Bet Used Canales to add three points that broke a run of two straight defeats, as the Verdiblanco side controlled the pace of play even in an open, high-stakes clash where both teams pushed for victory.
The Cantabrian playmaker opened the scoring, a moment set up by Borja Iglesias and a precise service from Rodri that found the post. The Indálica reply came from Luis Suárez, and as the match tilted back toward balance, Sergio Canales struck again to reassert Betis’ command on the scoreboard.
The opening minutes saw Betis maintaining the upper hand, but it was the rojiblanca side that drew level first, after Samu Costa entered in the 64th minute. Almería pressed forward, pressing Betis to the limit, yet Canales crafted a third goal with Cantabria’s run finishing in a corner taken by Guardado. The ensuing title was earned through steady pressure and clinical finishing.
Early on, Betis carved out chances by exploiting gaps in Almería’s defense, with Canales acting as the creative fulcrum and the team capitalizing on their intricate combinations. Guardado linked up with Cantabrian, and the home side hit the net in the second minute. By the fifth minute, Babic couldn’t reach a long ball from Pezzella and Canales, assisted by Borja Iglesias, forced a save that kept Betis ahead. Rodri then extended the lead as his low-driven shot found the back of the net, capitalizing on a momentary lapse in the visitors’ defense.
Almería absorbed the early pressure and responded by controlling possession and pushing forward with purpose, using the wings to stretch Betis and create chances. The visitors began to threaten more consistently, with Manuel Pellegrini’s team facing a lively contest that urged them to tighten their lines and stay vigilant. By the 15th minute, Almería earned a deserved foothold on the scoreboard with a swift move that drew a late challenge from Betis in defense and opened space for a finish that found its mark. A few minutes later, Borja Iglesias received a long ball from Pezzella and Canales, but the finish hit the post, underscoring the closeness of the frame and the hosts’ fleeting opportunities. However, Rodri did not miss a beat and once again put Betis in front, quick on the counter and clinically finishing the chance before the break.
The game remained open at this point, with Almería pressing forward and Betis looking to extend their lead whenever possible. The visitors continued to threaten through fast breaks and long balls, while Betis attempted to control the tempo and create additional openings. An equalizing moment came as Almería capitalized on space down the right, but a series of final passes failed to convert into a goal before the 28th minute. Luis Suárez claimed the ball at pace and delivered a low shot that found its way past the Betis defense, restoring parity in a match that demanded constant attention from both sides.
With the score level once more, the game did not slow. Betis pressed forward with urgency, looking to swing the momentum back in their favor. A promising sequence saw Juanmi deliver a dangerous cross that found Borja Iglesias, who struck the post after beating the defense with a clever run. The ball rolled across the goal line but did not cross it, keeping the scoreboard level and leaving Betis frustrated but determined. Moments later, Canales again produced magic, guiding a precise strike that beat the goalkeeper and handed Betis the lead just before halftime, thanks to Guardado’s assist from the flank and a composed finish by Cantabrian as the goalkeeper moved across the line to cover the near post.
The second half began with Betis asserting control, but Almería showed resilience in their response, pressing high and challenging every Betis touch. Samu Costa was denied by Melero after a well-worked free-kick, an offside flag later denying a potential scoring chance in the 51st minute. A subsequent long ball from Betis initiated by Samu Costa found Luis Suárez, whose shot was saved by the Almería goalkeeper and then cleared to safety, highlighting a moment of tension but also Betis’ continued pressure.
Almería kept faith in their approach, and their best moment of the second period arrived when El Bilal raced onto a through ball and found Luis Suárez in a central position, though Betis’ defense managed to block the shot and prevent a goal. Shortly after, Betis re-established their advantage through a well-worked sequence from a corner. Canales initiated the set piece, Guardado delivered the ball into the box, and the ball was dispatched with a decisive header to place Betis ahead for the third time in the match.
The contest remained open, with both teams seeking to capitalize on every opportunity. Almería pushed forward to avoid a repeat of earlier mistakes, while Betis looked to seal the result and maintain the pressure on their opponents. The match continued with a relentless pace, ensuring that spectators remained engaged as the clock wore on, and the final moments of the game carried the same intensity as the opening exchanges.
As the final whistle approached, Betis maintained a firm grip on the match, using their experience to navigate the late stages and protect their lead. The victory served as a reminder of the team’s capacity to control games, convert chances, and respond quickly to adversity with a calculated, disciplined performance that reflected the collective strength of the squad.
— LaLiga highlights captured the energy of the day, with fans and neutrals alike witnessing a competition that showcased tactical nuance, individual moments of brilliance, and the continuous pursuit of goals that defined the encounter between Betis and Almería.