The game was set up nicely, as the teams had similar playing styles, although Real Betis were in the driving seat against Las Palmas. The away team featured Raúl Lizoain back in goal, and they came into the match on a low due to the long run of winless matches.
The Benito Villamarín stadium is an imposing place, and especially when Betis are on a great run. Setién play fast-flowing football and are on the verge of reaching their European dream. Las Palmas, meanwhile, only have the team badge to play for, and the sentiment of their fans who hope for the best for their players until they are mathematically relegated.
Las Palmas broke up Betis’ playing style. They managed to slow the game down in an attempt to keep out any fast counter attacks initiated by Joaquín. In the game’s first chance, Junior hit the ball high over the bar following a clever cut back by Boudebouz (min. 24). Up until that point Jémez’s side had seen little trouble. Sergio León (min. 30) put Raúl Lizoain to the test with a cross-shot that the away ‘keeper turned around for a corner.
Betis were getting frustrated by every missed chance. They had trouble stringing together a move to upset the Las Palmas defence, capably led by Gálvez. Setién’s men looked unhappy with the way the game was going, while Las Palmas were content to sit back and break up play. Half time arrived with a deserved nil-nil scoreline, in a match that had little to show for it.
The game came alive in the second half. Raúl Lizoain came into his own to pull off two fine saves (min. 50). Setién’s team began to find spaces with runs by Guardado and Sergio León. Las Palmas continued at the same pace, drawing out each ball. Betis began to camp around the away area. The Las Palmas back line defended resolutely and the fright was soon over. The home team’s attack, with Tello and Sanabria on the pitch, were ready to pounce on any mistake. Las Palmas lacked any attacking threat, to at least stave off a direct attacking Betis. Las Palmas were down to ten men for the last five minutes of the match with the sending off of Michel Macedo (for two yellow cards). With five minutes’ time added by the referee, Betis finally managed a breakthrough with Junior (min. 95) heading home, to leave the final score 1-0, and send Las Palmas home empty handed.
