Missed chances cost Real Betis in frustrating La Liga draw with Girona

By SABC Sport
16th August 2024

Real Betis had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Girona at the Benito Villamarin, with manager Manuel Pellegrini left frustrated by his side's inability to finish their chances.

Despite dominating large spells of the game, Betis failed to capitalise on their opportunities, which ultimately cost them two valuable points at home.

Pellegrini, speaking to DAZN after the match, expressed his disappointment, saying, "I'm very unhappy with the result. We had enough clear chances to secure the win long before the final whistle. In the first half, we created some good opportunities, and in the second half, we had more right in front of goal, but we just couldn't finish them.

"Overall, I'm pleased with the team's performance and attitude, but we've thrown away two points at home."

The match saw controversy surrounding Girona's equaliser, as Betis players protested a potential handball in the build-up.

However, the referee dismissed the appeals, allowing the goal to stand. Pellegrini downplayed the incident, focusing instead on his team's missed opportunities.

"There might have been a handball, but it wasn't conclusive. More importantly, we had chances in the first half to put the game to bed at 2-0. We hit the post, we had clear shots, but we didn't convert them, and in the end, we paid the price."

One bright spot for Betis was the return of Marc Bartra, who scored their only goal. The centre-back had been out for a lengthy period but looked sharp on his return.

Pellegrini praised his performance, saying, "I'm pleased for Bartra because he's been out for a long time. He's had a good pre-season, and it showed. He had a solid game overall. But when you create those kinds of chances against a strong side like Girona, a team competing in Europe, you need to take them."

Pellegrini also experimented with his line-up, fielding Aitor Ruibal as a striker. Though Ruibal has been used in various positions for Betis, Pellegrini highlighted his history as a forward.

"Ruibal has always been a forward. We've adapted him to different roles because of his versatility, but that's his natural position. He had a clear chance in the first half, but the goalkeeper made a good save.

"I'm happy with the team's overall performance, but we lacked precision in front of goal."

Real Betis will need to be more clinical in the future if they are to challenge for European places this season, as missed chances like these could prove costly.