Granada welcomed Real Betis to the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes on Friday knowing that three points would move them seven points clear of the relegation zone.
It was the away side that took the lead after 30 minutes, however, when Ruben Castro pounced on a loose ball before finishing from close range, before scoring his second moments later.
Betis' third in four minutes followed when Inigo Lopez could only turn into his own net following a header from Paulao, which left Pepe Mel's side 3-0 ahead at the interval.
It got worse for Granada in the early stages of the second period when Dorlan Pabon converted following good work from Castro, but Granada did have a consolation late on when Carlos Aranda headed home from close range.
There was time for one more goal, however, with Angel Lopez adding gloss to the score in the latter stages with a cool finish on the counter.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 30 in La Liga gets underway as struggling Granada welcome European-chasers Betis. The home side have been in free fall in the past few weeks, but they remain just outside of the relegation zone on 28 points. Betis, meanwhile, sit seventh, four points off the top four.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Granada have certainly enjoyed the best of it with three wins from the last four matches. However, the last time they beat Betis on this stadium was in January 2011, when the pair were playing in the Segunda Division. That is an indication of just how far each has come.
Granada suffered a 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao last time out, a result that dropped them into relegation trouble. They currently sit in 16th position in the table, but a poor run of results could see them drop into the bottom three. That said, victory this evening would hand them a huge boost ahead of the remaining part of the season.
They have struggled on their own patch this season, however, having won just three of their 14 matches at home, losing six times in the process. Only Real Zaragoza have a worse home record, but they have been better on their travels, winning four times, the same number as Champions-League chasers Valencia.
TEAMS:
GRANADA: Tono; Ortiz, Siqueira, Mainz, Lopez; Nolito, Rico, Santos, Brahimi; Torje, Aranda
BETIS: Adrian; Chica, Mario, Paulao, Martinez; Igiebor, Canas, Perez, Vadillo; Castro, Pabon
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Granada team this evening with Aranda leading the line alongside Torje. Once more Diego Bounanotte starts on the bench alongside Ighalo. Betis, meanwhile, continue with Dorlan Pabon and Ruben Castro in attack, but Joel Campbell is not in the squad. Surprisingly, Jorge Molina is also named on the bench.
Betis, meanwhile, will see this match as vital as they fight for a place in Europe. They missed the chance to move within two points of the top four following a 0-0 draw with Getafe last time out, but they have lost just one of their last five matches. Three points this evening would move them into sixth position.
They have been impressive on their travels this season with six wins from 14 matches, the same number as Malaga and Atletico Madrid. However, they have struggled on their home patch, losing five times in 15 matches. If they can improve their home form between now and the end of the season, they could make the top four.
Taking a look at the statistics, it is not difficult to see why Granada have struggled this season. They have scored just 26 goals in their 29 matches to date, the joint-worst record in the division, but they have conceded just 40 times, seven more than Barcelona. Betis, meanwhile, have conceded 42 times, but scored 39.
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 prediction. Neither side has been in particularly good form in recent weeks, but I am backing Betis to take three points back to Seville this evening.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. No El-Arabi or Buonanotte for the home side, with the latter starting on the bench. However, Aranda does lead the attack. Betis, meanwhile, are without Joel Campbell, but Pabon and Ruben Castro start. The away side get the action underway.
The opening booking comes within 19 seconds as Igiebor dives into a horrendous challenge with Rico, with the Betis midfielder picking up a yellow card for his troubles. Looking at the replay, that could have been one of the quickest red cards of all time. I suspect the referee could be busy this evening.
Neither side has really taken control of the possession inside the opening three minutes, but the tempo has been non-stop. It's good work from Ruben Castro as he drives into the Granada box, but his effort is deflected wide of the post. The resulting corner also causes problems in the penalty area, but Tono comes through traffic to punch clear.
Half-chance for the home side as Ighalo collects possession on the left before finding Aranada, who whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Mario is on hand to head clear. The rebound falls nicely to Recio outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Lively opening five minutes to this La Liga clash, but the score remains goalless.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is certainly a good atmosphere. The home side have the ball in the back of the net as Torje converts from close range, but the offside flag was indeed raised. There have been plenty of indications that we will see goals between these two sides this evening.
Again Granada attempt to craft from a wide position as Brahimi collects possession down the left before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Adrian is on hand to clear the danger. Pabon breaks down the other end moments later before striking an effort from distance, but Tono was always comfortable in gathering the danger.
Betis once more force the issue with successive corners, but the first is palmed over by Tono before Paulao heads the second over the crossbar. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Aranda meets a cross from Vadillo, but his effort is just wide of the post. Hardly time to take a breath in the opening 11 minutes of football.
Another half-chance for the home side as Aranda collects a long pass from Brahimi before driving into the Betis box, but once more his effort is just wide of the post. A similar opportunity arrives moments later, but Mario is across to clear for a corner, which is claimed by Adrian under pressure from Nolito.
Ruben Castro is the threat for Betis this time as he combines with Perez outside the box before striking an effort on goal, but Mainz is across to make the block. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. Almost a party atmosphere as both sets of supporters making their voices know. However, still no goals or real chances with 15 minutes on the clock.
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Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of sloppy passing in the final third. Aranda remains a threat for the home side, but the likes of Torje and Rico have been unable to provide adequate support thus far. Betis continue to threaten on the counter, but Pabon has been frustrated with a couple of offside decisions in recent minutes.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Canas drives to the edge of the Granada box before combining with Perez, but the Spaniard can only find the stands when he perhaps should have done better. Torje's first real involvement comes moments later as he drives into the opposing box, but once more the final pass is lacking the required quality.
Another half-chance for the home side as Rico floats a dangerous cross into the penalty box, it puts Adrian in all sorts of trouble, but his centre-half Paulao is on hand to make the clearance. You always feel that Adrian gives teams a chance with his vulnerability in the air. He will make two world-class saves, and then drop an absolute howler. That is the fine line.
Not too much to report in the last few moments with neither side really taking control of the ball. Granada are playing the better football, but Betis remain such a threat on the counter. Vadillo is involved for the away side as he rolls a low cross into the box, but Tono is comfortable. Little over 25 minutes of the first period remaining, in truth, neither side has come close to opening the scoring thus far.
Chance for Betis to test the opposing goalkeeper as Canas is felled outside the penalty area by Inigo Lopez. Pabon strikes the effort from all of 30 yards, but Tono was always comfortable in dealing with the danger. That has pretty much summed up the attacking threat from both sides. However, the crowd continue to raise the atmosphere as we approach the 30-minute mark at the Estadio Nuevo Las Carmenes.
It's really bright football from the home side as Aranda evades two challenges before finding Torje, who demonstrates wonderful footwork of his own before firing a cross into the box, but once more Mario is on hand to clear the danger. Vadillo is involved down the other end moments later, but his effort was always moving wide of the post.
GOAL! Granada 0-1 Real Betis (Castro)
The away side take the lead just past the 30-minute mark as Castro pounces on a loose ball inside the box before finishing form close range. He really has been one of the stars of La Liga this season. Deadly finishing from the experienced Spaniard.
Another half-chance for the home side as Brahimi collects a loose ball on the edge of the box before striking an effort on goal, but Adrian was always comfortable in dealing with the danger. Torje is involved moments later, but again the cross is too long. Good response from the home side, but they trail with 32 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Granada 0-2 Real Betis (Castro)
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Castro has his second of the match moments later as he fires home from close range after Pabon had struck the crossbar with a dipping effort. Well, talk about a few moments changing the course of this match. Castro has his second, Betis take a 2-0 lead in the latter stages of the first period.
GOAL! Granada 0-3 Real Betis (Lopez OG)
Oh my word. What on earth is happening? Betis score their third in quick succession as Inigo Lopez turns into his own net after Paulao's header had hit the crossbar. Horror moment for the goalkeeper, who came a long way to meet a cross, but got nowhere near the ball.
Granada have the ball in the back of the net as Inigo Lopez thumps in from close range, but the linesman had his flag raised. Well, talk about things not going your way. The opening stages of this match was fairly mediocre, but the half has exploded into life. We are due another goal now surely?!
Betis again drive forward with Pabon, who looks for Castro in the box, but this time Mainz is across to clear the danger. Little over five minutes remaining in the first period, with Betis leading 3-0 courtesy of three goals in four minutes. It already is a damage-limitation exercise for Granada, who really are a torrid run of form at this stage of the season.
Another half-chance for the home side as Nolito strikes an effort from outside the box, but Adrian was always comfortable in dealing with the danger. You just get the feeling that Granada need to score the next goal, not just in terms of the result, but so the supporters stay with them. Little over three minutes of the first period remaining.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with the home side just enjoying a spell of possession, but they have been utterly shocked by those three goals in four minutes. It was a quite extraordinary period. It is the away supporters that can be heard in the final few moments of the first half.
Decent end to the half from Granada as Nolito fires a low cross into the box, but Adrian is on hand to collect. Successive corners follow, but once more Betis are able to clear with ease. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Granada 0-3 Real Betis
So there we have it, a quite incredible first half is brought to an end with Betis leading 3-0. The away side have hardly dominated proceedings, but three goals in four first-half minutes has seen them enter the break with a comprehensive lead. Granada have it all to do in the second period.
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STATISTICS: The home side have had more of the possession with 53%, while both sides have had seven attempts on goal. Usually such a dominate scoreline at this stage of the match would reflect a one-sided first period, but that has not been the case. To use an old cliché, that is football.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Angulo, Ighalo and Borja Gomez. Meanwhile, Betis have the likes of Jorge Molina and Nono in reserve. This is a Betis side that are without Benat, Joel Campbell & Co.
As it stands, Betis would move into sixth position in the table, one point behind fourth-placed Real Sociedad, but they would have indeed played one more match. Granada, meanwhile, would remain in 16th, but just four points above the bottom three. Right, the second period is just moments away.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second half. Two change for the home side as Ighalo and Bounanotte replace Santos and Torje. Meanwhile, Betis are forced into a change as Perquis replaces Paulao. The home side get the half underway.
Just a reminder that our La Liga coverage tomorrow gets underway at 4.30pm as Real Madrid welcome Levante. Be sure to join us for that. Bright start to the second period from the home side as Ighalo attempts to meet a cross from Aranda, but Perquis is immediately across to quell the danger.
Again it's bright work from the home side as Ighalo turns in the middle of the pitch before feeding Aranda, but the Spaniard just could not collect under pressure from Javi Chica, who was on hand to clear the danger. I would be astounded if there were not more goals as both teams open up in the second period.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Igiebor drives into the Granada box before attempting to round Tono, but the Spaniard is on hand to claim the danger. Nolito has possession down the other end moments later, but it is a case of too many cooks as Ighalo and Aranda both go for the same ball.
CHANCE! End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Aranda tests the away side's goalkeeper with an effort from close range, but Adrian collects before finding Castro on the break. The Spaniard beats the offside trap before advancing into the box, but he can only lift his effort wide of the post.
GOAL! Granada 0-4 Real Betis (Pabon)
Betis do indeed have their fourth moments later as Castro drives into the Granada box before squaring for Pabon, who finishes into the bottom corner. The home side are being absolutely blown away in this match. What kind of damage will it do to their confidence?
Betis have not been particularly impressive this evening, but they lead 4-0. What on earth does that say about the home side? Betis go in search of their fifth as Pabon strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Little over 35 minutes of football remaining in this La Liga encounter.
Just a reminder that Betis will move into sixth position if they pick up the victory this evening. Let me put that another way, Betis will move into sixth position at the end of play. Half-chance for Granada moments later, but Aranda's effort is gathered by Adrian, who finds Alex Martinez in a wide position.
Controversy here as Siqueria throws an arm into the body of Vadillo, but the referee decides to award a yellow card rather than send the Spaniard from the field. I would be surprised if we ended with all 22 players on the pitch as the challenges continue to fly in. The referee is going to have to be alert in the final 30 minutes of football.
Half-chance for the home side as Brahimi collects possession on the edge of the box before striking an effort from distance, but it was always rising over the crossbar. Slight problem for Pabon as he hits the deck outside the Betis box, but following a spell of treatment it does appear that he will be fit to continue.
Buonanotte is involved for the home side moments later as he drives to the edge of the box before striking an effort from close range, but it was always moving wide of the post. Betis are indeed forced into a change, meanwhile, as the injured Pabon is replaced by Jorge Molina. Not a bad replacement to have! Little over 25 minutes of football remaining.
Betis make their third and final change of the match as Angel Lopez replaces Vadillo, who has enjoyed a very productive night this evening. In truth, the match has just died in the last five minutes or so with Betis comfortable in possession. In terms of a contest, this match was over as soon as the away side scored their third goal.
Siqueira attempts to take matters into his own hands by driving into the Betis half and striking an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Betis threaten on the attack moments later as Molina finds Angel, but the latter is felled by Nyom outside the box.
Again Castro goes in search of his third as he collects a though pass from Perez, but the linesman raised his flag at the final moment, much to the frustration of the Spaniard. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes. Little over 20 minutes of football to play, with Betis leading 4-0.
Brahimi is the latest player to have his name taken for a foul on Castro as the match continues to become scrappy. Not the best of spectacles in terms of the neutral, but the home supporters will not mind. This result puts their side right back in the European picture.
GOAL! Granada 1-4 Real Betis (Aranda)
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Granada have their consolation as Carlos Aranda meets a cross from Nolito before turning his effort into the back of the net. Too little, too late, but at least the home supporters have had something to cheer.
Betis go in search of their fifth moments later as Castro combines with Lopez before driving into the Granada box, but Mainz is across to clear at the vital moment. It falls to Lopez moments later, but his pass was always too long for Castro. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.
Busy period of the match for Lopez as the Betis midfielder picks up a yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Siqueira. In fairness to the home supporters, they have stayed with their side this evening. There were a few whistles at the break, but that is to be expected. They are forgiving fans in this part of the world.
Siqueira is again involved for the home side as he drives a dangerous cross into the box, Aranda runs across the near post, but Adrian is on hand to make the clearance. Aranda does have a strike moments later, but it smashes into the side netting, much to the frustration of his teammates.
RED CARD! The home side are reduced to 10 men as Siqueira is given his marching orders for simulation in the penalty area. Terrible dive from the Mexican as he is handed his second yellow card. He has been arguably his side's best performer this evening.
It's good work from Nolito as the Spaniard drives a low cross into the penalty area, but Chica is across to clear. The resulting corner is fired into the box by Rico, but Adrian comes through a crowd of players to clear. Good pressure from the home side in the last few minutes.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in possession of the ball. Granada are the team in the ascendancy as they force corner after corner, but Aranda can only head the latter over the crossbar. Remarkably, the home side have had 17 corners this evening.
GOAL! Granada 1-5 Real Betis (Lopez)
Granada are stung on the break as Angel Lopez collects possession in his own half before driving into the box and finishing into the bottom corner. That is a wonderful finish from the Spaniard. Betis have scored five goals on the road for the second time this season.
Granada continue to force the issue with Brahimi driving into the box, but once more the danger is quelled. Castro goes in search of his third moments later as he strikes an effort from the edge of the box, but it was always rising over the crossbar. Little over one minute of normal time remaining.
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End-to-end football in the latter stages with both teams on the attack, but it does appear that it will end with just the six goals. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of added time.
FULL-TIME: Granada 1-5 Real Betis
So there we have it. Betis hit Granada for five to move into sixth position in the table, while the home side remain 16th, just four points from safety. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for more La Liga football tomorrow. Until then!
