“We come only for the shield”

“We come only for the shield”
“We come only for the shield”

Betis is getting to know Europe. First it was Poland, then Czech Republic and now Moldova. Kilometers will not be missing for a team very lacking in European experience. On a day in which the referee’s performance could well “justify” a possible setback, Betis did what they had to. Gain. The set of Manuel Pellegrini He once again left doubts in his football on a freezing afternoon in the Moldovan capital. However, this time he did achieve victory.

Days like today are the ones that the Real Betis. Parties that support an entity that does not live up to the greatness that is assumed in Europe. Chisinau, at five degrees below zero and the three points on the way to Seville The image of the match was dominated by the fans who traveled to the Moldovan capital. The green and white fans displayed a banner that read “We come only for the shield.”

A phrase that perfectly defines the thinking of the majority of Heliopolitan fans: the team is not up to par with either the shield or the thousands of fans who travel around Europe. The only difference is that today they did win, by the slightest, but they won.

Visitor’s duel

The afternoon in Chisinau did not look promising. Cold, threat of snow and the need to take the three points. A momentous match against a team that to a certain extent played away from home.

Petrocub normally plays its matches at the Stadionul Municipal de Hincesti. However, with its little more than 2,600 seats, it is not a stadium suitable for UEFA. The Zimbru Stadium, Zimbru Chisinau’s usual home, normally hosts Petrocub’s European matches.

For Moldovan football it was a historic day. Petrocub is only the second team from Moldova to compete in the final phase of a European tournament. In 2022 the Sheriff Tiraspol made history by winning Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. He also finished third in his group of Champions League. However, the participation of Hincesti’s team is not so promising.

-

The referee did not have to be talked about

Criticizing referee actions is always a refuge when the grass does not respond. In the first time, Lothar D’hondt disallowed a presumably legal goal by Bakambu. He later forgave Demian’s expulsion in an action with Assane that could well have been the second yellow card for the Moldovan midfielder.

He Real Betis He recorded zero shots on goal in the first 45 minutes. Against a team that to date had conceded ten goals. Bakambu broke its scoring drought and Chimy was once again the best. Abde’s entry energized the green and white attack, leading to a penalty. The referee reviewed the action and annulled the play with his corresponding yellow card to the Moroccan winger.

Despite everything, the referee “returned” to the Real Betis all the harm he had done to her. The VAR had to come in to ratify the annulment of a goal that the linesman had indicated was illegal in play. From a football perspective, the result overshadows the, once again, bad game of the Real Betis. Lack of creation, Chimy Ávila could be seen on some occasions delaying his position to get the ball played.

It is striking that after the draw against Barcelona, ​​Betis recorded such a bad game. Manuel Pellegrini I’m sure he will be self-critical despite the victory. Well, the goal of moving on to the next phase is getting closer, it all depends on Betis. But the sensations are still not promising.

Betis won but ended up asking for time, that is the reality. Next week at home, Betis will have to confirm this slight improvement against HJK Helsinki.

-

--

NEXT Wembanyama invents a sumptuous basket