Real Betis welcomed Real Valladolid to the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Monday looking to return to fifth spot in the La Liga table.
A fairly uneventful opening period brought few chances for either team, although Betis did look the side more likely to open the scoring.
The second period followed a similar pattern and despite the home side's dominance, they could not find the back of the net as the points were shared in a 0-0 draw.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 23 in La Liga is completed as Real Betis welcome Real Valladolid to Valencia. Betis’s push for a European place has just faltered in recent weeks having lost three of their last five matches in all competitions, but they remain in the picture with 16 matches to play. Valladolid, meanwhile, will have been pleased with their performances thus far.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Betis have enjoyed the best of it with three wins from the last five games against Valladolid. The two sides have already met in the Copa del Rey this season, meanwhile, with Valladolid winning the first leg 1-0 before losing the second leg 3-0 in late November.
Let’s take a closer look at how both teams have fared in the league. Betis currently sit in eighth position in the table, four points off fourth. It was not an ideal weekend for them with Real Sociedad, Rayo Vallecano, Valencia and Malaga all picking up wins, but they certainly remain on course for a sensational return to European football.
They enter the match having suffered defeat to Atletico Madrid last time out, prior to which they had been beaten by Rayo Vallecano. Their home form has been far from impressive this season with five wins, one draw and five defeats from 11 matches. That is in contrast to their away form, which is the second-best in the division behind Barcelona.
In terms of their numbers, they have conceded 34 goals in their 22 matches thus far. Meanwhile, they have scored 31, which is just about average in terms of the rest of the division. Valladolid have been fairly tight in defence this season with just 29 goals conceded, three less than Barcelona. They have also impressed down the other end with 32 goals, the sixth-best record in the league. Right, the team news is just with us.
TEAMS:
BETIS: Adrian; Nacho, Chica, Paulao, Amaya; Benat, Perez, Molina, Pabon; Campbell, Nono
VALLADOLID: Hernandez; Sereno, Rukavina, Balenziaga, Rueda; Rubio, Gonzalez, Sastre, Larsson; Guerra, Bueno
So there we have it. The home side are without the injured Salva Sevilla this evening, but Joel Campbell starts in attack alongside Nono. There is also a starting role for Jorge Molina alongside Ruben Perez in midfield. Valladolid, meanwhile, once more continue with Javi Guerra in attack, with Manucho taking his place on the bench.
Valladolid currently sit in 10th position in the table, six points behind their opponents this evening. A European place is seemingly out of the question, but they do appear to be safe from relegation with nine points separating them from 18th-placed Celta Vigo. It would take an almighty collapse for them to be pulled into trouble.
They have not impressed on the road, however, with three wins, one draw and six defeats from their 10 matches away from home. Interestingly, both sides enter the match with an identical record from their last six matches. Each team has won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six in the league, taking seven points in the process.
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. Betis have struggled of late, but I am backing them to return to winning ways this evening. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety.
Tonight's referee is Miguel Perez. Let's hope that we are discussing the football and not the officials come the end of the evening. It would also be nice to keep all 22 players on the field, with an incredible influx of red cards in La Liga this season. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Spain.
Just a quick note on Betis striker Ruben Castro, who misses the match this evening with a thigh injury. According to various reports, he could be out for a month which is a huge blow to their hopes of pushing for the top four. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening, while the pitch is looking very slick indeed.
Neither team has really settled into the match thus far with passes going astray. A poor piece of defending almost allows Bueno to dart into the Betis box, but Paulao is across to clear at the vital moment. The home side find a bit of room down the other end as Pabon collects possession in the box, but his cross is too long for Nono.
Really nice tempo to the early stages of this match with both sides prepared to commit numbers to each attack. Betis have just settled in the last couple of minutes with Perez and Molina starting to see more of the ball. Meanwhile, the home supporters are creating a good atmosphere in the early stages of this La Liga clash.
Valladolid have certainly impressed me this season. They have a really nice shape to their team with the likes of Alvaro Rubio and Oscar Gonzalez among the most underrated players in the league. It is a surprise, however, not to see Manucho in their starting side in this match. Still no real chances to report as both teams continue to exchange possession of the ball.
Slightly scrappy period to the match in the last couple of minutes with both sides guilty of giving away a couple of free kicks. Benat takes a nasty one in the face from Sereno, which leaves him with a deep cut on his face. There was no intention from the Portuguese, but Benat is really not happy as he continues to receive treatment on the side of the pitch.
It's good work from Valladolid as Rukaina drives down the right before firing a low cross into the box, Paulao is on hand to clear, but he just fells Larsson in the process. The resulting free kick is worked short with Larsson eventually having a strike, but it was always moving wide of the target. Meanwhile, Benat will soon return to the action as his head is bandaged.
A half-chance comes to the home side as Pabon whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area towards Nono, but the Spaniard can only head over the crossbar. Benat does indeed return to the action, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to play the whole 90 minutes. Betis are enjoying the better football at the moment, but we still await the first real chance.
Half-chance for Pabon as the Colombian collects possession outside the box before firing an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the target. Meanwhile, the home supporters continue to create an electric atmosphere as their side dominate possession of the ball. Not too much from Valladolid since the very early stages.
End-to-end period in the match at the moment as Rukavina fires a dangerous cross towards Bueno, but Amaya is across to make a fine header. The resulting corner is met by Balenziaga, but he can only head wide of the target. Both sides are playing nice football as the half gathers pace, but we still await the first real chance of the evening.
Another half-chance comes to Molina as the striker combines with Benat before striking a low effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. Valladolid continue to play long balls towards their forward players, which is a surprise without Manucho in the team. Campbell wants a free kick down the other end moments later, but the referee is not interested.
Pabon just about sums this half up thus far as the Colombian collects possession outside the box before striking an effort at goal, but it never had enough power to trouble Hernandez in the Valladolid goal. There has hardly been a challenge of note in the opening 22 minutes, but neither side is taking too much care in possession of the ball. It is the type of match that really needs a goal.
CHANCE! The best opportunity of the match by dome distance comes to the home side as Benat strikes a thumping effort from outside the box, but Hernandez just manages to palm it away at the vital moment. The pressure continues from the resulting corner, but Amaya can only head over the target. Decent tempo in the last couple of minutes.
It's sloppy play from the away side as Sereno hands possession to Campbell outside the penalty area. The on-loan Arsenal winger drives down the left before firing a cross into the box, but the danger is cleared. The resulting corner is whipped into the area by Benat, but Sereno rises highest to clear, before Benat strikes at Hernandez moments later.
Decent spell from the away side in the last couple of moments as they pass and probe outside the penalty area, but once more it breaks down at the final moment. The home side want a penalty moments later as Campbell is felled in the area by Sastre, but the referee is not interested. It would have been a harsh decision. Credit to the referee.
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and we are yet to have a real chance in the match. Benat came close with an effort from distance, but that is just about it in terms of premium efforts on goal. Slightly scrappy last couple of minutes as Valladolid defender Rukavina picks up a yellow card for a foul on Campbell.
It's good work from the away side as Larsson picks up possession before finding Guerra in the penalty area, the tall striker turns in the box, but he just cannot sort out his feet in time and Adrian is out to clear the danger. Betis attempt to counter down the other end with Campbell, but once more his final pass does not reach the desired destination.
Not too much to report as we enter the latter stages of the half, but Betis remain the side in the ascendancy. The home side have managed three attempts on goal thus far, but Valladolid have failed to test Adrian. Another half-chance comes to Betis as Molina meets a cross from Pabon, but he can only head wide of the target.
Decent pressure from Betis in the last few moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is cleared by Sereno before Hernandez comes a long way to claim the second. It must be said that the atmosphere has just dropped inside the stadium, while Hernandez appears to have a problem here as he drops to the ground holding his ribs. It doesn't look good for the Valladolid goalkeeper.
Hernandez has been patched up and does appear fit to continue. The action gets back underway with Betis, who work the ball into the final third with one long pass from Benat, but once more Campbell just cannot find a final ball into the penalty area and the danger is thumped clear by Rueda.
Decent possession from the home side in the last couple of minutes as they pass and probe in the opposing half. Eventually Benat slips a low ball behind the Valladolid defence towards Molina, but Hernandez is out to collect. Just about five minutes of normal time remaining in Seville.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last few minutes with both teams guilty of giving away fouls in the opposing half. The home side continue to look the team more capable of opening the scoring, however, with Valladolid completely invisible in the final third. Benat fires another cross into the box moments later, but Hernandez punches clear.
The tempo has just been raised in the last couple of moments with the crowd responding to a couple of challenges. Valladolid enjoy a decent period as they work two crosses into the penalty area in quick succession, but neither comes close to opening the scoring. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of stoppage time.
Not too much to report in the final couple of minutes of the first period, with neither team taking too much care in possession of the ball. Let's hope that the action improves in the second half. One goal could be enough to win this match.
HALF-TIME: Real Betis 0-0 Real Valladolid
So there we have it. The referee blows his whistle to bring an uneventful half of football to an end. In truth, there has not been a great deal of quality on offer in this match, with a Benat effort from distance just about the closest we have come to the opening goal.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. The home side have just shaded the possession with 52%, while they have had seven attempts to Valladolid's one. Betis have also manages three attempts on target. Valladolid have picked up three yellow cards, however, in contrast to zero for the home side.
What about the benches for this evening? The home side do not have too many attacking options to call upon, but Molins and Manu could both be introduced in the latter stages. Valladolid, meanwhile, will more than likely look to Manucho if they fail to score in the early stages of the second half.
As it stands, Betis would remain in eighth position in the table, while Valladolid would sit in 10th, six points behind their opponents this evening. Right, let me take this moment to remind you that we have a host of live commentaries in both the Champions League and Europa League on Sports Mole this week. Be sure to join us and you will not miss a kick.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not all that surprising at this stage of proceedings. A win for Betis would move them into fifth in the table, one point behind fourth-placed Malaga. The away side get the second half underway.
Decent start to the half from the home side as Perez collects possession before firing a high cross into the penalty area, but Hernandez comes a long way to clear the danger. The pressure remains as Benat strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target.
Betis continue to look the team more likely to open the scoring as they work the ball from left to right before Campbell collects possession in the box, but he just cannot sort out his feet in time and Sereno is across to clear. It comes back with interest via Amaya, but once more Hernandez is out to collect.
You have to wonder whether Valladolid have actually come to attack in this match? They have not had a single attempt on target thus far and that does not appear any closer to appearing. Unfortunately for Betis, they have been unable to craft a way through the away side's defence, which has been well organised this evening.
Pabon is again involved for the home side as he picks up possession before firing a dangerous cross into the box, but it is just about as cool as you like from Rukavina as the defender heads back to his goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the Betis supporters continue to raise their voices in attempt to drive their team forward.
The home side want a penalty as Campbell fires a cross into the penalty area, it strikes Rukavina, but it is a good decision from the referee with the ball hitting the chest of the defender. Molina comes close once more moments later, but he can only fire wide of the target from close range. Poor finish from the striker.
The away side make the first change of the match as Bueno is replaced by Omar Ramos. Still no Manucho, which is strange, but maybe Dukic knows something that I don't. A chance comes for the home side almost immediately for Omar, but he just cannot gather a pass from Sastre and Adrian is out to clear at the vital moment.
Campbell comes close with another effort for Betis as he pounces on a loose ball in the penalty area before lifting his effort over the goalkeeper, but the offside flag was raised. You just get the feeling that there is a goal in this match, with that strike enough to pick up all three points. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
Another half-chance for the home side as Betis strikes a free kick from outside the penalty area, but it was always moving wide of the target. It appears that Benat's bandage is covering both of his eyes at the moment. Still no movement on the Betis bench as this second period continues to gather pace.
The home supporters continue to raise their side as Betis force two corners in quick succession. The second comes close to opening the scoring as Molina meets the delivery from Benat, but he can only head over the target from close range. Wouldn't it be just like football if Valladolid won this match having not had a sniff all evening.
CHANCE! The best chance of the second period falls to the home side as Benat finds Campbell in the penalty area, but the striker can only fire wide of the target from close range. The move deserved a better finish. You just get the feeling that it isn't going to be their night this evening.
The home side make their first change of the match as Pabon is replaced by Juan Carlos. The Colombian has just struggled to get into this match. Another half-chance comes to the home side as Benat strikes an effort from outside the box, but Sereno is on hand to make a fine block.
CHANCE! Betis continue to test Hernandez as Nano strikes a wonderful effort from outside the penalty area, but it just bends away from the goal at the vital moment. I am struggling to think of a time I have seen a more one-sided second half of football. Valladolid have barely had possession let alone created any chances.
Valladolid threaten with a couple of corners in quick succession, but neither comes close to threatening the Betis goal. The home side attempt to break with Juan Carlos, but Alvaro is across to make a fine challenge. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining and we are no closer to the opening goal.
I would love to be able to say that we have had a host of chances in the last couple of minutes, but that has not been the case. In truth, this is just about the poorest La Liga game that I have seen all season. Valladolid have had more of the ball in the last few moments, but the quality has just been so poor. A point apiece would not be the worst result for either side, but Betis simply need to win to remain in the hunt for the top four.
The away side make their second change of the evening as Larsson is replaced by Lolo. Still no Manucho?! Well, a striker form the B team has been introduced instead of former Manchester United forward. I am sure that there is not much in that, but it does seem a very strange decision. Betis attack once more with Campbell, but once more he cannot find a teammate in the box.
RED CARD: The away side are reduced to 10 men as Rukavina picks up his second yellow card for a challenge on Benat. The full-back appeared to argue that it was a Betis player that clashed with Benat, but the referee is not interested. The away side are forced into their final change as Pena replaces Oscar.
Not too much to report in the last couple of minutes, but perhaps strangely Valladolid have started to open up since being reduced to 10 men. Betis attempt to break down the other end as Juan Carlos weaves into the box, but Sereno is across to make a fine challenge. Little under 10 minutes remaining.
CHANCE! Betis have a glorious chance to take the lead as Molina meets a cross from Nono, but somehow he clips over the crossbar when it looked easier to score. That was the chance to take the lead. Incredible miss. Meanwhile, Nono is replaced by Molins for the final stages of this match.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Benat dances past two challenges before striking an effort towards goal, but Sereno is out to make a fine block. The away side attempt to attack down the other end with Sastre, but Amaya comes across to make the challenge, picking up a yellow card in the process.
The chances continue to come for the home side as Chica strikes an effort from outside the box, it falls to Benat, but once more the midfielder can only fire wide of the target. If there is to be a winner, then it will be for the home side. However, this has 0-0 written all over it with three minutes of normal time remaining.
Not too much to report as we enter the final couple of minutes of normal time. A half-chance does arrive for the away side as Guerra drives into the penalty area, but he never looked likely to cause an issue, with Amaya across to make a clearance. That is really poor from the Valladolid forward.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Campbell meets a cross from Carlos, but he can only turn his effort wide of the post. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time and we are into the first of those.
Betis continue to push in the latter stages as they fire a host of long balls into the penalty area, but they just cannot find the back of the net as Hernandez comes out to collect. The goalkeeper gets in a bit of a mess moments later, but Pena is on hand to head a Benat effort off the line. Wonderful defending. Little over 30 seconds of normal time remaining in this match.
RED CARD: The home side end the match with 10 men as Amaya picks up his second yellow card for a challenge on Rubio. Another La Liga contest, another two red cards.
FULL-TIME: Real Betis 0-0 Real Valladolid
So there we have it. Both teams end the match with 10 men as the points are shared in a 0-0 draw. The result leaves Betis eighth in the table, while Valladolid remain 10th. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for Champions League action tomorrow. Until then!
