Real Betis travelled to Real Zaragoza on Friday looking to continue their impressive away form in Spain's top division.
The home side had three glorious chances to open the scoring late in the first period, but a strike from Ruben Castro on the stroke of the interval handed Betis a half-time lead.
Zaragoza continued to create chances in the second period, but Betis had their second just before the hour mark when Jorge Molina finished from close range.
Montanes had one back for the home side late on, but it was not enough as Betis moved level on points with fourth-placed Malaga.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! It seems like just yesterday that our coverage of La Liga ended for the winter break, but have no fear because Spanish football is with us once more. The players have had their respite with plenty of celebration, but it is back to business in Spain’s top division. Tonight our focus is on two sides that have enjoyed successful seasons thus far.
Having escaped relegation on the final day of last season, Zaragoza will be pleased with their current position in the table. Meanwhile, Betis’s attacking style of football has left them in fifth and with a realistic chance of securing a dramatic return to European competition. Both sides will certainly see this match as a winnable fixture.
Zaragoza have lost their last two league games at La Romareda, however, with the pressure of playing in front of their own supporters getting to them. They certainly prefer life on the road, but this evening they face a Betis side that have been in excellent away form of late. The team news is just filtering through. We will bring you the said news in the next update have no fear.
TEAMS:
ZARAGOZA: Roberto; Alvaro, Loovens, Sapunaru, Minero; Movilla, Oriol, Apono, Montanes; Postiga, Victor
BETIS: Adri; Chica, Mario, Amaya, Nacho; Benat, Sevilla, Igiebor, Canas; Campbell, Castro
Betis have won three of their last four league matches on the road, scoring nine goals in the process. Only Barcelona have won more away matches (five) then Betis this season. The Catalans are also the only side to have lost fewer away games than Betis. There are just some teams that are better set up to play away from home and Betis certainly fall into that category.
Looking at each team's form in the early part of the season. Zaragoza won just two of their opening seven league matches before winning three on the bounce, two in the league and a Copa del Rey clash against Granada. Another dry patch followed in November when they went four matches without a win, but they have won three of their last four matches in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Betis's form has gone in patches this season. They lost just one of their opening six matches in all competitions before suffering back-to-back defeats. They recovered with a 2-0 success over Real Sociedad, but have won just one of their last four matches in all competitions - a 1-0 success over Celta Vigo in their penultimate league match before the winter break.
In terms of the league standings, three points for Zaragoza this evening would move them into the top half of the table on 25 points, just a win away from Betis. The victory for Betis, meanwhile, would move them level on points with fourth-placed Malaga. The proximity of the league is shown with just six points separating 12th and fifth.
Just a reminder of what we have to come this weekend in La Liga. Our coverage tomorrow gets underway at 4.30pm when Granada host Valencia, before Deportivo take on Malaga and Sevilla welcome Osasuna. We also have three back-to-back live commentaries from 3.30pm on Sunday with Real Madrid facing Real Sociedad, Barcelona facing Espanyol and Real Mallorca hosting Atletico Madrid. Be sure to join us for all the action.
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 a reminder on the main team news. Zaragoza pair Postiga and Victor Rodriguez in attack, while Apono also starts. Betis keep faith with Joel Campbell in the attack alongside Ruben Castro. There is a lot of attacking talent on display.
Right, tonight’s referee is Jose Teixeira. Let's hope that we are discussing the match and not the officials come the end of play this evening. Not a full house, but a good crowd nonetheless. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Both of these sides have been impressive this season, but there is something about Betis away from home. I am backing a 2-1 away win. The home side get the action underway a couple of minutes later than expected. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety of the match.
Impressive start from Betis with Benat gaining possession in midfield before finding the run of Campbell, but the on-loan Arsenal striker is just denied by a fine challenge from Loovens. Zaragoza attempt to launch an attack of their own with Victor Rodriguez, but the final pass comes to nothing and Adrian collects.
Slightly untidy period in the match at the moment with both sides giving away a host of free kicks in and around the centre circle. The latest comes from Loovens as the big defender clatters into Campbell. The resulting free kick is taken by Benat, but his cross is just over the head of Sevilla and Roberto comes to collect. I shall keep an eye on Loovens this evening, he has had a problem staying on the pitch this season.
Half-chance for the home side as Abraham advanced forward from left-back before firing an effort towards goal, but Mario just comes across to block the danger. The pressure continues as Edu Oriol looks for the head of Postiga with a high ball, but once more the danger is cleared.
Neither side has really gained control of the match inside the opening eight minutes with both teams exchanging spells of possession. Campbell looks the main threat for Betis with his attacking power and pace. The away side have the ball in the back of the net as Ruben Castro finds the bottom corner from outside the box, but the offside flag had been raised.
Decent spell from the home side in the past few minutes with Movilla and Apono passing and probing outside the Betis box. A searching cross from Oriol comes close to finding the head of Postiga, but Mario just gets back to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that the first goal this evening - if there indeed is one - could prove decisive in the final result.
Half-chance for Betis this time as Campbell collects possession on the right before weaving his way into the Zaragoza box, but he cannot find Benat on the edge of the area and it eventually goes behind for a goal kick. Decent tempo to the opening 12 minutes, but neither side has created an opening of note thus far.
End-to-end football at the moment with both teams committing numbers to each attack, but neither can find that elusive pass in and around the opposing penalty area and the danger is cleared. Nothing wrong with the passing in each half, but the craft of the final pass has not yet been found. However, plenty of reasons for hope.
Another counter-attack from Betis comes close to creating a shooting opportunity as Canas finds the run of Igiebor behind the Zaragoza defence, but the offside flag had been raised. Replays have shown that the midfielder was indeed onside. Meanwhile, the petulant free kicks continue.
You do get the feeling that Zaragoza are going to regret giving away free kicks around their penalty area. The latest set piece is fired in by Benat, but Roberto gets strong hands on the ball to clear the danger. The pressure remains, however, with Benat and Canas starting to get to grips with the midfield battle.
Still not a great deal to get excited about in terms of chances. However, both sides are displaying quality in possession. The quality of the football up until both penalty areas has been impressive, but both defences have been on top. In truth, a point apiece would not be the worst result in the world for either team. Little over 25 minutes of the first period remaining as we await our first clear chance.
Decent work from Movilla as he collects possession before firing a searching pass towards Sapunaru, but Nacho comes across to usher the ball to safety. Betis have a half-chance of their own moments later as Campbell attempts to weave into the Zaragoza box, but Loovens closes the door once more.
I would love to be able to tell you that we have chance after chance in this match, but that is simply not the case. Still both sides continue to find that elusive final pass. It isn't as if each team is defending superbly, rather just sitting in and absorbing the danger. Every long pass from Betis has been ruled offside thus far.
Betis continue to look for that pass in behind the Zaragoza defence, but Loovens and Alvaro remain comfortable in dropping deep and dealing with the danger. Campbell has faded after a bright opening, while Ruben Castro has hardly had a kick. For the home side, they continue to struggle to find Postiga.
The referee is not helping with the tempo of this match as he continues to award free kicks for little contact. Betis are certainly playing the better football as we approach the 30-minute mark. Again Campbell is found with a through ball, but the offside flag is raised. I didn't realise that Javier Hernandez was playing this evening.
It's Loovens again with a high challenge as he fells Castro outside the penalty area. The defender is certainly lucky to not have had his name taken in the opening 30 minutes. The resulting free kick is taken by Benat, but Montanes is on hand to clear for a corner at the far post.
The corner is taken by Benat, Mario rises highest in the penalty area, but his header is just wide of the target and drifts out for a goal kick. I cannot remember the last time Victor or Postiga had possession of the ball in this match. Having said that, both will probably score three each now. I have been known to have that effect from time to time.
CHANCE! Clearest opening of the match by some distance as Postiga dances into the penalty area before rounding the goalkeeper, but Mario gets back to make a fine challenge and clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Montanes, but once more the danger is cleared. Suddenly this match has a bit of life.
CHANCE! Another clear chance for the home side as Victor whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area towards the head of Alvaro, the big defender connects with power, but can only fire head of the target. Zaragoza should really be ahead. But Betis have had the breaks and you fancy them to take the lead from this position. We have seen it too often from the club this season.
CHANCE! Good grief. How on earth are Zaragoza not ahead? This match has just burst into life. This time Apono fires a dangerous corner into the penalty area, it drops at the feet of Postiga, but somehow Mario makes a last-ditch challenge to clear for a corner. Half-chance moments later, but Montanes fires wide of the target from outside the box.
Little over five minutes of the half remaining and still the score remains 0-0. Betis have dominated large periods of this match, but Zaragoza have had three glorious chances in quick succession. Campbell attempts to beat Roberto to a searching pass from Benat, but the goalkeeper is across to clear.
The recent spat of chances has certainly woken the supporters up and they are now responding with noise as they drive the home team forward. Montanes is again the danger down the left, but his cross is just too long for Postiga, before Apono heads over moments later.
Still nothing for Betis to get too excited about as another long pass fails to reach its desired target. Zaragoza launch a counter of their own with Montanes, but Adrian is felled by a jumping Postiga and the referee is quick on the scene to award a free kick. Little over three minutes of the opening half remaining and we still sit level at 0-0.
Not too much to report as the opening period draws to a close. Betis will certainly want half-time in order to regroup, but it could not come at a worse time for Zaragoza who are in complete control of proceedings. But we have seen it all too often from Betis, they just find a way to win away matches even when they are under constant pressure.
GOAL! Real Zaragoza 0-1 Real Betis (Castro)
What was I saying about Betis? It is no surprise that they have taken the lead entirely against the run of play. It's wonderful from Benat as the Spaniard slips a low pass behind the Zaragoza defence, this time Castro is onside and he slips under the onrushing goalkeeper. Betis lead.
HALF-TIME: Real Zaragoza 0-1 Real Betis
Incredible. Just incredible. Zaragoza might have been 3-0 ahead at the interval, but instead they enter the break behind. Betis produce on the road once more as Castro hands the away side the lead with his 10th league goal of the season. His sixth in his last six games.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Betis have shaded the possession with 53%, but they managed just one attempt to Zaragoza's three. But the only statistic that matters sees Betis lead with 45 minutes of football to play.
As it stands Betis would move level on points with four-placed Malaga, but would remain in fifth due to their inferior goal difference. Zaragoza, meanwhile, would remain in 12th position. But you do get the feeling that this match is far from over. Be sure to stay with us for the second period you will not want to miss it.
In terms of changes ahead of the second period, Jose Mari would be the obvious striker for the home side. However, they have not done too much wrong in the opening half and should be ahead so it would be a surprise if they made an early chance. Betis, meanwhile, will continue to play on the counter with Campbell's pace creating gaps in the home side's back four.
Here we go then. Both sides join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. It is important that the Zaragoza supporters stay with their side in the early stages of the half. It is just so delicately poised. I am sticking with my pre-match prediction of an away win. Betis get the action underway.
Zaragoza must be sick of the sight of Castro. The striker bagged both goals in a 2-0 away win in the corresponding fixture last season. Who would back against him grabbing another brace in this match? It's been an impressive start from the home side with Postiga flicking a Montanes cross into the box, but the danger is cleared.
Zaragoza have had all the play in the opening five minutes of the second period. But you sense that they have to level the scores early on. For their confidence if nothing else. It's good play from Oriol as the midfielder advances down the right before whipping a cross into the box, but Mario clears the danger.
Slightly untidy last couple of minutes with both sides guilty of being caught in possession. Meanwhile, a couple of fouls have just interrupted the early tempo. Betis are just so perfectly set up to play away from home, they can sit in, absorb, then break with pace and power. Their away record is no fluke.
First signs of frustration from the home crowd as Montanes whips a corner straight into the arms of Adrian. The Betis goalkeeper attempts to release Campbell on the counter, but Loovens is across to clear the danger. The opening nine minutes of this half has flown by. It has probably felt the same to Zaragoza. But there is still plenty of time for this match to turnaround.
First change of the match for the away side as Molina replaces Igeibor who has struggled to influence proceedings thus far. Molina will more than likely move into an advanced area with Castro dropping into a wide position. It is all about pace on the counter for Betis as Campbell wins a corner for his side with a mazy run.
Half-chance for Betis as Mario strikes an effort from outside the penalty area, but Roberto gathers the danger. He attempts to start a counter attack for his side as he finds Movilla down the right, but Campbell performs his defensive duties to clear the danger.
GOAL! Real Zaragoza 0-2 Real Betis (Molina)
You just couldn't write it. This is Betis all over. They absorb the danger once more and break with Castro. The striker finds Molina outside the box and he twists and turns before firing past the onrushing goalkeeper. Zaragoza have an awful lot to do now.
I have said it before and I will say it again. It is no surprise that Betis continue to win matches away from home. They have ridden their luck this evening, but haven't they all season? They have so much pace and in Castro and Molina, two players who can certainly finish under pressure.
The second goal has just completely taken the sting out of this match as Betis pass and probe in the Zaragoza half. Meanwhile, the home supporters have been silenced. It could get worse in the remaining 30 minutes of this match. Zaragoza make their first change as Oriol is replaced by Franco Zuculini.
Half-chance for the home side as Victor collects possession outside the area before turning and firing a shot towards goal, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. It is an incredibly open match with 25 minutes remaining. I know which side that will suit. That is the reason I cannot see Zaragoza getting back into it.
Just a reminder that three points for Betis this evening would move them level on points with fourth-placed Malaga. Meanwhile, a loss for the home side would leave them in 12th position. In truth, if you had offered them that position at this stage at the start of the season then of course they would have taken it. Little over 20 minutes remaining.
In fairness to Zaragoza they have responded impressively in the last couple of moments with the Argentine Zuculini and Postiga both taking up advanced positions, but neither can fashion an attempt on target. Another half-chance comes as Victor strikes from outside the box, but it whistles wide of the post.
For all the home side's pressure in this match, they have not yet managed a single shot on target. That is quite incredible. It has been an open match, but the difference has been Betis' ability to take their opportunities. The atmosphere has entirely dropped and it is almost like a training match at the moment.
Loovens continues to test the referees patience as he dives into another challenge. The former Celtic defender is lucky to not have entered the book this evening. Betis again threaten with Campbell, but his run is cut short as Alvaro clears the danger.
CHANCE! Two glorious chances for Betis in quick succession as Molina plays in Castro. The striker's first effort is saved by Roberto, before the goalkeeper also denies Castro from the rebound. That would have been game, set and match. Zaragoza have a half-chance down the other end with an Alvaro header, but it is wide of the target.
Meanwhile, Betis make their second change of the evening as Alejandro Pozuelo replaces Sevilla, who has been impressive. Pepe Mel does not really make defensive changes, regardless of how his team are doing. Little over 15 minutes of action remaining and Betis lead 2-0.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few moments. Zaragoza continue to push forward, but as has been the case all evening they cannot find the final pass and once more the danger is cleared. But there is still time for late drama in this match. That is for certain.
GOAL! Real Zaragoza 1-2 Real Betis (Montanes)
Game on! Montanes puts his side back into the match as he meets a loose ball in the box before finding the back of the net from close range. We still have more than 10 minutes to play in this one. Get ready for late drama. Spanish football is well and truly back folks.
Zaragoza continue to push forward in each of the leveller with Postiga lurking in the penalty area, but he cannot gather a long bouncing ball and the danger is cleared for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Montanes, but the danger is headed clear by Mario.
The pressure continues from the home side as they make their third change of the match with Victor being replaced by Jorge Orti. But they cannot find a way through this Betis defence. At each opportunity the away side are breaking and it is wasting precious seconds.
Again it's good work from the Betis defence as the danger is headed clear by Mario. Montanes picks up possession on the edge of the box, but once more his effort is wide of the target. If there is going to be an equaliser in this match then it simply has to come now.
Betis continue to waste precious seconds with Campbell gathering the ball in the final third before driving to the corner flag and gaining a free kick from Loovens, who in truth is lucky to still be on the pitch with the amount of fouls he has made this evening.
The fourth official has indicated that we will play an additional two minutes of time at the end of the match. It is now or never for the home side. But it appears to be never as yet another high ball into the penalty area is cleared. Mario has been outstanding for Betis this evening.
Backs against the ball for Betis in the final moments as another long ball is fired into their penalty area, but they deal with the danger. Little more than 30 seconds of football remaining. As it stands Betis will be moving level on points with fourth-placed Malaga.
FULL-TIME: Real Zaragoza 1-2 Real Betis
So there we have it. Betis hang on in the final moments to secure a 2-1 away win against Zaragoza. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us tomorrow for more La Liga football. Until then!
