More than 50.000 spectators congregated at the Betis stadium for the Andalusian derby that got off to a high-speed start. José González changed his usual 4-4-2 formation for a similar system to the opponent, a 5-2-3 with Diego González as a central alongside Miquel and Luis Hernández, Adrián and Lacen in the wide area and Rolan, Success and En-Nesyri upfront.
In minute 6, Adrián generated the first opportunity for the Malaguistas with a toxic shot at the target. Before the 15-minute mark, Lestienne, inside the area, seemed to be the object of an un-called foul. Barragán responded in 18’ for Betis with a strong shot that hit the crossbar. However, it was Málaga who took the lead, thanks to a counter-attack perfectly resolved by En-Nesyri (0-1, 20’). The fourth League goal for the Moroccan-born striker.
Quique Setién’s men reacted quickly, with Durmisi equalising midway through the first half (1-1, 24’). Málaga didn’t lose face and ended the first half by creating a couple of clear chances from the left wing to regain the lead, via Success (41’) and En-Nesyri (42’).
In the second half, the Blue and Whites followed their match plan, controlling the rival well and maintaining a vertical attack. However, it was Fabián’s quality that made the difference in the final stretch of the derby. The midfielder, one of Betis’ best individually, gave the home side the advantage with a great shot from outside the area (2-1, 73’).
Ideye’s entry on to the field of play in place of Success (77’) was the first MCF substitution of the match. Five minutes later, Alberto Bueno came on in place of Diego Rolan. Then in 88’, Samuel García completed the trio of chances in place of Lestienne. Málaga tried to find an equaliser in the closing stages to obtain a positive result to reward their more than worthy match, but it wasn’t to be.
The Blue and Whites, with three matches remaining until the end of the season, remain in 20th position in the standings with 20 points, two away from penultimate team, UD Las Palmas.
