Real Betis came from behind to claim a thrilling 3-2 victory at Girona, with Rodrigo Riquelme's 80th-minute goal sealing a crucial win for the fifth-placed visitors.
Girona entered this La Liga clash looking to climb away from mid-table mediocrity. The hosts occupied 12th place with 38 points from 31 matches. Real Betis arrived in fifth position with 46 points, seeking to maintain their push toward European qualification. Both teams needed the three points for different reasons.
Viktor Tsygankov gave Girona the perfect start in the seventh minute. The winger found space down the left and fired a clinical finish past the Betis goalkeeper. Girona's early intensity suggested they meant business at the Estadio Municipal de Montilivi.
Betis responded swiftly to level matters. Marc Roca struck in the 23rd minute, finding the back of the net to restore parity. The midfielder's goal energized the visitors and shifted the momentum of the contest.
The first half ended level at 1-1, setting up an intriguing second-half battle. Both teams had created limited clear chances, with Girona holding 56 percent possession. Betis would need to be more clinical in front of goal after the break.
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli changed the complexion of the match in the 63rd minute. The winger struck to give Betis a 2-1 lead. Suddenly, the away side had seized control of proceedings.
Girona refused to surrender. Azzedine Ounahi converted from the penalty spot in the 67th minute to level at 2-2. The hosts remained very much in contention despite trailing in the run of play.
The decisive moment arrived in the 80th minute. Rodrigo Riquelme fired home to put Betis 3-2 ahead. This proved the winning goal in an entertaining encounter.
Girona created more opportunities overall, registering nine total shots compared to Betis's seven. However, the hosts managed just two shots on target. Betis's three on-target efforts proved more efficient. Expected goals favored Girona at 1.36 to 1.04, yet Betis's superior clinical finishing made the difference.
Ezzalzouli earned the man of the match award with a rating of 8.2. The winger contributed one goal and two assists in 88 minutes. His performance exemplified Betis's attacking threat throughout the contest.
This victory moves Betis to 49 points from 32 matches. Girona remains on 38 points from 32 games. The result strengthens Betis's European hopes while leaving Girona's season uncertain.
