Joaquin's first goal since he returned to Real Betis in the summer from Fiorentina helped to secure all three points for Los Verdiblancos from their trip to Sporting Gijon this afternoon.
The visitors actually trailed at the break to a Gonzalo Castro goal, but second-half strikes from Joaquin and Ruben Castro sealed the come-from-behind 2-1 win.
The deadlock was broken at El Molinon in the 17th minute, with Alen Halilovic the architect. The Barcelona loanee weaved his way into the area before he played in Gonzalo Castro to fire into the right hand side of the goal from close range.
However, within 60 seconds of the restart, Betis were level. A Ruben Castro cross picked out Joaquin, who glanced in his 53rd goal on what was his 399th La Liga appearance.
Then, with 57 minutes on the clock, Ruben Castro turned scorer to win the match for the visitors. The Gijon defence stood off the 34-year-old and he punished them by finding the back of the net from the edge of the area.
As the game drew to a close Gijon's best chance of an equaliser fell to the feet of Miguel Guerrero six yards from goal, but the forward was unable to keep his effort on target.
The victory has lifted Betis up to 10th in the La Liga standings, while Gijon are four places further back.
Liam Apicella
