Real Betis welcomed Almeria to Seville on Saturday knowing that three points would move them off the bottom of the La Liga table.
The home side dominated the first period, but trailed at the interval courtesy of a long-range strike from Ramon Azeez, which took a huge deflection off Betis centre-back Paulao.
Betis continued to force the issue in the second half, but could not make the breakthrough as Almeria claimed a vital three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of our three back-to-back live La Liga commentaries comes from Seville as Real Betis welcome Almeria. It is perhaps too early in the season to be discussing six-pointers, but this is a match that neither manager will want to lose. As it stands, Betis sit bottom of the table on 10 points, while Almeria are 18th with 13 points.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won two of the last four matches. As mentioned, the last time the two sides met in this stadium was in May 2009, when Betis collected all three points with a 2-0 victory. However, Almeria were 1-0 winners when they welcomed Betis in the reverse match earlier in the season.
TEAMS:
REAL BETIS: Sara; Chica, Paulao, Jordi, Didac; Matilla, Reyes, Carlos, Vadillo; Castro, Molina
ALMERIA: Esteban; Nelson, Trujillo, Torsiglieri, Dubarbier; Verza, Azzez, Barbosa, Tebar; Aleix, Diaz
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Betis XI this afternoon with Alvaro Vadillo, Jorge Molina and Ruben Castro all starting in attack. There is also a place for Reyes in midfield. Almeria, meanwhile, have Oscar Diaz leading their line once more. Aleix Vidal and Helder Barbosa also come into the starting XI.
Betis have progressed in the Copa del Rey and Europa League in recent weeks, but are still really struggling in the league. Pepe Mel was relieved of his managerial duties earlier in the month with Juan Carlos Garrido taking charge, but his first league match at the helm ended in a 5-1 defeat to Real Sociedad last weekend.
As it stands, they sit bottom of the table on 10 points. They have won just two of their 16 matches, drawing four and losing 10 times. The majority of their points have come on their own patch with both of their wins in Seville. On the road it has been a difficult story, however, with one draw and seven defeats from eight matches.
Goals have been a problem for Betis this season with just 15 strikes in their 16 matches. Six of those have come from Jorge Molina, which is an indication of their troubles. Almeria, meanwhile, have scored 16 times. Down the other end, Almeria have conceded 32 times to Betis’ 35, with only Rayo Vallecano boasting a worse record at this stage of the season.
Almeria currently sit in 18th position in the table on 13 points. They have won three of their 16 matches, drawing four times and losing nine times. They failed to win in their opening 10 games of the season, but have improved in recent weeks. Another three points this evening would move them into 15th position in the table.
Just a reminder of what we have to come this evening on Sports Mole. Following this match, we have action from the Spanish capital as Atletico Madrid welcome Levante to the Vicente Calderon, before Granada welcome Real Sociedad in the 9pm start. Be sure to remain with us for the action and you will not miss a moment.
PREDICTION: In truth, both sides have struggled to find their form this season. However, on paper, you have to fancy Betis in this particular match. Almeria have players that can hurt the home side, but I am not sure they will have enough of the ball throughout the 90 minutes. My score prediction is 2-1 Betis.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital this afternoon. The away side get the action underway in Seville.
Not a full house inside the stadium, but there is a strong atmosphere this early evening in Seville. The first half-chance of the match falls to Almeria as Vidal meets a bouncing ball inside the Betis box, but his header is straight into the arms of Sara. I have a feeling that both goalkeepers could be busy men.
CHANCE! Betis' first opportunity arrives after four minutes as Vadillo drives down the left before delivering a sensational cross into the box, but Matilla can only place his effort wide of the post.
GOAL! Real Betis 0-1 Almeria (Azeez)
Almeria take the lead inside four minutes as Azeez's long-range effort takes a huge deflection off Paulao before nestling in the bottom corner. Incredible opening few moments to this clash.
Positive response from the home side as Vadillo delivers another dangerous cross into the box, but Molina can only lift his header high and wide of the crossbar. It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment with both sets of supporters making their voices heard. Incredible opening seven minutes to this La Liga contest in Seville.
Betis have taken control of the possession since conceding, but Almeria remain a threat on the counter with their pace and movement in the final third. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals in this match. Plenty happening in the middle of the park at the moment as the challenges continue to arrive. Neither team is going through the motions that is for certain.
Azeez tries his luck once more as he finds some space outside the Betis box, but his effort just moves wide of the post. The Almeria midfielder concedes a free kick just outside the box moments later, but Esteban is on hand to punch clear under pressure from Castro. Not too much to report in terms of clear opportunities in the last couple of moments.
Another half-chance for the home side as Castro finds some space inside the box before attempting to chip one towards the top corner, but Nelson is on hand to make the block. The pressure continues from Betis as they pass and probe outside the Almeria, but Juan Carlos is on hand to clear following a wonderful cross from Reyes.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Almeria to score their second as Vidal finds himself alone inside the Betis box, but he takes too long to find a shot and Chica is on hand to clear. End-to-end football at the moment with neither side impressing in defensive areas.
Another half-chance for Almeria as Vidal finds some space outside the Betis box, but he takes one touch too many at the vital moment. The home side break down the other end moments later, but Vadillo's cross is straight into the arms of Esteban. The opening 18 minutes of this contest have flown past. Almeria still lead 1-0 courtesy of that Azeez strike.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Molina meets a Reyes cross at the far post, but he can only plant his header wide of the post. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the match, Almeria break with Vidal, but the Spaniard is penalised for offside just outside the area.
Nervy moment for Esteban as the Almeria goalkeeper decides to produce a turn inside his own box, but the experienced stopper does manage to clear under pressure from Molina. Matilla has an effort on goal moments later, but it is comfortable for the away side's goalkeeper. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining in Seville.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if we indeed have one - could be decisive in this type of match. A positive for Betis is that their supporters are very much with them at the moment.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with Barbosa collecting a yellow card for a late challenge on Chica in the middle of the park. The resulting free kick is played short before Reyes delivers into the Almeria box, but once more Nelson is on hand to clear the danger.
Castro takes matters into his own hands as he strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Penalty shout moments later as Molina goes down inside the area, but the referee is not interested. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in this La Liga contest.
Not too much from Almeria in the last few moments with Betis taking control of the possession, but they are finding it difficult to break through in the final third. Vadillo remains the main outlet in wide areas, but Esteban has been comfortable in collecting each cross into the box thus far. Still 1-0 Almeria with 32 minutes on the clock.
One-way traffic as Betis continue to enjoy more of the possession and indeed attacking pressure, but Almeria have been strong as a defensive unit thus far. The home supporters are creating a sensational atmosphere, however, which is helping the players. A goal for Betis and you would have to make them favourites.
Penalty shout for the home side as Juan Carlos goes down inside the box under a challenge from Dubarbier, but the referee is not interested. I have seen them given there is no question about that. However, when you are at the bottom, those are the decisions that go against you. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Seville.
Azeez fancies another strike from outside the box as he finds some space 30 yards from goal, but his effort is straight at Sara. Betis break down the other end with Vadillo, but once more his cross does not find a teammate inside the box. This first period has flown past, but Betis will not want it to end as they continue to dominate possession.
Half-chance for the home side as Vadillo finds some space outside the box before curling an effort towards the top corner, but Esteban is on hand to make the save. The resulting corner is met by Paulao, but Didac fires high and wide of the crossbar. Just a few signs of frustration from the home supporters in the last minute or two.
The referee must be credited for allowing a number of strong challenges to go unpunished in the first period. The Spanish official has looked to play the advantage whenever necessary, which has helped the flow of the match. Almeria enjoy a period of possession with 43 minutes on the clock, eventually Verza hits one from distance, but Sara makes the save.
I shouldn't expect that the referee will add too much time at the end of the first period with stoppages at a minimum. Betis have dominated the possession, but Almeria lead courtesy of that fourth-minute strike from Azeez. Molina has a half-chance from a header moments later, but his effort is over the crossbar.
CROSSBAR! Betis come close to a leveller in the latter stages of the first period as Juan Carlos thumps one from just outside the box, but it rattles against the crossbar.
HALF TIME: Real Betis 0-1 Almeria
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Almeria leading 1-0 courtesy of a strike from Azeez with four minutes on the clock. In truth, Betis have dominated proceedings, but have simply been unable to produce the goods in the final third. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period in Seville.
STATISTICS: Betis have had more of the possession with 62%, while they have had 12 attempts to Almeria's six. Molina, Vadillo and Juan Carlos have all had chances for the home side, but have been unable to find the back of the net. Meanwhile, there has been just the one yellow card.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Chuli, Juanfran, Nono, Salva Sevilla and Joan Verdu. Meanwhile, Almeria have the likes of Suso, Soriano and Rafita in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. As it stands, Almeria would move into 15th spot in the table, while Betis would remain bottom and five points from safety. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes of action underway in Seville.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect both managers will look to their bench if the score remains the same around the hour mark. It is imperative that the home supporters stay with their side, even if the goal does not arrive. Vadillo has the first strike of the half, but it is high and wide of the target.
CHANCE! Betis continue to force the issue as Vadillo collects possession outside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Esteban is across to make the save. Vadillo has looked the most likely for Betis this evening. Almeria have not been allowed a moment to rest since the interval.
Big blow for Betis as Vadillo signals to the bench that he cannot continue due to a hamstring injury. The home side are forced into the change with Juanfran entering proceedings. The former had looked the most likely this evening. Surely the goal will come for Betis if they continue to play at this intensity. Almeria are struggling to keep hold of the ball.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Molina finds himself unmarked just inside the Almeria box, but the striker can only fire his effort straight into the arms of Esteban. Almeria attempt to break down the other end with Verza, but the move ends when Vidal's cross is cleared by Chica.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Betis continue to dominate possession of the ball. Almeria have a rare chance to break as Azeez steals possession in midfield, but Tebar's long-range strike is just over the crossbar. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Seville.
Almeria are forced into a change here as Nelson, who has just been booked for a late challenge on Juanfran, is replaced by Rafita. Esteban goes down moments later following a high challenge with Didac, where he needed his centre-back pairing to combine to clear the danger. The temperature is rising as the second period continues to gather pace.
Wouldn't it be just like Betis' season if Almeria scored a second on the break? The away side have not been in this match, but certainly carry a threat on the break. Just a few signs of frustration from the home supporters, meanwhile, as Betis continue to let chances pass them by. Castro has a strike on goal moments later, but Esteban makes the save.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Betis as Castro finds Molina inside the box, but somehow Esteban denies the striker from close range. What a performance from the Almeria goalkeeper. He had no right to make that save from that distance.
You just get the feeling that Betis will go on to claim all three points if they can level in the next five minutes or so. It would not be a surprise to see Almeria make a couple of changes in the next few moments with a view to gaining some sort of control. Still the pressure arrives from Betis, but they just cannot find the back of the net.
Indeed Almeria do make their second change of the match as veteran midfielder Soriano replaces Helder Barbosa, who has struggled to influence proceedings in the second period. Little over 20 minutes of this La Liga fixture remaining. Can Betis find some inspiration? It is incredible that they are still behind.
Half-chance for Almeria as Dubarbier strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. The home supporters continue to raise the atmosphere inside the stadium, but time is running out. Betis still have two permitted changes remaining and they have a number of attacking players to choose from.
CHANCE! Oh my word! Incredible chance for Almeria to score their second as Vidal puts it on a plate for Diaz inside the box, but somehow he fires high and wide of the crossbar. Sara was committed and all the striker needed to do was tap home from inside the area. That is one of the misses of the season.
Another half-chance for the home side as Matilla curls a free kick from the edge of the box, but once more Esteban is across to make a fine save. The resulting corner causes all sorts inside the Almeria box, but the danger is scrambled clear. Betis make a change moments later as Sevilla replaces Chica.
Little over 10 minutes for Betis to find something. It would be an injustice if they did not take at least a point from this match. Castro has the ball in the back of the net moments later, but the striker was in an offside position. The celebrations are cut short as Nono replaces Reyes for Betis in their third and final change.
The pressure continues from the home side as Juanfran delivers a deep cross into the Almeria box, but Diaz is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Not too much from the away side as an attacking threat in the last few moments, but they have had the best chance of the second period, with Diaz somehow firing high of the crossbar from inside the area.
Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Atletico Madrid against Levante - be sure to remain with us for that one. Betis continue to threaten with a series of long balls into the Almeria box, but it just will not fall to a green and white shirt. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining in Seville.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Almeria standing strong in defence. It is almost as if the home side have run out of ideas. That said, you just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match. Almeria still have one change remaining if the away side decide to alter proceedings.
Half-chance for Almeria as Vidal finds some space inside the Betis box before attempting to curl one towards the bottom corner, but Sara is on hand to make the save. The away side make their third and final change moments later as Suso replaces Diaz. Will the striker's miss haunt his side in the latter stages?
Almeria continue to threaten on the counter with the pace of Vidal, but the Spaniard takes one touch too many and Didac is across to clear the danger. Betis just cannot get the ball at the moment as the away side keep control of the possession. It will be interesting to see how much time is added by the referee. Little over one minute of normal time remaining in Seville.
Another half-chance for the home side as Jordi collects a loose ball outside the box, but his effort is straight at Esteban from close range. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Almeria are closing in on an impressive three points.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Almeria to score their second in stoppage time, but Suso can only fire at Sara from inside the box after good work from Vidal.
FULL TIME: Real Betis 0-1 Almeria
So there we have it. Almeria secure all three points courtesy of that early strike from Azeez. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Atletico Madrid against Levante. Until then!
