Two more points fly from San Mamés

Tie in San Mamés that was little. Athletic deserved more, much more, against a Betis team that was outmatched from beginning to end of the first half. Pellegrini, a great coach, knew how to change the course of the game with a triple substitution at halftime.

The Chilean coach sacrificed Chimy Ávila, whistled from the stands every time he touched the ball, to reinforce his midfield, put Fornals inside and play with two open wingers on the wing just after halftime. The bet paid off in less than eight minutes. His team’s first shot against Agirrezabala’s goal and 0-1. Seeing is believing.

Until then, the green-and-white squad had been a toy in the hands of a disheveled red-and-white team. By the 20th minute, both Sancet and Iñaki Williams had wasted two clear chances and sent balls against the woodwork. Rui Costa, inspired, and the sticks were the only ones able to stop the insistent local offensive.

From Betis, meanwhile, there were no signs of life. Luck was also on their side shortly before half-time with another header from Paredes that ended with the ball hitting the woodwork. Incredible, but true.

The second half was different due to Fornals’ early goal and the change in the visiting system, but the lions, even so, also had their options to come back. Berenguer, who had just entered, was the only one to hit the target. Two more points that fly away from San Mamés in an undeserved way.

Two unexpected casualties

Valverde used his usual starting block, but with two new features compared to the expected lineup. Jauregizar and Guruzeta were even left out of the squad due to their respective back problems. Prados and Dajló took their positions.

Pellegrini only made one variation with respect to the team he presented against Atlético de Madrid on the previous League matchday. Bellerín, recovered from his physical problems, returned to the right side to the detriment of the now injured Aitor Ruibal. The green and white team was faithful to its classic 1-4-4-2.

The lions stepped on the accelerator from practically the kickoff. The chances, many of them very clear, followed one another in front of the goal defended by Rui Silva, but without becoming a goal. Sancet, alone, hit the post first and minutes later, also alone, forgave the unforgivable. Iñaki Williams, author of the Navarrese’s two great crosses, hit the crossbar just after the first quarter of an hour.

Shortly after, with Djaló’s measured service, the eldest Williams failed to score a few centimeters from the visiting goalkeeper. The impressive Bilbao gale gradually lost steam, although five minutes before half-time Paredes, with an acrobatic header, once again sent the ball into the post. Agirrezabala went to the booth at the end of this period without having hardly intervened.

Pellegrini, aware of the situation, made three changes at halftime. Sabaly, Losasa and Diao joined the game and Betis began to play with a trivote in the center of the field and two wingers with Vitor Roque as a reference up top. The Chilean coach’s bet soon paid off, since Fornals beat Agirrezabala with the first shot between the visiting team’s three sticks. Athletic suffered the blow, but recovered immediately. Sancet and Vivian had their options in front of goal. Losada also forced Agirrezabala to show off.

Valverde then chose to bring on Berenguer for Djaló. A change that soon bore fruit, since the Navarrese took advantage three minutes later of a measured cross from De Marcos to tie the game with a header. The lions continued to press and had a double chance from Ander Herrera, who had come out shortly before with Martón, which was thwarted by Rui Silva. The simultaneous entry of Gorosabel and Unai Gómez closed the chapter of changes in the local side.

The winger had his chance to break the scoreboard shortly after taking to the pitch and Bakambu, also recently incorporated, was able to do the same on the counterattack. The scoreboard, however, no longer moved.