Real Betis celebrates a significant 2-0 victory over CD Leganés, marking their first win in La Liga. Discover the match highlights and player performances.
Introduction:
The real win here is that the end product was a first win in La Liga this season, achieved by CD Leganés 2-0. Started badly, Béticos acted with real grit and determination to pocket all three points at the Estadio Benito Villamarín. It was a perfect home for the other goals as the goals came during the second half courtesy of Ez Abde and Vitor Roque.
See also: Rashford and Garnacho Led Manchester United to a Commanding 3-0 Victory Over Southampton: Premier League
Leganes’ Tough Defense
Real Betis started the match with a clear intention to dominate possession, trying to construct their game in front of CD Leganés, who answered with a more defensive approach. The away team, Leganés, approached the game from the very beginning of utilizing a tight formation so that Real Betis could not easily break through their lines. Real Betis tried creating several scoring opportunities but failed miserably against a solid defense system of Leganés.
But then, the first half was rather uneventful in clear scoring opportunities. Both were in a tactical battle with no significant chances given to either team. Betis, with veteran and captain Joaquín and midfield maestro Guido Rodríguez, seemed not to find space in the final third of the field, while Leganés tried to catch Betis on the counterattack.
Real Betis Strive for a Breakthrough
Real Betis were pulling the strings a lot, and their swift wingers Luiz Henrique and Ez Abde started blasting into the box, trying to unbalance Leganés with their pace and creativity. There were some half-chances for Betis, but the Leganés goalkeeper, Iván Cuéllar, was yet solid, making a couple of routine saves.
They had most of the possession during the first half but retired to the lockers in frustration at remaining 0-0. Positives, though, were with the Béticos as constant pressure on Leganés starts to tell on them.
Abde Breaks the Deadlock
The second half had a struggle of it, after which it recovered and went on to play much better. Manager Manuel Pellegrini made some tactical adjustments where he told his team to be much more direct in their approach. The change in strategy paid off since they went on to start creating some really dangerous opportunities.
It was in the 74th minute that the breakthrough finally came. Ez Abde, always a thorn on the left wing, seized on a perfectly weighted through ball from Aitor Ruibal. The Moroccan winger dribbled past two Leganés defenders before unleashing a powerful shot that beat Cuéllar at his near post. It sparked on the people of Betis, who had been so eager for their team to break out into the lead for the first time this season.
Vitor Roque Doubles the Lead
Leganés pinned her hopes on an equalizer and was rather sloppy about their defense in that pursuit. Betis, however, sensed available spaces at the back and went for the kill. Realizing what was happening, Pellegrini staged a final appeal with young Brazilian striker Vitor Roque to give fresh legs to the attack.
Roque’s impact was immediate. In the 86th minute, he cashed in on a Leganés defensive mishap for his first La Liga goal. The striker was well placed to chip in the loose ball from Juan Miranda’s low cross and easily slide it beyond Cuéllar to make it 2-0.
When Real Betis were 2-0 in their favor and into the final minutes, they tightened up even further, effectively putting the game into cruise control. Leganés would have been desperate to snatch a consolation goal, but never really managed anything like a clear-cut scoring opportunity against Germán Pezzella’s defense.
Ez Abde caused some headaches to Leganés defenders at times when they had some problems in breaking their defensive structure.
Vitor Roque’s Early Contributions
Vitor Roque came on in the last game, and Pellegrini was a genius with that move. The youngster Brazilian showed what Betis signed him for: nice movement off the ball and a clinical finish, this time from pressure. This gave the team room to breathe and made sure there was no way Betis was leaving without three points.
Betis’s Defensiveness
However, it was the forwards who mainly stole the headlines; Real Betis’s defense had looked very composed. Germán Pezzella and Luiz Felipe – calm as can be – nullified any potential threat from Leganés via their forwards. Such a win must give Pellegrini confidence in what is to be built going forward into the coming weeks.
Conclusion: A Decisive Win for Betis
Real Betis may be on the road to redemption, though, as the team came through with a 2-0 win over CD Leganés. The start of the season has so far been really tough; therefore, this win will take away the morale boost along with offering a chance to redeem the rest of the season with Ez Abde and Vitor Roque as among the stars of the match.