Real Betis End Winless Streak with Victory Over Girona in La Liga

Real Betis snapped a five-match winless run in La Liga with a 3-2 victory over Girona on Tuesday, April 22, 2026, overcoming an early deficit to secure a crucial away win that moved them into fifth place in the standings.

The match, played at Girona’s home ground, began poorly for the visitors as Girona took the lead in the seventh minute. Claudio Echeverri drove forward before playing the ball to Cristhian Stuani, who was fouled in the box, and the resulting penalty was converted by Ukrainian winger Viktor Tsygankov to make it 1-0.

Betis responded with determination and found the equalizer in the 23rd minute. Defensive midfielder Marc Roca collected a loose ball outside the box after a defensive clearance, shrugged off a challenge from Girona midfielder Fran Beltrán, and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga to level the score at 1-1.

The game remained tightly contested through halftime, with both sides creating chances but failing to break the deadlock before the break. After the interval, Betis increased their pressure and took the lead for the first time in the 55th minute when winger Ez Abde received the ball on the left flank, cut inside, and curled a shot into the far corner to make it 2-1.

Girona refused to yield and restored parity in the 72nd minute through a well-worked team move. Stuani played a one-two with Tsygankov before sliding the ball to veteran striker Cristhian Stuani, who finished calmly to make it 2-2.

However, Betis had the final say in the 88th minute. Substitute Rodrigo Riquelme, who had entered the game just minutes earlier, received a pass near the edge of the box, turned quickly, and drove a powerful shot into the bottom corner to secure a 3-2 victory for the visitors.

The win marked Betis’ first La Liga victory in over three months, ending a frustrating run that had seen them struggle for consistency since their Europa League exit. Head coach Manuel Pellegrini made six changes to the starting lineup compared to the previous match against Braga, including the return of Argentine playmaker Giovani Lo Celso, who started for the first time since January after recovering from injury, serving as a replacement for the suspended Antony.

For Girona, the loss was a setback in their push for European qualification. Despite strong performances earlier in the season, including a win over Villarreal and a draw at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu, the team will need to regroup as they fight to secure a top-half finish and keep their hopes of continental competition alive.

With the victory, Betis consolidated their position in the upper half of the La Liga table, securing fifth place and keeping their European aspirations alive. The result also provided a much-needed boost in morale after the disappointment of their recent European elimination.

Looking ahead, Betis will aim to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures, while Girona will look to bounce back in their next match as they continue their push for a strong finish to the season.