Betis’ Mixed Emotions After Draw Against Valencia

The draw yesterday at Mestalla against Valencia left Real Betis with a bittersweet sentiment, especially after a late goal from Cucho Hernández had seemingly set them on the path to victory. The team managed to secure a point thanks to Luis Rioja’s equalizer, but within the verdiblanco dressing room, there was a palpable sense of having let slip what would have been their second away win in LaLiga this season.

As it stands, Pellegrini’s squad remains the only team in the top division yet to lose any away matches in the league. However, they are also missing out on crucial opportunities to secure three points on the road, with five draws and just one victory so far. This is essential for their ambitions to compete for Champions League qualification next season, especially as heavyweights like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Villarreal, and Atlético de Madrid maintain a pace that is challenging to match.

A positive takeaway for the verdiblancos, prior to a brief respite due to the international break, is their position on the league table. With 20 points, they currently sit fifth, holding a two-point lead over Espanyol, who occupy the last European competition spot, and three points above Athletic Club in seventh. This is a commendable start to the campaign, particularly considering the absence of their star player, Isco Alarcón, who is expected to return soon.

Despite letting chances to claim victories slip away, such as the recent match at Mestalla, Betis has shown itself to be a resilient and difficult team to overcome. Only Athletic Club and Atlético de Madrid have managed to defeat them at La Cartuja, and along with Atlético and Villarreal, they are tied for the fewest losses in LaLiga this season, trailing only behind Real Madrid and Barcelona, who have each lost just once.

Upon returning from the international break, the heliopolitan team will face a demanding schedule that necessitates their best performances to achieve their primary goal of finishing the year positioned well in LaLiga, securing a spot in the Europa League, and remaining competitive in the Copa del Rey. Upcoming matches include home games against Girona, Barcelona, and Getafe, alongside challenging away fixtures at Sánchez-Pizjuán and Vallecas. In Europe, they will host Utrecht and travel to Zagreb, with a Copa del Rey opponent to be determined in tomorrow’s draw. Eight matches in less than a month await them… but this time, with Isco.