Sergio Canales, Real Betis– Joaquin Corchero / AFP7 / Europa Press
A goal by Canales leaves a point (1-1) that gives the crosses the mathematical ticket and puts them on track for first place
MADRID 13 (EUROPA PRESS)
Real Betis secured its presence in the Europa League qualifiers with Thursday’s draw (1-1) against Roma at the Benito Villamarín, also moving closer to first place that gives direct access to the round of 16, thanks to a goal Sergio Canales and a serious meeting to stop the Italians.
Manuel Pellegrini’s team maintains its undefeated European streak after four matchdays and, although it dropped the first two points, it was able to celebrate in front of its public the mathematical ticket to the crosses. With 10 points, Betis is also a favorite to avoid a round of 32 match that the second in Group C will have to play.
After last week’s prestigious victory at the Olympic, Betis continued on their good form in the heat of a packed Villamarín. The first half was intense but without many chances, with more intention on the premises despite the fact that the Italian team had revenge and much more at stake with only one victory in the table.
In the midst of equality, Canales stood out above the rest, giving arrival, finding gaps and trying the long shot. Thus, from the front, a left-footed shot of his after half an hour slipped into the rival goal with a rebound in the Roma center-back Roger Ibáñez. The Cantabrian had another trace shortly after that he did not enter by a little.
After the break, Roma took a step forward and arrived with a little more danger, although Bravo, the protagonist in the first leg, did not have a job. Camara’s entry proved Mourinho right and, at the limit of offside, with VAR suspense, Belotti made it 1-1. Pellegrini wanted more and brought in Luiz Henrique and Borja Iglesias, but both teams controlled each other better, taking the point for granted.