Celta Vigo travelled to the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Sunday knowing that three points against Real Betis would move them out of the relegation zone.
It was the home side that enjoyed the most of the chances in the first period, but neither could make the breakthrough as the score remained goalless.
Betis did take the lead late in the second half, however, courtesy of Ruben Castro, with that goal enough to secure all 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 commentaries from La Liga is brought to you from Sevilla as Real Betis welcome Celta Vigo. The home side have not yet given up hope of securing a top-six finish, but their opponents this afternoon are in desperate need of the points as they languish in 19th position in the table.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Betis have just shaded the last five matches with two wins to Celta’s one, with the other two ending in a draw. As mentioned, the reverse match earlier in the season ended in a 1-0 win for Betis, but Celta were 2-1 winners the last time they welcomed Betis to this stadium in May 2007.
As it stands, Betis currently sit in seventh position in the table, four points off sixth-placed Malaga. They have been on a poor run of form in recent weeks, however, with just six points from their last six matches, recording just one win the process. That said, they will still feel confident of securing a place in the Europa League.
Betis have been fairly strong on their own patch this season with seven wins from their 17 matches, losing just five times in the process. However, it has been their form on the road that has impressed the most, collecting 23 points from 17 games. Only the current top three in the league have won more games away from home.
TEAMS:
BETIS: Adrian; Nacho, Chica, Mario, Amaya; Benat, Igiebor, Perez, Castro; Pabon, Carlos
CELTA: Varas; Tunez, Lago, Johny, Oubina; Fernandez, Insa, Vila; Krohn-Dehli, Orellana, Aspas
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Betis side this afternoon, although Joel Campbell misses out in place of Dorlan Pabon. Ruben Castro also starts despite fears over a knee injury, but there is no place for Salva Sevilla. Celta, meanwhile, recall Orellana to their starting team alongside Iago Aspas and Michael Krohn-Dehli.
Celta were in action last Wednesday, where they were beaten 3-1 by an impressive Atletico Madrid side. That result means that they have now played one more game than the teams around them, which places them in a difficult position. That said, three points this afternoon would certainly upset the apple cart.
However, their away record this season will not fill them with too much confidence. They have won just two of their 17 games on the road, collecting just seven points in the process, which is the worst record in the league. Their home form has been quite strong, however, with six wins, six draws and six defeats from their 18 matches.
It is not too difficult to see where Celta have struggled this season, with the team scoring just 34 goals in their 35 matches, which is 17 less than their opponents this afternoon. Celta have conceded less goals than Betis, however, with 51 to the home side’s 54. Goals have been a serious problem for the promoted side this season.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Neither side has been in particularly good form in recent weeks, but I expect Betis to secure a narrow three points this afternoon.
Just a reminder of the main team news. No Campbell or Sevilla in the Betis side this afternoon, but Ruben Castro and Pabon both start. Celta boss Abel Resino recalls Orellana to his starting team, meanwhile, with the forward lining up alongside Aspas and Krohn-Dehli. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild afternoon in Seville.
Not a full house inside the stadium this afternoon, but there is certainly a strong atmosphere. Bright start for the home side as Ruben Castro drives down the left before delivering a low cross into the box, but Javi Varas comes out to collect at the vital moment. Let's hope for an open afternoon of football between these two Spanish rivals.
Celta just cannot get into the match at the moment as the home side continue to dominate possession in the final third of the match. This time the danger comes from a deep free kick from Castro, but Mario can only head straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Betis look in the mood to put on a performance this afternoon.
Betis have the ball in the back of the net as Castro converts from close range, but the linesman cuts the celebrations short as he raises his flag. First half-chance for the away side falls to Aspas as he collects a loose ball in the box, but Adrian is out to smother at the final moment. High tempo opening six minutes to this La Liga encounter.
You just get the feeling that the first goal could be decisive in this type of match. Three points for Betis would keep their European hopes alive, while Celta are in desperate need of the points. Just a few signs of the away side starting to feel their way into the match, but they have not yet come close to opening the scoring on this mild afternoon in Spain.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in the final third of the pitch. The pressure arrives from Betis once more as Pabon twice delivers low crosses into the box, but the first is cleared by Tunez before Varas comes to claim the second.
Betis have the ball in the back of the net for the second time as Igiebor converts from close range, but once more the offside flag is raised. Again it looked a close decision. It is no exaggeration to say that the home side could be three goals to the good here. However, the score remains goalless with just about 12 minutes on the clock.
Betis continue to threaten down each wing with Pabon and Jose Carlos both providing the ammunition for Castro, but the Spaniard has been unable to make a telling touch thus far. Celta launch an attack immediately down the other end with Aspas, but the Spaniard's pass towards Insa was always too long. Plenty of attacking intent about both sides in the early stages.
Just a reminder that following the completion of this match we have action from the Spanish capital as Atletico welcome Barcelona, who were crowned the league champions yesterday. Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges.
Half-chance for Chica this time as the Betis defender meets a cross from Perez, but Varas is on hand to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner causes concern in the Celta box, but Roberto Lago does manage to clear at the second time of asking. Not too much to report in terms of clear opportunities in the opening 18 minutes of football.
First real involvement for Krohn-Dehli as the Dane combines with Aspas before curling an effort towards the far corner, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. A free kick arrives for the away side moments later, Adrian comes and fails to collect, but luckily for Betis it falls to Benat, who is able to clear.
Betis continue to play the better football as they pass and probe outside the Celta box, but the offside flag continues to stunt their progress towards goal. Castro tries his luck from distance moments later, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Still goalless in Seville after 23 minutes of high-tempo football.
Another half-chance for Betis as Castro breaks the offside trap before striking an effort from close range, but Varas is across to make a vital save. The resulting corner, which is taken by Benat, falls to Nacho in the box, but the Spaniard cannot make proper contact. Not too much from Celta in the last few moments.
Insa becomes the first Celta player to enter the referee's book for a late challenge on Igiebor, who had made a burst through midfield. It has not been that type of match, but the referee has been forced to deal with a number of tackles in the last few moments. Castro again tries his luck from distance, but it is wide of the post.
The home side want a penalty as Juan Carlos is seemingly felled by Tunez in the box, but the referee is not interested. I have certainly seen them given, but it would have been a harsh decision. Aspas continues to look the most likely for the away side, but he has been staved of support in the final third thus far.
Again it's Aspas causing problems to Betis as the Spaniard collects possession on the edge of the box before striking an effort towards goal, but it just moved high of the crossbar. It would be harsh to call Celta a one-man team, but he is their standout player, they missed his presence when he was on the sidelines that is for certain. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
It must be said that the atmosphere inside the stadium has been wonderful thus far. The sun is shining, it is perfect for a game of football. Neither side has really threatened to test the opposing goalkeeper in the last couple of moments, but the tempo remains. The opening 34 minutes of football has flown past that is for certain.
Both linesman are certainly playing their part in this match at the moment as the decisions continue to go against the opposing strikers. Aspas again tests Adrian from inside the box following a powerful run, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. The threat from Betis has just evaporated in the last few moments, with Pabon and Carlos seeing little of the ball.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the latter stages of the first period, but Celta are certainly enjoying more of the possession. It is the type of match that could be decided by the odd goal. The enthralling thing about La Liga this season is that no team has been cast away at the bottom of the table. However, Celta's task would be made difficult if they were beat this afternoon.
Host of free kicks in the last few moments with Benat twice delivering crosses from a wide area, but neither found a teammate in the box. Celta attempt to force the issue down the other end with Orellana, but the striker could not evade Nacho in the box. Little under five minutes of the half remaining. The two sides remain level at 0-0.
Another opportunity falls to Juan Carlos as he collects possession in the box before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post. Celta continue to look long towards Orellana, but he is struggling in the physical battle. I suspect Mario Bermejo would have played this afternoon if he was fit.
Slightly untidy end to the first period with both sides guilty of committing to a number of late challenges. Another free kick arrives for Benat outside the box, but he can only find the stand. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Betis 0-0 Celta
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with both sides level at 0-0. Betis have certainly had the better of the chances, while they have also had two goals chalked off for offside. Not too much from Celta aside from a few long-range efforts. It is delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: Betis have had more of the possession with 56%, while they have had four attempts to Celta's two. However, both teams have managed just the one attempt on target apiece. It has not been the most enthralling of matches, but that can all change in the second period.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking talent on the bench in the shape of Joel Campbell, Alvaro Vadillo and Salva Sevilla. Meanwhile, Celta have the likes of Kike de Lucas and Pranjic in reserve. I suspect that we will see changes in the early part of the second period if the score remains level.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Betis would remain in seventh, while Celta would rise into 18th position, just two points from safety. Right, the home side get the second half underway.
No changes from either manager at the interval, but I suspect that will change if the score remains level in the latter stages of the half. It's a bright start from Betis as Juan Carlos collects possession in a wide area before driving into the box, but Tunez is across to make the challenge. Let's hope for more opportunities in the second half of proceedings.
Half-chance for the away side to test Betis in the early stages of the half as Krohn-Dehli delivers a free kick from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. That is poor for a player of his pedigree. Pabon has possession down the other end moments later, but he cannot evade the capture of Tunez.
You just get the feeling that Celta need to take something from this match in order to have a chance of remaining in the division. Real Mallorca have dropped off the pace in the last couple of weeks, while the likes of Deportivo and Real Zaragoza continue to pick up points. Betis continue to force the issue with high balls into the box, but Varas has been equal to the danger thus far.
Krohn-Dehli remains on free kick duty for the away side as he twice delivers high balls into the box, but Varas comes to claim the first before Lago heads the second clear of the area. Just a little bit more care from those situations and Celta could find themselves in the lead. No clear chances for either side in the opening nine minutes of the half.
Betis continue to pass and probe outside the Celta box, but they just cannot find that elusive ball in the final third, despite Castro and Pabon both making themselves available. Castro wants a penalty moments later as he is bundled over by Oubina, but the referee is not interested.
Both sides make their first change of the match as De Lucas replaces Orellana for the away side, while Igiebor is replaced by Salva Sevilla for Betis. Still no sign of Campbell, but the on-loan Arsenal striker is being put through his paces on the sideline. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining, with the two sides still level at 0-0.
Not too much from Aspas in the second period, but the Spaniard does burst into life as he combines with Krohn-Dehli before moving into the Betis box, but is just challenged by Nacho at the final moment. The home side continue to enjoy most of the possession, but the final ball has been lacklustre thus far. We are in need of some inspiration here.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sets of players guilty of making a number of late challenges. The latest presents Benat with a chance to try his luck from distance, but again it is straight at Varas. Another change for the home side as Juan Carlos is replaced by Alvaro Vadillo.
A goalless draw does not suit either team truth be told with Betis looking for a European position, while Celta remain in the relegation zone. The away side will also have played a game more than the rest of their rivals, which places them in a difficult situation. Plenty of time for goals this afternoon with little over 25 minutes remaining.
The sensational atmosphere remains inside the stadium with the home supporters creating a deafening noise. It does not matter which team travels to this stadium, the atmosphere is always tremendous. Krohn-Dehli once more tries his luck for the away side, but the Dane fires straight into the arms of the goalkeeper.
One-way traffic in the last couple of moments with the home side starting to boss proceedings in the middle of the park, but the final pass has just not been there from either side. However, you just get the feeling that there is a goal in this match. It would have huge ramifications at both end of the league table.
GOAL! Betis 1-0 Celta (Castro)
Finally the deadlock is broken and it's first blood to the home side as Castro thumps an effort into the back of the net following good work from Pabon. Now Celta simply have to respond in the latter stages.
Half-chance for Pabon as the Betis striker thumps an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. A mistake from Adrian almost costs the home side as the Betis stopper makes a meal of a back-pass from Nacho, but the danger is cleared. Castro did indeed pick up a booking for his celebration, however, as he removed his shirt.
Betis are forced into another change as Mario is replaced by Paulao for the final 15 minutes or so. Just a reminder that as it stands Celta would remain in 19th position, while Betis would consolidate their position in seventh. Will we have late drama in Seville?
POST! The home supporters are in wonderful voice at the moment, with that noise pushing their side deeper into the Celta half. Castro comes close to his second of the match as he meets a deep cross from Benat, but he can only head against the post. That would have been game, set and match.
Not too much in terms of a response from the away side, although they are enjoying more of the ball in the opposing half. In fairness, Aspas carried their threat in the first period, but he has been staved of service in the second 45 minutes. Another change for Celta, meanwhile, as Lago is replaced by Toni.
Half-chance for the away side as De Lucas meets a cross from Insa, but the striker just could not divert his effort towards goal. Chica has an opportunity of his own moments later, but his strike from close range is pushed wide of the post by Adrian.
Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last few moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the opposing half. Vadillo does try his luck from distance, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Little under 10 minutes for Celta to find an equaliser here. In truth, it does not seem likely that it will appear.
The away side do have the ball in the back of the net as De Lucas finds the top corner from close range, but the offside flag was raised. Celta make their third and final change of the match, meanwhile, as Pranjic enters the field in place of Johny. Little over five minutes of football remaining.
Good pressure from the away side in the last couple of moments, but they just cannot find that final pass in the final third. In truth, Betis have not really been concerned at any point in the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Atletico Madrid against Barcelona. Be sure to remain with us for that.
Celta are almost caught on the counter attack as Pabon meets a low cross from Castro, but the striker can only fire his effort wide of the post from close range. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of stoppage time and we are indeed into the first of those.
Not too much to report in the final couple of moments with Betis comfortable in possession of the ball. Bar a late show here, Betis will remain in seventh position in the table, while Celta will sit 19th. Little under one minute of normal time remaining.
FULL-TIME: Betis 1-0 Celta
So there we have it. Castro's goal in the second period is enough to secure all three points against Celta. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for action between Atletico and Barcelona. Until then!
