Antony and Isco Shine as Betis Maintain Champions League Ambitions with Victory Over Girona

Real Betis have surged to within a point of a coveted UEFA Champions League spot following a commanding 3-1 victory away at Girona in LaLiga. This defeat marks the fourth consecutive top-flight loss for the home side under manager Michel—an unwelcome record for the club.

After a disappointing result in their previous league appearance, Betis couldn’t have wished for a better start, as Johnny Cardoso headed in Isco’s corner just six minutes into the match, leaving the Girona defence utterly flummoxed.

It wasn’t until the 29th minute that the hosts managed to register a genuine threat, with Yaser Asprilla testing goalkeeper Adrian with a shot from just outside the box.

Before a 3-2 defeat last season, Betis had triumphed in their preceding four visits to Girona. Their past affinity with the Estadi Montilivi was evident again, as they bagged two more goals before the half-time whistle.

First, Romain Perraud sprinted down the left wing and delivered a precise cross to Antony, who calmly slotted the ball past Paulo Gazzaniga with a side-footed volley.

Just three minutes later, Abde Ezzalzouli had a strike saved but maintained his poise to follow up on the rebound, flicking the ball up for Isco to nod it home, celebrating his 33rd birthday with a goal.

The birthday celebrant nearly added another assist soon after the interval, almost mirroring his initial contribution, but Ezzalzouli headed over from the corner.

Ten minutes into the second half, Girona had their best opportunity of the match when Daley Blind threaded the ball through to Portu. However, Adrian managed to smother the shot somewhat, allowing Natan to recover and clear the danger off the line.

The goalkeepers continued to be the stars of the show. Gazzaniga made a remarkable double save to deny both Antony and Cucho Hernandez as Betis struggled to extend their advantage. Adrian then reacted quickly to prevent Viktor Tsygankov from clawing a goal back.

With just five minutes remaining, Girona finally found the net when Betis failed to clear a corner, allowing Cristhian Stuani to bundle the ball in. Unfortunately for the hosts, it proved too little too late as they now find themselves without a win in 10 LaLiga matches—a first in the club’s history—and lingering just three points above the relegation zone.

On the other hand, Betis have lost only once in their last nine league games, putting them in a much stronger position.