Real Betis Balompié preserved their unbeaten run in LaLiga EA Sports with a 1-1 draw away to RC Deportivo in matchday seven. The Verdiblancos, who remain third in the table with 16 points, took the lead through a stunning Cucho Hernández strike but conceded a late equaliser.
Cucho broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute with a powerful shot from outside the box, assisted by Nelson Deossa. The Colombian forward celebrated emphatically. "¡Goooooool! Cucho se lucía con la definición, desatando la alegría en el Benito Villamarín. El marcador se sitúa 0-1," he said after the play. However, Diego Villares levelled for the hosts seven minutes from time following a pass from Mario Soriano, a goal the Galician player described as "¡Goooooool! Villares anota el empate para el Deportivo tras la asistencia de Soriano; el marcador ahora marca 1-1."
The game at the Estadio ABANCA-RIAZOR was intense and evenly contested. Betis dominated possession with 57% and created more clear chances, registering 11 shots on target. The defence had to work hard, making 35 clearances and 10 successful tackles to contain the home side's pressure. Deportivo, who had 53% of the ball in the second half and racked up 23 attempts, found their reward with Villares' goal. Manuel Pellegrini's side left the pitch with a point that extends a strong run of form.
Betis' last league defeat was five matches ago, and their record since then is four wins and one draw. This result leaves the team five points behind leaders Barcelona. The upcoming schedule can be checked on the fixtures page.
The team now heads into the international break in high spirits, knowing they face a home match against 13th-placed Osasuna upon their return. With several defensive absences, the coaching staff trusts in the squad's depth, full details of which are on the squad page. The aim for matchday eight is to keep picking up points at the Benito Villamarín to maintain their pace at the top of the standings.
Read the full report at La Vanguardia Deportes
