1-1: A POINT APIECE IN EL GRAN DERBI

Just like the reverse fixture at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán and both matches last year, El Gran Derbi finished in a draw. In a tense yet entertaining affair, we had to come from behind after Isco had opened the scoring for the hosts, converting from 12 yards after referee Sánchez Martínez had penalised Lukébakio for handball. However, substitute Kike Salas crashed home a header in the 56th minute as the players once again demonstrated how tough we have become to beat under Quique Sánchez Flores.

We suffered a big blow early on as Isaac Romero went down injured while crossing into the Real Betis penalty area, forcing Sánchez Flores into an early change as Dodi Lukébakio entered the field of play. Lucas Ocampos thought he had given us the lead ten minutes later only to be denied by the offside flag. A goal-mouth scramble ensued from Marcos Acuña's long throw-in; Youssef En-Nesyri hit the post before Lukébakio reacted quickly and headed towards goal, finding Ocampos at the back post to head into an empty net. Though, replays show that the Argentine was clearly in an offside position. Soon after, Ocampos had another good chance, this time from the edge of the area, but his well-struck effort whistled just past the post.

The game was tense from start to finish

Real Betis then pushed forward and created a few chances of their own. First, Pablo Fornals tried to take advantage of a misjudgement by Ørjan Nyland, but Sergio Ramos rolled back the years, sensing the danger and pulling off a terrific goal line clearance. Three minutes later, Fornals once again found himself with a shooting opportunity. This time, his effort was blocked by Lukébakio's arm. With the Belgian's back turned and his arm down by his side, it could be argued that the referee's decision to point to the spot was a harsh one. VAR Ortiz Arias, however, agreed with the on-field decision and Isco converted to open the scoring, despite Nyland getting his fingertips on the ball. 

Early in the second half, Cédric Bakambu raced clear into a one-on-one situation but couldn't convert and Ayoze Pérez forced our Norwegian keeper into a fine near-post save. These misses soon proved costly as Kike Salas, having just replaced Jesús Navas, rose highest to power home a header from Acuña's corner kick. Arriving unmarked at the front post, our young defender left keeper Rui Silva with no chance, bringing the game back on level terms. 

The hosts were awarded their second penalty of the evening when Isco went down holding his face having put Loïc Badé under pressure. Fortunately, the VAR intervened this time, recommending an on-field review which resulted in the decision being overturned. With just three minutes left on the clock, Real Betis almost found a winner as Abde's header skimmed the top of the crossbar. A draw away from home means that we have now accumulated ten points from a possible twelve before hosting Granada CF next weekend. Having picked up a yellow card at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, Suso will miss Sunday's game through suspension.