Deportivo La Coruna travelled to Real Betis on Monday looking to continue their five-match unbeaten run.
The away side had the lead after seven minutes when Riki advanced into the Betis box before curling an effort into the top corner.
However, Betis were level early in the second period when Jorge Molina found the back of the net from close range.
Both sides had chances in an open second half, but neither could find the winning goal as the points were shared in a 1-1 draw.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 33 in La Liga is completed as Betis welcome Deportivo to Seville. The home side’s chances of the top four are all but over, but they will be keen to secure a place in the Europa League. Deportivo, meanwhile, are still perilously close to the bottom three despite winning four of their last five matches.
In terms of the recent results between the two sides, Deportivo have enjoyed the best of it with three wins from the last five. As mentioned, Betis were 3-2 winners in the reverse match earlier in the season, but Deportivo have won on each of their last two visits to this stadium, in February 2008 and November 2008.
As it stands, Betis currently occupy seventh position in the table. They had been within a chance of securing Champions League football at the turn of the year, but they are now 10 points behind fourth-place Real Sociedad. Three points this evening would keep them in seventh, but they would be just two points off fifth.
Despite their success this season, Betis’ home record is not too impressive. They have won seven of their 16 matches, but have taken just 25 points, which is 11 less than the likes of Valencia. It has been on the road where they have impressed, winning seven of their 16 matches, with just Real Madrid and Barcelona winning more times away from home.
TEAMS:
BETIS: Adrian; Perquis, Nacho, Chica, Amaya; Benat, Canas, Vadillo, Castro; Molina, Campbell
DEPORTIVO: Aranzubia; Pablo, Kaka, Aythami, Silvio; Valeron, Aguilar, Dominguez; Riki, Gama, Pizzi
So there we have it. No Dorlan Pabon in the Betis side this evening, with Jorge Molina paired with Joel Campbell in attack. Meanwhile, there are also starting positions for Alvaro Vadillo and Antonio Amaya. Deportivo boss Fernando Vasquez, meanwhile, continues with Riki, Bruno Gama and Pizzi in attack.
Deportivo are just one spot outside the bottom three. The fact that they have won four of their last five matches, and remain in such trouble, is a demonstration of just how far they were behind. The job is not complete, however, which places this match as a must-win for the club at this stage of the season.
They have not been too impressive on the road this season, however, with just two wins from their 16 matches, losing nine times in the process. They have fared better on their own patch with five wins from 16 games, but the majority of those have come in the past month or so. They were dead and buried at the turn of the year, but not anymore.
Taking a look at the statistics, it is not too difficult to see where Deportivo have struggled this season. They have found the back of the net 43 times, which is far from disastrous, but they have conceded 64, the second-worst record in the division. Betis, meanwhile, have conceded 49 times, but scored 48, the seventh-best record in the league.
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 prediction. Deportivo have been in fabulous form in recent weeks, but I think Betis will have too much on the night. I am backing a 3-1 home victory.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. No Pabon for Betis, with Molina paired in attack with Campbell. Ruben Castro also starts, but Salva Sevilla is on the bench. No real surprises in the Deportivo side, meanwhile, although Kaka is given a start in defence. Right, the away side get the action underway on this mild evening in Seville.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is certainly a strong atmosphere. Damien Perquis sets the tempo as he bundles into a challenge with Kaka, but the referee is on hand to award a free kick. Molina threatens to drive into the Deportivo box moments later, but Manuel Pablo does enough to clear.
I would be astounded if we did not see goals this evening. Betis have conceded three times in each of their last two matches, while Deportivo have been shipping goals all season. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be decisive in this type of match. Plenty of action for the referee in the early stages as the challenges continue to fly in.
No real flow to the match at the moment with both sides guilty of poor passing in the final third. Valeron attempts to craft something for the away side as he feeds Riki outside the box, but the Spaniard is immediately challenged by two defenders. Betis have possession down the other end with Benat moments later, but the offside flag is raised.
GOAL! Betis 0-1 Deportivo (Riki)
First blood to Depor! Wonderful from Riki as the Spaniard moves past three defenders before curling his effort into the top corner. Arguably the most left-footed player in the division scores with his right foot! What a moment.
It is good to see Vadillo handed a start for the home side this evening. The Spaniard made his debut as a 16-year-old, but a horror knee injury has stunted his progress since then. The winger is involved moments later as he drives into the Deportivo box, but Kaka is across to clear. The resulting corner is taken by Benat, but once more it breaks down. Wonderful opening 10 minutes to this La Liga fixture.
CHANCE! Another wonderful opportunity for the away side as Riki collects possession outside the box before cutting inside and curling an effort towards the bottom corner, but Adrian is across to make the save. It is all one-way traffic at the moment, but Betis are always a threat on the counter.
Half-chance for the home side this time as a quick free kick allows Castro a strike on goal from inside the box, but the Spaniard could only fire high and wide of the crossbar. Deportivo attempt to force the issue down the other end moments later, but Gama can only curl wide of the post following good work from Pablo.
Another free kick for the home side threatens to cause problems as Castro finds the head of Perquis, but Kaka is on hand to challenge at the vital moment. It falls kindly to Campbell, but the on-loan Arsenal striker is immediately surrounded by two defenders. High-tempo opening 16 minutes to this match.
Another half-chance for the away side as Gama collects possession outside the box before thumping an effort towards goal, but it was always rising over the crossbar. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the match, Campbell tests Aranzubia, but the Spaniard was always comfortable claiming the danger.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in possession of the ball. Meanwhile, the referee has been called into action to deal with a number of late challenges. Betis continue to force a number of balls into the box, but it is playing into the hands of the likes of Kaka and Silvio.
It's really bright work from Campbell as the on-loan Arsenal striker combines with Benat before spinning behind the Deportivo defence, but the striker just could not out-run Kaka, who had a couple of yards on the forward. Riki has another effort down the other end, but Nacho is across to make a fine block.
Slight problem for Pizzi as the Portuguese forward picks up a knock in a challenge with Nacho. It does not appear that he will be able to continue as he struggles to put weight on his ankle. That is a real blow to Deportivo's hopes in this match. Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Benat enjoying possession in the opposing half.
It's really bright work from Castro as the Betis forward collects possession on the edge of the box before turning away from Kaka, but the Brazilian brings him down. The resulting free kick is taken by Benat, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Deportivo still lead with 27 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Betis continue to force the issue as Vadillo drives down the right before finding Campbell on the edge of the box, but the on-loan Arsenal striker can only flash his effort wide of the post. Meanwhile, good news for the away side as Pizzi returns to the field. Little over 15 minutes of the half remaining.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the away side as Riki meets a cross from Gama, but Adrian is on hand to make a fine save. When you watch Deportivo play this sort of football, it is difficult to comprehend just how they are struggling. They could be out of sight in this match. They look a top-eight team and have done for the last month or so.
Another half-chance for the home side this time as Campbell meets a cross from Canas, but he can only plant his header over the crossbar. The resulting corner also causes problems in the Deportivo box, but Aranzubia comes through a host of traffic to claim. Enthralling opening 34 minutes to this La Liga encounter.
Again it's really bright work from the home side as Molina combines with Castro before finding Campbell, the on-loan Arsenal striker thumps a powerful effort towards goal, but Aranzubia is once more on hand to make the save. Not too much from the away side in the last couple of moments as Betis continue to force the issue.
CHANCE! Another fine opportunity for the home side as a mistake from Kaka allows Castro to advance on goal, but Aranzubia makes a stunning save. Betis want a penalty for the pull-back, but the referee is not interested. Little over five minutes remaining of what has been a pulsating first period.
Kaka is in serious trouble at the moment as he continues to dive into rash challenges. He is lucky not to concede a penalty as he appears to fell Castro in the box, but once more the referee is not interested. Depor attempt to advance down the other end with Pizzi, but fantastic work from Perquis regains possession for the home side.
Another free kick just outside the box presents Betis with the chance to test Aranzubia. Once more Benet steps up to take the set piece, but his effort flashes high and wide of the crossbar. Deportivo could do with the half-time break at the moment, with the home side starting to find their men in the final third.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Betis passing and probing in the opposing half, but the away side have been equal to the danger thus far. A half-chance does arrive for Riki, but somehow the striker hits the side netting from close range. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of stoppage time.
HALF-TIME: Betis 0-1 Deportivo
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Deportivo leading 1-0 courtesy of a fine effort from Riki in the early stages. The Spaniard could and perhaps should have extended their lead, but Betis have also had a host of chances of their own. It has been an enthralling opening 45 minutes of football in Seville.
STATISTICS: Betis have just about shaded the possession with 52%, while they have had seven attempts to Deportivo's five. However, the away side have arguably had the two best chances of the match. It has been as open as expected, but the only surprise is that we have seen just the one goal. I would be astounded if that were the case come the end of the evening.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Pabon, Juan Carlos, Salva Sevilla and Ruben Perez. Meanwhile, Deportivo have the likes of Nelson Oliveira, Ayoze and Javier Camunas in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
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 perhaps not too surprising at this stage of events. As it stands, Deportivo would move three points clear of the drop zone, while Betis would remain seventh. Right, the home side get the half underway.
Excuse me, there was indeed a change for the home side at the interval with Vadillo replaced by Pabon. It did appear that the former was struggling in the latter stages of the half. Bright start from the home side as Campbell combines with Molina before striking an effort towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Betis to level as Pabon collects a pass from Molina before striking an effort towards goal, but it flashed past the far post. The pressure is certainly building.
GOAL! Betis 1-1 Deportivo (Molina)
Betis level! It has been coming. It's wonderful work from Molina as the Spaniard collects possession in a wide area before driving into the box and finishing under the onrushing goalkeeper. We have a real match on our hands here.
Riki attempts to go alone for the away side once more as he collects possession in his own half before driving past two defenders, but this time Nacho is back to challenge at the vital moment. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the match, Pabon has another effort, but it moves wide of the post. What a start to this second period.
CHANCE! Hardly time to take a breath here as Riki once more collects possession before driving into the box, but Perquis is across to make a wonderful challenge at the vital moment. It does appear that the centre-back has been hurt in the process. As it stands, his involvement in the remainder of the match looks in serious doubt.
Another half-chance for the away side as Silvio meets a corner from Valeron, but his header was always straight at the goalkeeper. Gama attempts to force the issue moments later with a low cross into the box, but Adrian is on hand to collect. I'm not sure if either manager knows where they are at the moment.
Betis are indeed forced into that change as Perquis, who leaves on a stretcher, is replaced by Mario Alvarez. No change to their shape. Right, we have little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Seville. It really could go either way as both teams continue to commit numbers to each attack. Stunning excitement.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. Meanwhile, the referee has been forced into action to deal with a number of late challenges. Benat attempts to feed Pabon in the box moments later, but it just would not fall for the striker before Molina fires wide from outside the box.
Stunning atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as the home supporters continue to make their voices known. There are few places in world football let alone Spain that are quite like this when the tempo gets going. Another booking for Aguilar, meanwhile, as the Deportivo midfielder is late in a challenge with Campbell.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Kaka meets a free kick from Pizzi, but his header was always moving wide of the post. You just get the feeling that we will have late drama here. I would also not rule out a red card as the referee continues to become agitated with the numbers of fouls. Still no changes for the away side, but I expect that will change over the next five minutes or so.
Deportivo continue to force free kicks around the edge of the Betis box, but the quality from Pizzi has not been up to his required standard this evening. Betis break immediately down the other end with Benat finding Nacho on the right, but his cross is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Betis make their third and final change of the match as Juan Carlos replaces Campbell, who has just tired in the last few minutes. The home side have a free kick outside the box as Kaka fells Benat, the latter once more takes on the set piece, but it just moves high of the crossbar. He is certainly getting closer.
Betis continue to force the issue as they commit numbers to each attack, but they just cannot find that elusive final pass. They do force two corners in quick succession, but the first is cleared by Pablo before Aranzubia comes through traffic to claim the danger. Deportivo advance immediately down the other end, but Chica comes across to fell Valeron.
The card count continues to rise as Nacho becomes the latest player to have his name taken by the referee. That has incensed the crowd, which is only adding to the sensational atmosphere. In truth, a point would not do a lot for either of these two teams, neither is settling for a share of the spoils that is for certain.
Deportivo have the ball in the back of the net as Gama squares to Riki, who taps home from close range. However, the linesman stops the celebrations as he raises his flag. Slightly sloppy from Betis in the last couple of moments, however, with the home side guilty of losing possession on a number of occasions. Little under 15 minutes of football remaining.
More frustration for the home side as Amaya fells Valeron, who has been impressive this evening. Still no movement on the Deportivo bench, which is a surprise at this stage of proceedings. Pabon attempts to force the issue moments later with a pass towards Molina, but Aranzubia is out to clear at the vital moment, before Pizzi wins a free kick down the other end.
Pizzi wants a penalty as Mario dives into a challenge with the Portuguese, but the referee awards the free kick just outside the box. Pizzi hits it well, but Adrian is on hand to make the save. Meanwhile, Deportivo do make a change as Valeron is replaced by Nelson Oliveira.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. Pizzi tries his luck from distance once more, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. This match really could go either way with little over five minutes of normal time remaining.
Half-chance for Castro as the Betis forward turns in the box before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. Another change for the away side as Ze Castro replaces Riki, who has just faded in the second period. That is an indication that Vasquez is prepared to settle for a point.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with neither side able to find that elusive pass in the final third. A half-chance does arrive for Benat as the midfielder strikes an effort from the edge of the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining.
End-to-end football in the last few minutes with neither side settling for a point here. It is all very frantic as Betis force two corners in quick succession, but Deportivo manage to scramble clear. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of stoppage time.
Betis continue to force the issue with a number of long balls into the box, but Aranzubia continues to claim under pressure. Not too much from the away side as an attacking threat, however, with the relegation contenders seemingly settling for a point. Final change for Depor as Pizzi is replaced by Javier Camunas.
FULL-TIME: Betis 1-1 Deportivo
So there we have it. The referee blows the final whistle with the two sides sharing the points in a 1-1 draw. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and look out for our La Liga Team of the Week, which will be with you in the next hour. Good evening!
