Despite scoring just once in their last three league matches, it was Los Verdiblancos who continued to work the better quality opportunities. Assane Diao was next to try his luck after he went on a blistering solo run through Girona’s defence and shot over the bar from six yards. Manuel Pellegrini’s side were soon made to rue their missed chances before HT as Aitor Ruibal scythed down Pablo Torre in the box for a stonewall penalty. Having opened the scoring in Girona’s last two matches, Dovbyk confidently converted the spot-kick, sending Rui Silva the wrong way and tapping into the corner.
Girona were well on their way to keeping their unbeaten run on the road this season intact and Dovbyk nearly sealed all three points with a low shot that skimmed the post just after the break. Betis’ eight-match run without loss at Estadio Benito VillamarÃn was under threat until Argentine Pezzella reacted first to a tame Girona clearance in the 88th minute, unleashing an unstoppable outside-of-the-boot finish into the top corner past a rooted Paulo Gazzaniga
MÃchel’s Girona almost secured a 10th consecutive away victory, which would have confirmed top spot in La Liga heading into the winter break, but Pezzella’s late leveller rescued Betis a point. Manuel Pellegrini’s side eventually showed enough grit to keep pushing for a point and a moment of quality from an unlikely source ensured Betis remain unbeaten in 13 league matches.
