Real Betis welcomed Osasuna to Seville on Friday knowing that victory would have moved them level on points with fourth-placed Malaga.
They took the lead after 19 minutes when Jorge Molina headed a Joel Campbell cross into the back of the net.
Osasuna made their pressure pay in the second period when Francisco Andres Silva levelled after 73 minutes, but Ruben Castro won it for Betis with a cool finish moments later.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 27 in La Liga gets underway as Real Betis welcome Osasuna to Seville. The home side were involved in arguably the game of the season last Sunday when they drew 3-3 with Real Sociedad in a pulsating encounter. Osasuna, meanwhile, were surprisingly beaten on their own patch by fellow strugglers Athletic Bilbao.
In terms of the previous meetings between the two sides, Betis have just shaded it with two wins in the last five matches, with a further two ending in a draw. As mentioned, the sides shared the points in a goalless draw at the beginning of the season, but the last time they welcomed Osasuna to this stadium they picked up a 1-0 victory.
Despite Betis’s struggles in recent weeks, they remain very much in the hunt for the top four. The fact that they have won just one of their last five matches in the league and remain in that position is credit to their form in the early stages of the season. Should they win this evening, then they would move level on points with fourth-placed Malaga.
TEAMS:
BETIS: Adrian; Nacho, Lopez, Paulao, Amaya; Benat, Canas, Carlos, Castro; Molina, Campbell
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Damia, Flano, Lolo, Bertran; Oier, Arribas, Silva, De Las Cuevas; Armenteros, Sola
So there we have it. Major surprise in the Betis lineup with Dorlan Pabon on the bench despite scoring twice last week. Joel Campbell does start, however, alongside the experienced Jorge Molina. Osasuna, meanwhile, once more pair Armenteros and Sola in attack, with Nino taking his place on the bench.
Betis’s home form, meanwhile, has not been too impressive. They have won just six of their 13 matches on their own patch, losing five times in the process. In fact, if home form was all that counted then they would be in 12th position in the table, which again is testament to their form on the road.
Only Barcelona have won more league games away from home than Betis this season. Pepe Mel’s side have won six of their 13 matches, taking 20 points in the process. However, their last two matches on the road have ended in draws. Can Osasuna take advantage of their patchy form at the Estadio Benito Villamarin?
Osasuna, meanwhile, currently sit in 15th position in the table. They have taken 10 points from their last six matches to move out of the bottom three, while they now sit five points from safety. However, due to the proximity of the teams at the bottom of the table, a couple of defeats could see them pulled into trouble once more.
Osasuna’s away form has been fairly poor this season with just two wins from their 12 matches on the road, while they have won five matches from 14 on their own patch. Osasuna also have the unwelcome tag of being the least-scoring side in the division this season, having hit the back of the net just 22 times in their 26 matches to date.
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. Osasuna have been much-improved in recent weeks, but their inability to hit the back of the net is a real worry. It is a comfortable home win for me.
Just a quick reminder of the main team news. No Pabon for Betis this evening, with Molina and Campbell starting in attack. Ruben Castro will operate from a deeper position. Osasuna, meanwhile, continue with Armenteros and Sola in attack. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Seville.
Half-chance for Betis inside the opening two minutes as Molina collects a long pass from Benat before advancing into the box, but Andres Fernandez is out to clear at the vital moment. Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is certainly a good atmosphere.
It must be said that the pitch is not looking too clever in the early stages with the ball holding up in the middle of the park. Spain have had a vast amount of rain this afternoon, much like the United Kingdom. Let's hope that the conditions do not spoil what on paper is a very attractive fixture.
Betis continue to control the possession in the early stages of the match with Canas, Juan Carlos and Benat seeing plenty of the ball in the middle third of the pitch. It must be said that there it a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium with both sets of supporters making their voices known. Not too much for the away support to get excited about in the opening six minutes.
Half-chance for the away side as Oier forces a free kick outside the penalty area, the resulting set piece is taken by De las Cuevas, but the delivery is straight into the goalkeeper's arms. Betis attack immediately down the other end with Campbell, before Molina tests Fernandez with a powerful header from close range.
Osasuna just have not been able to settle into this match thus far with Sola cutting an isolated figure in the final third. Meanwhile, it is hard not to draw attention to the wet patches on the pitch, which are causing the ball to stick at each opportunity. It is the type of match that could be won or lost by a mistake. Osasuna force their first corner, but the danger is headed clear.
Slightly nervy moment for Adrian as the Betis goalkeeper comes out to collect a through ball, but pressure from Sola forces the Spaniard to usher the ball out of play. That could have gone very wrong. Betis create a half-chance down the other end as Campbell combines with Canas, but his resulting effort is wide of the post.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Sola attempts to beat the offside trap, but the linesman raises his flag at the vital moment. Replays have shown that it was indeed the correct decision. Meanwhile, the tempo has just been slowed in the last couple of moments with a series of fouls.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Betis are enjoying the majority of possession. There are three distinct wet patches on the pitch, which is forcing the play into wide areas rather than through the middle. Each defence has been comfortable in dealing with the danger thus far.
Nervous about the result. Want to 'Cash in your Bet'. See how with William Hill.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Campbell collects a loose pass from Silva before driving a low cross into the box, but it deflects off the Arsenal striker before moving behind for a goal kick. The safety of the players must be of paramount importance this evening as the challenges continue to fly in, aided by the wet turf. The referee is more involved than he would want to have been at this stage of the match.
Better from Osasuna in the last couple of moments as they start to force the issue in the final third. A half-chance comes to Armenteros as the Argentine thumps an effort from distance, but Adrian is on hand to palm over the crossbar. The resulting corner also causes problems in the box, but Paulao heads clear under pressure from Sola.
GOAL! Betis 1-0 Osasuna (Molina)
First blood to Betis! The home side take the lead on the night as Campbell whips an inviting cross into the penalty area, with Molina on hand to thump his header into the back of the net. It had been coming.
Betis have been really at it in the opening 22 minutes of this match. They deserve their lead, but Osasuna have offered enough to suggest that they are capable of getting back into the game. It is so important that they keep it tight for the next five or so minutes. It is hard to see them coming back from 2-0 down.
It must be said that it is pleasing to see 18 Spanish players on the pitch this evening, nine from Betis and nine from Osasuna. Wonderful advert for La Liga. Osasuna attempt to force the issue as Las Cuevas floats a cross towards Sola, but Adrian is out to clear. It has been a positive start from the Betis stopper.
A reminder that three points for Betis would move them level on points with fourth-placed Malaga. They could yet be ready for a sensational return to European football. It has been a good response from the away side, however, as Sola once more strikes from distance, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Just about 20 minutes of the half remaining.
Osasuna again come close to the leveller as two corners in quick succession cause penalty of problems in the Betis box, but the first is palmed over by Adrian before the Spanish goalkeeper claims the second. All one-way traffic at the moment as the home side struggle to keep hold of the ball. Enthralling contest in Seville.
Oier becomes the first Osasuna player to have his name taken for a late challenge on Benat. The resulting free kick is taken by the Betis midfielder, but his delivery fails to beat the first man. The second ball is floated into the penalty area, but Fernandez comes a long way to claim. Whistles surround the stadium as Osasuna work the ball from left to right.
Campbell is again involved for the home side as he advances down the right before drilling a low cross into the box, but Lolo is across to clear the danger. Meanwhile, Nacho becomes the first Betis player to have his name taken for a foul on Las Cuevas. I would be astounded if there were not more goals in this match with the intensity and frequency of the attacks.
Acculmulator going well - want to take your money now - check out William Hills 'CASH IN MY BET' service
It is somewhat surprising that this match has been allowed to go ahead - not that I am complaining - with the amount of water on the surface. Each time a challenge comes in, the player gets soaked for good measure. It certainly looks fun, but it is the kind of conditions that could bring a series injury. Let's hope that is not the case.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the past few minutes with both sides guilty of poor passing in midfield. Betis just seem to have ridden that difficult period following their opening goal. Little under 10 minutes of the first period to play and the score remains 1-0. It is a really fascinating La Liga contest.
Slightly scrappy period of the match as the challenges continue to fly in from both sides. There has not really been any ill-feeling thus far, but the conditions have created a sliding frenzy. The atmosphere remains quite stunning, meanwhile, as the home supporters wave their flags. It really is a wonderful place to play your football.
Las Cuevas is again involved for Osasuna as the Spaniard collects possession on the left before dancing past two players and sliding a pass towards Sola, but once more Adrian is out to clear at the vital moment. A reminder that victory for Betis this evening would move them level on points with fourth-placed Malaga. Pepe Mel's achievements this season can only be admired.
Osasuna have dominated the possession in this first period, but as they have found out on a number of occasions this season, possession does not win football matches. Their inability to find the back of the net is a real worry as they attempt to remain above the relegation zone. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the latter stages of the half.
Slight problem for Campbell here as the Betis attacker is chopped down by Amaya. It was not a pleasant challenge, but the on-loan Arsenal striker has risen to his feet. The resulting free kick was whipped into the box by Benat, but Lopez heads clear. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of added time.
HALF-TIME: Betis 1-0 Osasuna
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Betis leading courtesy of a header from Jorge Molina after 19 minutes. Osasuna have enjoyed more of the ball, but have struggled to create chances in the final third. As it stands, Betis will move level on points with Malaga.
STATISTICS: Osasuna have had 58% of the possession, while both sides have had three attempts on goal. Clear chances have remained at a premium, but the pitch has certainly played a major role in that with the surface water slowing each pass in the final third. It is a surprise that the match has been allowed to go ahead.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Pabon and Nono, while Osasuna have the likes of Shojaei, Nino and Nano in reserve. There are certainly some goals in that list.
Bet £25 and get a £25 FREE bet with William Hill, click here to join now. T&Cs apply, new customers only
Let me take this moment to remind you what we have to come tomorrow in La Liga. Our coverage gets underway at 4.30pm as Real Valladolid welcome Malaga, before Deportivo La Coruna travel to leaders Barcelona. The final match of the evening comes from Mallorca as the home side welcome an improving Sevilla. Be sure to join us for that.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Two changes for the away side at the interval as Masoud and Cejudo replace Oier and Sola. As it stands, Betis would move into fifth position, while Osasuna would remain 15th. The away side get the action underway.
Half-chance for Osasuna moments into the second period as Las Cuevas collects possession outside the box before driving a low effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post. Betis advance down the other end with Campbell, but his cross towards Castro is just too short.
Again Las Cuevas is involved for the away side as he darts past two players before finding Armenteros outside the box, but the striker is immediately surrounded by two defenders. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the match, Benat delivers a cross towards Campbell, but the striker was always second best in the aerial duel with Flano.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but the game remains stretched with both sides prepared to commit numbers to each attack. Meanwhile, the referee is called into action following a number of fouls in the middle of the park. The next goal - if there indeed is one - could ultimately decide the result here.
Still no movement on the Betis bench although I suspect that will change in the next 10 minutes or so. The bitty period of the match continues as Armenteros is the latest player to have his name taken by the referee. I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but the atmosphere remains quite stunning inside the stadium. Almost like a carnival feel to this match.
Armenteros continues to play on the shoulder of the final defender, but the linesman once more raises his flag, much to the frustration of the Osasuna striker. You get the feeling that if he continues to make those runs, then one will eventually go his way. Osasuna arguably have been the better side in the opening 11 minutes of the second period.
Osasuna's quality in the final third is really letting them down in this match. Well in truth, it has done all season. They have won many admirers with their passing ability this season, but there is a reason why they are the least-scoring side in the division. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining for them to find the goal that they certainly deserve.
Two half-chance come to Osasuna in quick succession as Armenteros turns in the penalty area before striking towards goal, but Paulao is on hand to make the block, the second ball falls to Las Cuevas, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Betis advance down the other end with Molina, but his cross is palmed clear by Fernandez.
Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about at the moment as their side struggles for possession. But it appears that no-one has told them as they continue to create a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium. It is arguably the best place to play your football when things are going well. Osasuna are attempting to change that, however, as they continue to push forward.
The latest half-chance comes to Oier as the Osasuna midfielder fires a low cross into the box, but Adrian is on hand to palm wide of the post. The resulting corner also causes concern in the box, but Arribas can only guide his header over the crossbar. Betis really need to wake up here. They are holding on with 25 minutes remaining.
CHANCE! Betis almost add their second entirely against the run of play as Castro collects a pass from Molina before striking towards the top corner, but it was always rising over the crossbar. Meanwhile, Betis make their first change of the match as Campbell is replaced by Nono.
You just get the feeling that there is going to be late drama in this match. I would be surprised if the one goal was enough to pick up all three points. A reminder that Osasuna have just one change remaining if they so wish, while Betis have two. Little over 20 minutes of football to play in Seville.
Another half-chance for the away side as Bertran strikes a free kick from distance, but it was always rising over the crossbar. Betis force an opportunity down the other end as Castro combines with Benat before driving into the box, but Damia is across to make a fine challenge. No signs of the tempo dropping in this match.
Benat is the latest Betis player to have his name taken for a foul on Las Cuevas outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Silva, but his effort is straight into the wall. That is really poor from such a positive position. Osasuna remain much the better side, but Betis are comfortable in dealing with the increasing pressure.
The referee is called into action once more as he deals with a coming together in the Betis penalty area by booking Paulao. Eventually the free kick is driven low into the Betis box, but the danger is cleared. First signs of real ill-feeling in this match as the two sets of players clash once more. Penalty shout for the away side moments later as the ball appears to hit Nacho's arm, but the referee waves play on.
GOAL! Betis 1-1 Osasuna (Silva)
Osasuna level! You cannot say that it has not been coming. It's wonderful work from Damia as the right-back drives a low cross into the penalty area, Silva does the rest as he strikes his effort into the bottom corner. It is no more than they deserve.
Betis attempt to regain the lead almost immediately as Molina strikes a powerful effort from a difficult angle, but it was always rising over the crossbar. Will we have a winner in the final 15 minutes of this match? Betis want a penalty as Molina hits the deck, but the referee waves play on.
The end-to-end period of the match continues as both sides commit numbers to each attack. However, once more the referee is called into action to deal with a host of challenges in the opposing half. Betis have asked for this in the second period, they have just failed to keep possession. What a final 10 minutes of action we could have in Seville.
Nervous about the result. Want to 'Cash in your Bet'. See how with William Hill.
Betis make their second change of the match as Benat is replaced by Pabon. It was a real surprise to see the latter not in the starting team this evening following his double against Sociedad last week. Well, he has the best part of 10 minutes to make his point. I could not call a winner at the moment.
GOAL! Betis 2-1 Osasuna (Castro)
It just had to be him! Castro has sent Betis back into the lead on his return to the team. It's really smart work from Canas as the Spaniard spots the run of Castro, the striker collects before firing his effort into the bottom corner. It is cruel on Osasuna.
Half-chance for the away side in this stunning period of the match as Armenteros meets a cross from Lolo, but his header was wide of the post. Meanwhile, Osasuna make their third and final change of the match as Nino replaces Las Cuevas. End-to-end football in Seville as the challenges continue to fly in from both sides.
Arribas becomes the latest Osasuna player to have his name taken for a poor challenge on Pabon, which prevented the striker from running through on goal. Red anyone?! The stretcher is on the pitch, but Pabon walks off clutching his stomach. Little over five minutes of football remaining in this pulsating contest.
The home side also make their third and final change of the match as the injured Pabon is replaced by Fausto. Attack is the best form of defence for Betis at the moment as Castro meets a cross from Molina, but his header is straight at the goalkeeper. Osasuna attempt to force the issue with Silva, but his cross is claimed by Adrian. Little over two minutes remaining.
RED CARD! Osasuna are reduced to 10 men in the final moments as Silva is handed his marching orders for a last-man challenge on Castro. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time.
The resulting free kick is taken by Canas, but his effort is straight into the wall. Armenteros attempts to go alone down the other end as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always rising over the crossbar. Little over one minute remaining in this pulsating encounter.
FULL-TIME: Real Betis 2-1 Osasuna
Wow. The referee brings the contest to an end with Real Betis securing all three points in a 2-1 win. Osasuna will feel that they deserved something from the match, but that is football at the highest level. They remain in 15th position in the table, while Betis move level on points with fourth-placed Malaga. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for more La Liga football tomorrow. Until then!
