Real Betis secured a valuable victory against Utrecht in the Europa League, but this win at La Cartuja leaves a bitter taste. Moroccan international Soufiane Amrabat and Isco had to leave the pitch early in the match after a particularly spectacular accidental clash. This is bad news just three days before the Seville derby.
The match kicks off with this dramatic scene that immediately halts the rhythm of the game. The stadium freezes, the atmosphere cools, and Betis appears stunned. Utrecht takes advantage of this to press high and push forward in numbers. El Karouani, very active on the left flank, creates the first real opportunity for the Dutch side by forcing Valles into action.
Gradually, Pellegrini’s players regain control of the ball. Just before halftime, Cucho capitalizes on a mistake by Utrecht and opens the scoring with a perfectly placed header. The Andalusians can finally breathe.
Upon returning from the break, the match gains intensity and pace. And it is another Moroccan international who will turn the game around: Ez Abde. Served on the left side, he cuts inside and unleashes a powerful shot that finds the side netting. La Cartuja erupts, and Betis pulls ahead.
Utrecht thinks they are back in the game thanks to Murkin, but his goal is disallowed for offside. Despite several counter opportunities, Betis fails to kill off the match earlier but maintains their lead until the end.
