Victory came through merit as Orihuela climbed into the play-off mix with a spirited comeback, a result propelled by the precise strikes of Adrián Revilla and a decisive header from Juanmi Callejón. The journey to the Betic sports complex had centered on sustaining the momentum that had been building confidence across the Alicante club. From the opening whistle, both sides traded control and danger, but Orihuela carved out the first real opportunity when Fran Vietes found space and struck the post, a warning that resonated through the stands. Revilla then unleashed a powerful shot that forced a save from the local goalkeeper, underscoring his role as the focal point of Orihuela’s attack. The rhythm suggested a contest decided by moments of individual quality, with Revilla repeatedly attempting to link with Ayo on the left and stretch Betis Deportivo’s backline.
When Betis Deportivo finally breached Orihuela’s defensive lines, Aitor Arias delivered a clinical strike to put the visitors ahead, a lead they carried with intent as Mawuli seized the opportunity to convert the moment into a goal for the away side. Yet Orihuela’s response came swiftly and decisively: Revilla orchestrated a sharp equalizer, slicing through Betic’s defense and finishing with composure to make it 1-1, a testament to the home side’s resilience and belief that the game could swing in their favor. The first half unfolded with intensity, the stands buzzing with a shared sense that both clubs would scrap for every loose ball and every second ball that might tilt the balance their way.
Time moved with a blistering tempo after the break, and early exchanges hinted at a match that could hinge on one moment of clever play or a well-timed set piece. Betis Deportivo pressed forward, aiming to reclaim the lead through routine set-piece moves, while Orihuela tightened their lines and looked to exploit counterattack opportunities. Sergio Camacho emerged as a late spark for the visitors, producing an acrobatic effort that kept the score level and offered his team a glimmer of hope as the clock ticked toward the final stretch. The ensuing minutes saw the pace escalate with both sides pressing high, chasing a decisive breakthrough, yet the defensive organization held firm and the game’s balance settled into a stubborn stalemate.
As the match wore on, Orihuela showed patience while sharpening its attacking intent. Revilla created the first genuine window after the break, driving into dangerous zones and testing the Betic defense with a series of driving runs that kept the pressure on. Betis Deportivo tried to respond with speed and discipline, but Orihuela’s backline remained compact, weathering the brief moments of pressure that followed each Betic attack. Sensing an opportunity, Orihuela’s manager brought on fresh legs through a triple substitution in an effort to inject energy and renewed creativity. The plan took time to yield results, and the home side continued its relentless search for the decisive edge as the clock wound down.
From the right-hand channel, fate swung Orihuela’s way as the ball found Callejón near the far post, arriving at a moment when the defense left a narrow gap. Callejón struck with intent, delivering a measured header that found the net at the far post and flipped the score in Orihuela’s favor. The goal boosted the home team’s confidence, and with around fifteen minutes remaining, Orihuela leaned on its defensive discipline to repel Betis Deportivo’s attempts to level again. The final phase unfolded as a blend of pragmatic defending and decisive counterattacks, allowing Orihuela to seal the three points in a late, emphatic manner. The victory highlighted a strong team performance, marked by tactical persistence and the killer instinct needed to convert chances into goals, reinforcing Orihuela’s recent positive form and signaling a clear upward trajectory in the league standings. [1]