The surprised package of the 2023/2024 Spanish La Liga Girona FC had a chance to extend their lead at the summit of the table, but Real Betis Balompié did not allow them to do so at their home ground of Benito Villamarín despite Girona FC’s early first-half lead. The home side Real Betis Balompié made Girona FC and then-La Liga leaders drop points in the game with a late equaliser, causing their visitors to open up the top spot of the Spanish top-flight football to 35-time winners Real Madrid as a result.
Girona FC Held to a 1-1 Draw by Real Betis Balompié
Girona FC won 10 of their previous 11 games in all competitions, including a notable 4-2 victory over the Catalan Giants less than a couple of weeks ago. Míchel named almost an unchanged lineup from that starting 11 that comfortably beat Deportivo Alavés 3-0 last time around, with Pablo Torre, a loanee from Barcelona, replacing Sávio in the first 11. On the other hand, Real Betis Balompié, who have not won any of their last three games in all tournaments, had five changes coming into this La Liga Matchday 18 fixture at home.
Having the goal to extend their lead at the top of the Spanish top-flight football, Girona FC were eager to score first in the game. They rightfully did so moments before the added time of the opening half was given, and it was Torre who helped them to achieve the first blood of the game, when he was brought down in the penalty box by Germán Pezzella. Stepping up for the subsequent spot kick was Artem Dovbyk, who converted it into the back on the net by sending the Real Betis Balompié goalkeeper Rui Silva to the wrong way. It was the Ukrainian striker’s 10th goal in 17 matches in all competitions for Girona FC this season.
Girona FC almost left Benito Villamarín with all three points, but Real Betis Balompié came back to level things up with two minutes remaining in the normal 90 minutes of playing time, thanks to Pezzella’s superb effort. The 32-year-old FIFA World Cup winner with Argentina last year made up for his mistake in conceding the penalty kick that led to Girona FC’s opener earlier in the game with a goal on his own, when the ball ricocheted to him during a corner set piece delivery. His subsequent kick was too much for Paulo Gazzaniga to keep it out, leading this game between Real Betis Balompié and Girona FC to end at one goal apiece.
Real Betis Balompié Costed Girona a Chance to Extend Their Lead
Real Betis Balompié’s late equaliser spoilt things up for Girona FC to extend their lead, and what is worse is that a win from second-placed Real Madrid could see them leapfrog the Catalonia-based club at the summit of the Spanish top-flight football.
In relation to the costly 1-1 draw in the hands of Real Betis Balompié, Girona midfielder Aleix Garcia told Movistar Plus this: “Suffering a late goal hurts, we thought we had it. We are going on holidays satisfied, the dynamic is very good and now we have to recharge our batteries for what’s to come.” Girona FC will not play another competitive game until 3rd January 2024, where they will be meeting fourth-placed Atlético Madrid at Montilivi, a team that will play Sevilla FC for their own Matchday 18 fixture in the La Liga.
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