Real Betis welcomed Granada to Seville on Sunday looking to record their second win of the La Liga season.
Neither side created too much of note in an uneventful first period, with the score remaining level at the interval.
Betis forced the issue in the latter stages, but neither could make the breakthrough with the match ending in a share of the spoils.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Morning all! Our first La Liga live commentary of the day comes from Seville as a rejuvenated Betis welcome Granada. It has not quite been the start that Pepe Mel would have wanted this season, but they have now taken four points from their last two games. Granada, meanwhile, also boast four points at this stage of the season.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Granada have won three of the last five, with Betis also winning twice. Strangely, each of the last four matches have ended in away wins. Last season, Granada claimed all three points in this stadium, which was also the case the season before. However, Betis also boast two wins on the road against Granada.
Despite remaining in the battle for fourth position for large parts of last season, Real Betis eventually had to settle for seventh position in the table. There is no question that Betis have lost goals this summer in the shape of Dorlan Pabon and Joel Campbell, while the loss of Benat to Athletic Bilbao has also hit them hard in the early part of the season.
They took the lead on the opening weekend of the season against Real Madrid, but took nothing from the Spanish capital after losing 2-1. Their most disappointing result of the season followed as they were beaten 2-1 at home to Celta Vigo, but they have been much-improved in recent weeks, securing a point against Espanyol before beating Valencia last time out.
Granada, meanwhile, have made an encouraging start to the season based on their fixtures. They opened the campaign with a 2-1 win over Osasuna, but their first defeat followed as a Karim Benzema strike handed Real Madrid all the points. They then took a point from Celta Vigo, but they suffered disappointment last time out with a 1-0 home defeat to Espanyol.
Granada did not make too many noises in La Liga last season, eventually finishing 15th in the table, some six points ahead of the bottom three. However, it would be fair to say that they were clever in the transfer market this summer with signings such as Piti, Manuel Iturra and Riki, although the latter has struggled to hit the heights he enjoyed with Deportivo La Coruna.
They found the back of the net on just 37 occasions in the league last season, but their strength in defence allowed them to move clear of the relegation zone. The early part of this campaign has followed a similar pattern with just three goals to their name, while they have conceded just four times.
TEAMS:
REAL BETIS XI: Sara; Chica, Paulao, Amaya, Nacho; Matilla, Torres, Juanfran, Sevilla; Vadillo, Molina
GRANADA XI: Roberto; Nyom, Diakhate, Murillo, Angulo; Iturra, Recio, Pereira, Buonanotte; Alvaro, El-Arabi
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Betis XI with Salva Sevilla continuing in midfield fresh from his double against Valencia last weekend. Jorge Molina will lead the line, while there is also a start for Alvaro Vadillo. Granada, meanwhile, continue with Diego Buonanotte, but Dani Benitez drops to the bench.
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 found a bit of form in recent weeks and I expect them to continue their surge up the table with three points on their own patch.
Just a reminder that both sides have picked up four points from four games, but Betis are unbeaten in their last two and enter the match off the back of a 3-1 win over Valencia last weekend. Right, the home side get the action underway on this warm afternoon in Seville. Let's hope for goals.
It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside this 56,000-seater stadium this afternoon. Not quite full, but the home supporters are full of noise in the early stages. Betis have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, but a long pass from Sevilla towards Juanfran always favoured the away side's goalkeeper.
Granada attempt to force the issue down the other end as Recio whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Sara is on hand to collect under pressure from El-Arabi. Recio is again involved moments later, but once more his delivery is into the arms of the goalkeeper. Good tempo to the opening four minutes, but neither side has managed to settle with possession thus far.
Betis' first corner of the match threatens to cause a problem inside the Granada box, but Juanfran's effort is straight into the arms of Roberto. Granada are down the other end with Alvaro Garcia moments later, but his pass towards El-Arabi was always asking too much of his strike partner.
Half-chance for the away side from a free kick just outside the Betis box, but Buonanotte's delivery is straight into the arms of Sara. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Matilla dances past two challenges before cutting back towards Juanfran, but Nyom is across to clear at the vital moment. Still no real chances for either side with eight minutes on the clock.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges from both sides. Granada continue to look the most likely in the final third as Recio combines with Murillo before angling a cross into the box, but Paulao manages to clear under pressure from El-Arabi, whose movement has been good thus far.
El-Arabi is again the target for Garcia as the Spaniard chases a seemingly lost cause before delivering into the box, but Javi Chica manages to clear the danger. Betis are down the other end moments later with Sevilla, but the midfielder takes a fresh-air shot at the vital moment, before Chica is carded for a push on Buonanotte.
Unfortunately it has turned into a really untidy match in the last few moments with both sets of players getting involved in little scraps around the field. The referee just needs to keep proceedings in what is a red-hot atmosphere. Matilla is the latest to hit the deck before claiming an elbow, but replays have suggested that there was not a lot in it. Still goalless with 15 minutes on the clock in Seville.
Recio becomes the second player to have his name taken for a poor challenge on Molina just inside the Granada half. The resulting free kick is whipped into the box, but Iturra manages to clear. Another set piece arrives for the home side moments later, this time just outside the box, but Sevilla's effort is straight at Roberto.
It's good work from Vadillo as the Betis winger dances past two challenges inside the Granada box, but Angulo clears at the vital moment. Betis' second corner of the match is whipped into the box by Amaya, but his delivery is straight into the stands. Still no real chances for either side with 20 minutes on the clock in Seville.
Without sounding like a broken record, the home supporters are creating some atmosphere inside the stadium. It is absolutely jumping, but the football has not yet lived up to that standard. Garcia finds El-Arabi inside the Betis box moments later, but the striker can only plant his header over the crossbar under pressure from Nacho.
It has been an entertaining 25 minutes in terms of the intensity of the match, but neither side has really threatened to open the scoring thus far. A half-chance comes to Molina moments later as the striker meets a pass from Juanfran inside the box, but he fires his effort high and wide of the target. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining in Seville.
Betis are attempting to play incredibly narrow at the moment with Granada simply flooding their midfield at every opportunity. The away side continue to look more dangerous on the counter with Recio and Alvaro taking up wide positions, but they have been unable to provide El-Arabi with any real service thus far. It has been an even contest thus far.
It is almost as if the supporters are having their own party at the moment as they continue to raise the atmosphere inside the stadium, but events on the field have just dropped off. Both sides continue to commit players to each attack, but the quality in the final third has been short of the required standard thus far. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Seville.
Half-chance for Paulao as the Betis defender finds a bit of space inside the box before attempting to tie poke into the bottom corner, but Roberto is on hand to make the save. Granada force their first corner of the match moments later following good work from Buonanotte, but Amaya is on hand to clear the danger.
The stop-start period of the match continues as the referee is forced to intervene following a number of late challenges from both sides. Nyom is involved for the away side moments later as he combines with Buonanotte before whipping a cross into the box, but Sara is on hand to collect. Still goalless in what has been a fairly uneventful half of football thus far.
Good possession for the home side in the last couple of moments with the likes of Torres and Juanfran seeing plenty of the ball in midfield areas. However, Betis are finding it difficult to search out the runs of Molina, who has been isolated thus far. Granada remain a threat on the counter, but their final pass has also been disappointing.
A high challenge on Paulao from El-Arabi hands Betis a free kick some 40 yards from goal. Sevilla stands over the set piece before whipping his effort into the box, but it squirms just wide of the post under contact from Amaya. That is just about as close as either side has come with little more than five minutes of the first period remaining.
The challenges continue to fly in from both sides with Iturra almost always involved outside the Granada box. Safe to say that the home supporters are not too pleased with the referee at the moment as he allows the play to continue. Moments later, Betis pick up their second card of the afternoon as Amaya dives into a challenge with Buonanotte.
The atmosphere remains electric inside the stadium, but unfortunately the match has failed to match that tempo with the scores still level in the latter stages of the first period. Betis look long towards Molina moments later, but the Spaniard is crowded out by three defenders, which has been the story of the half thus far.
Neither side can keep hold of the ball at the moment with each long ball being intercepted by the opposing defence. Both managers have plenty to ponder at the interval that is for certain. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the first period.
HALF TIME: Betis 0-0 Granada
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. In truth, neither team has done anywhere near enough to deserve to be leading at this stage of proceedings. Let's hope that the second period brings a better intensity.
STATISTICS: Betis have had more of the possession with 54%, while they have had six attempts to Granada's one. However, Roberto has not really been troubled at any point in the Granada goal. The referee has been forced to issue three yellow cards, but it could have been more with the challenges flying in from both sides.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Ruben Castro, Cedric Mabwati and Joan Verdu, who was a surprise non-starter. Granada, meanwhile, have the likes of Brahimi, Dani Benitez and Coeff in reserve. It is the type of match that could be decided from the bench.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be decisive. Granada get the second 45 minutes underway.
Positive start to the second period from Betis as Vadillo drives past two challenges before delivering a low cross into the box, but Roberto is on hand to make the save at the vital moment. The pressure continues as Juanfran searches out Molina, but he can only flick his header straight at Nyom. Let's hope for more chances in the second 45 minutes.
One for Juanfran to chase as Molina plays a through pass beyond the Granada defence, but Diakhate manages to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece breaks down, allowing Granada to launch a counter, but Nyom cannot find an unmarked Recio inside the Betis area. End-to-end football in the early stages of the second period.
First real opportunity of the second period comes to the home side as Sevilla finds some space outside the box before curling an effort towards goal, but Roberto is on hand to make the save. Betis look to their bench for the first time this afternoon moments later as Rodriguez enters the field for Vadillo, who is not too happy with the decision.
Slight problem for Alvaro Garcia as the Granada attacker is caught in a challenge with Nacho, but the Spaniard does return to the field following a period of treatment. Betis again force the issue moments later as Sevilla attempts to curl one towards the top corner, but Nyom is on hand to make the block. More intent about the home side in the second period.
Sevilla continues to look the most likely for the home side as he collects possession on the right before delivering a wicked ball into the box, but Roberto manages to claim under pressure from Molina. Granada continue to threaten on the break, but they are finding it difficult to search out that elusive pass. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining with the scores still goalless.
Another half-chance for the home side as Juanfran carries the ball forward from defence before attempting to curl his effort into the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post. Betis continue to look more threatening in the second period, but the score remains goalless. Both managers will be thinking about changes as the match continues to gather pace.
The first yellow card of the second period is handed to Paulao as the Betis defender fells Buonanotte outside the penalty area. The resulting set piece is delivered into the area by Recio, but it is straight into the arms of Sara. This match is crying out for a moment of inspiration as we approach the final 25 minutes of football on this warm afternoon in Seville.
Granada look to their bench for the first time this afternoon as Brahimi enters the field in place of Pereira, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Buonanotte continues to cause problems to the home side with his direct running, which leads to Nacho picking up Betis' fourth card. However, the resulting set piece from Buonanotte is straight into the arms of Sara.
Good spell for the away side in the last few moments with Alvaro Garcia starting to see more of the ball in the final third. Meanwhile, Brahimi has certainly quickened the pace for Granada. Betis have a half-chance of their own as Molina strikes an effort from inside the box, but Roberto stands firm to make the save. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Betis have the opportunity to test Roberto as Sevilla stands over a free kick outside the box, but his effort is pushed wide by the Granada stopper. The away side make their second change of the match moments later with Garcia replaced by Dani Benitez, who was a surprise non-starter. Better intensity about the match as we approach the final 20 minutes.
Another half-chance for the home side as Molina comes close to meeting a header from Matilla, but Diakhate just manages to win the aerial battle at the vital moment. It is Granada's turn to attack moments later, but Benitez's cross is straight into the arms of Sara, who has had a busier second period.
Betis make their second change of the match as crowd favourite Mabwati replaces Molina, who has just struggled to influence proceedings this afternoon. You just get the feeling that there will be a couple of chances in the final 15 minutes or so. Not too many would have predicted a goalless draw between these two sides.
The referee is called into action moments later following a clash between Diakhate and Matilla, but the official is on hand to calm proceedings. Unfortunately the tempo has been interrupted in the last few moments following a number of late challenges from both sides. Still goalless, but the atmosphere remains electric inside the stadium.
Half-chance for the away side as Benitez finds El-Arabi inside the box, but his header is high and wide of the target. That has been about as good as Granada have produced this afternoon. If there is to be a winner, then Betis appear the more likely as they continue to commit players in the final third.
Betis make their third change of the match moments later as Sevilla departs for Verdu. The Spaniard is immediately involved as he attempts to chip his effort into the top corner, but Roberto is on hand to claw clear at the vital moment. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining in Seville.
Granada look to their bench for the third and final time moments later as Buonanotte is replaced by Yebda, which is a clear indication that the away side are settling for a point. The underlying ill-feeling continues to come to the surface, meanwhile, as Diakhate clashes with Amaya. It is a surprise that we have not seen a red card with the temperatures continually rising.
The home supporters continue to create an incredible atmosphere in the latter stages of the match, but they deserve more than what they have seen this afternoon. Neither side has had a clear opportunity thus far, while the amount of fouls from both sides have certainly interrupted the flow. El-Arabi has a half-chance moments later, but he can only drag his effort a foot wide of the post.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Verdu attempts to take matters into his own hands with a low pass towards Juanfran, but the Betis midfielder can only squeeze his effort wide under pressure from two defenders.
CHANCE! The clearest chance of the match arrives in the final minute as Mabwati meets a cross from Molina, but he heads it across the goal rather than into the back of the net, which seemed the easier option. A free kick arrives for Betis moments later, but Verdu's effort is straight into the wall. One-way traffic in the last couple of moments.
Betis continue to force the issue as Verdu srikes an effort from close range, but Angulo is on hand to make the block. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Can Betis force a winner? Time is not on their side.
Both managers are desperately gesturing on the sidelines as we enter the fourth additional minute. There is no question that this will be a better point for Granada then it will be for Betis. Perhaps one last chance as the home side attack down the right with Torres.
CHANCE! Verdu almost wins it for Betis in the final minute as he attempts to curl his effort into the top corner from a wide position, but it just moves high of the target. He has looked the most likely since entering the field. Why on earth did he start on the bench?! Time is almost up.
FULL TIME: Betis 0-0 Granada
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. We have seen some enthralling Spanish fixtures this weekend, but this was not one of them. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us from 5pm for live build-up of Real Madrid's home meeting with Getafe. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
