There were no goals at the Benito Villamarín tonight. It was an even and competitive game in which Real were not able to score which obliges the team to win at Anoeta on Thursday. We are close to reach the quarter-finals.
Real went out strong as the first chance of the match fell to Sangalli (We are happy to have him back!), who came close to open the scoring with a shot that hit Joel. The hosts were dominating possession and tried to beat Rully. The clearest chance for Betis fell to Joaquín, whose left-footed shot hit the crossbar.
The realistas had difficulties at the start of the second half. Betis were dominating the game and had clear chances on goal. However, Real gradually gained confidence and eased themselves back into the game. Juanmi nearly broke the deadlock whereas Setién’s team were posing a greater threat. The txuri urdin team made a great effort to keep a clean sheet. All will be decided at Anoeta (Thursday 17th January). Aúpa Real!
Line-ups:
Real Betis: Joel Robles, Barragán, Mandi, Bartra, Francis, William, Guardado (Tello, min.62), Canales, Lo Celso, Joaquín (cap)(Boudebouz, min.84) and Sanabria (Loren, min.78).
Real Sociedad: Rulli, Zaldua, Le Normand, Llorente R. (H. Moreno, min.69), Theo, Zubeldia, Zurutuza (cap)(Merino, min.46), Sangalli (Januzaj, min.84), Oyarzabal, Juanmi and Bautista.
Referee: Jaime Latre. Cautioned Mandi for Betis and Zaldua, Zubeldia and Llorente R. for Real Sociedad.