. The home side took the lead through Ruibal and the Submarine came from behind thanks to goals from Barry and Ayoze.
Marcelino was unable to count on Álex Baena on the left wing due to muscular problems. His place was taken by Alfonso Pedraza in tandem with Sergi Cardona on the left flank.
The side from Seville took an early lead. Aitor Ruibal picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and unleashed a right-footed shot that flew just inside Luiz Júnior’s left-hand post (1-0, minute 3). The game didn’t start how the Submarine wanted, but they didn’t let up. The Yellows began to extend their lines, looking for Barry and Ayoze, who was returning to the Benito Villamarín in a Villarreal shirt.
The reward came in the 26th minute. Parejo took a corner to the far post, Foyth returned it to the heart of the box and, after a series of rebounded shots, Thierno Barry sent the ball into the back of the net (1-1). His tenth LaLiga goal of the season. Get in!
The next big chance also went to the Yellows. Kiko Femenía crossed from the right and Ayoze, in a tight position, shot and the ball went just wide of the post (m. 40). Getting closer!
After the changing rooms, the game continued to be intense. Both teams knew what was at stake and went all out in every challenge for the ball.
Right at the start of the second half, WHAT A GOAL. Dani Parejo invented a brilliant long pass over the top for Ayoze and the Yellows No.22 finished well under Adrián’s legs (1-2, m. 48). Tremendous. The Submarine were unleashed. In fact, Parejo crashed the ball against the post just seconds later.
In the 65th minute, there was a moment that stopped the hearts of many of the Yellows’ fans. The referee signalled a penalty in favour of Betis for an action by Costa inside the box. VAR corrected the referee and the penalty was just a scare.
Betis had a chance soon after. Lo Celso slipped an inside pass to Isco and his shot went inches wide.
The end of the game was not for the faint-hearted. Betis pressed and Villarreal threatened on the counter. The scoreboard would not change, thankfully.
The Submarine’s next match will be at the Estadio de la Cerámica against Real Sociedad (Sunday, 4:15pm CEST). The fight for Europe continues.
