MADRID, 21 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Real Betis Balompié drew this Thursday against Bayer Leverkusen (1-1) on the third day of the Europa League group stage, a good point that allows them to remain among the first two classified – tied with the Germans – after a vibrant match with many alternatives.
Benito Villamarín enjoyed his team in many phases, although it ended with a bittersweet taste after seeing two points vanish eight minutes before the end of the game. Those of Manuel Pellegrini, brave and dominating, had the best chances thanks to the talent of Fekir, Canales and Borja Iglesias.
The ‘panda’ was the author of the only Verdiblanco goal, from 11 meters, after a hand from Frimpong, reviewed by the VAR, gave Betis the option to get ahead. Iglesias did not miss the gift of the Germans and put his own ahead when there was a quarter of an hour left to the 90th minute. The perfect script that -in the end- ended up clouded.
Bayer, who had only stuck their head out at the start with a stumbling play by Diaby, grew from the goal and woke up with crossed balls and shots from the edge. In fact, one of them confused Bravo and was the final draw. Andrich launched without much faith, but Willian Carvalho deflected the leather, misleading the Chilean goal.
The tie left a Betis anesthetized who lost all the spark in the final meters and had to settle for the tie. Far were the chances of Aitor Ruibal, who forgave in a rejection, and Fekir, as decisive as ever within the area. But there was no way to change the electronic digits.
It could even be the Leverkusen team that ended up smiling after Demirbay threw a ball into the heart of the area when he ran the 94th minute. A golden opportunity for the Germans, who will continue to lead, tied with Betis, with four points ahead of Celtic, third in the table.