Real Betis saw a potential victory slip away in the closing moments at Estadio Municipal de Riazor, where Deportivo de La Coruña secured a 1-1 draw thanks to a late header from Villares.
Villares Denies Betis at the Riazor
Standings Impact Before the International Break
The result leaves Manuel Pellegrini’s squad with 16 points after seven matches in La Liga, keeping them in third place in the standings rather than moving into the second-position spot before the international break. Meanwhile, Deportivo de La Coruña climbed to 10 points through their first seven fixtures of the season, avoiding what would have been their second home defeat in a span of four days.
Early Pressure and Forced Substitutions
The match began with Betis asserting control, deploying a nearly full-strength starting lineup that lacked only the injured Isco. Early on, Betis pressed the home defense, nearly scoring within the first five minutes when Pablo Fornals delivered a lateral free kick to the far post. Marc Roca redirected the ball back into the danger zone, where central defender Marc Bartra attempted an acrobatic bicycle kick that was stopped by a diving save from goalkeeper Leo Román.
Bartra’s evening ended prematurely soon after due to a thigh injury sustained during a defensive challenge on Bil Nsongo, forcing manager Pellegrini to substitute him with Valentín Gómez. The early momentum then slowed. Shortly after the half-hour mark, Deportivo suffered another blow in midfield when Marc Casadó landed awkwardly following a challenge by Fornals while contesting a loose ball. The former Barcelona midfielder left the pitch in visible pain with a shoulder injury.
Sinisterra Strikes and VAR Drama
Just before halftime, the deadlock broke. Giménez won a bouncing ball in the area against Fornals, but the home defense failed to clear it.
Late Equalizer Halts Betis Momentum
In the second half, Betis shifted into a more protective posture, inviting pressure from Antonio Hidalgo’s side.
The draw halts a three-match winning run in domestic competition for Betis as they prepare to balance their league campaign with their upcoming debut in the UEFA Champions League. Deportivo will look to build on the point as they navigate the early-season schedule.
