Betis punishes Valencia’s stinginess

Betis struggled to break down the wall Carlos Corberán built in front of his goal. Valencia’s coach is determined to focus his team’s efforts on not losing, on not conceding a goal. Against Celta, just three days ago, the approach earned him a draw. Against Manuel Pellegrini’s team, with more resources, it was not enough (0-1). The postponed first-round match left the two Sevilla teams — six points in two games — at the top of the League.

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VALValencia

0

Stole Dimitrievski, Pablo Maffeo (Luis Rioja, min. 54), César Tárrega, Mouctar Diakhaby, Pepelu (David Otorbi, min. 87), Jesús Vázquez, Javi Guerra, Guido Rodríguez (Aliou Dieng, min. 87), Arnaut Danjuma (Filip Ugrinic, min. 54), Ryunosuke Sato and Hugo Duro (Umar Sadiq, min. 54)

BETBetis

1

Álvaro Valles, Diego Llorente, Ángel Ortiz (Héctor Bellerín, min. 70), Junior Firpo (Fran García, min. 58), Valentín Gómez, Pablo Fornals (Pablo García, min. 78), Facundo Bernal, Rodrigo Riquelme (Isco, min. 58), Nelson Deossa, Antony and Cucho Hernández (Troy Parrott, min. 70)

Goals 0-1 min. 82: Pablo García

Referee Jon Ander González Esteban

Yellow cards Ryunosuke Sato (min. 25), Júnior Firpo (min. 41), Mouctar Diakhaby (min. 88)

Valencia does not change its face, as if it did not matter who passes through Mestalla, as if the years run by and it never gets out of a loop. An infinite loop. Carlos Corberán, already anesthetized against whistles and signed criticisms, wants to build his team from the defense. Secure the goal and from there let everything else come. It does not matter that it is in its stronghold, in front of more than 40,000 militants of this lost cause that Valencia has been for six years, the years it has not left Spain. If the opponent, this time Betis, Celta three days ago, has the ball, the Cheste coach orders his eleven players to position themselves behind the ball inside the area and at the edge. And yes, Dimitrievski does not bow down to pick up the ball inside his goal, but it is very difficult to find a truly dangerous play in the other area.

Betis, a Champions team, something that is seen in three touches of the ball, in how they shake off pressure with ease, controlled the match at their will. Fornals and Deossa moved Manuel Pellegrini’s team and almost always ended up looking for Antony, one of those forwards who intimidate with their class. Although the Sevillian team lacked the final pass, the technical gesture that allows overcoming the numerous rival defense. Valencia, with Danjuma leaving his page blank once again, was harmless. The Dutchman, always individualistic, seems to play for survival in every play. Corberán took him off at 55 minutes.

The changes made Valencia more unpredictable, but not more effective. Javi Guerra, at least, grew when he felt Ugrinic by his side. But Sadiq’s wildcard does not always bring joy. Pellegrini also played his cards and the first ball Bellerín touched left Troy Parrott alone. The Irishman, a rookie in the League, who seemed to be waiting for an offside call, missed the easiest shot of the match.

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The punishment for this stingy Valencia came a breath from the end. Pablo García started a counterattack from his area and finished it on the opposite side with a superb volley. With the 0-1, Valencia let loose. There was no other option. But Sadiq, always two-faced, alternating surprise with error, failed to finish a good play against Valles. With everything lost, the bravest Valencia emerged. Too late.

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Standings

Standings	PT	PJ	PG	PE	PP
14 RMA	0	0	0	0	0
15 RSO	0	0	0	0	0
16 VAL	0	0	0	0	0
17 RAY	0	1	0	0	1
18 MGA	0	1	0	0	1

Standings	PT	PJ	PG	PE	PP
11 CEL	0	0	0	0	0
12 OSA	0	0	0	0	0
13 BET	0	0	0	0	0
14 RMA	0	0	0	0	0
15 RSO	0	0	0	0	0