Red-hot Real Betis take control against Jagiellonia in Conference League quarterfinal first leg

True to form, Betis came out flying at a buzzing Estadio Benito Villamari­n, where they've now scored first in 12 of their 14 European outings this season. Early warning shots came from Jesus Rodri­guez and Natan, both just missing the target within the first 15 minutes, as the home side flexed their intent.

The breakthrough came midway through the half, and it was pure class. Pablo Fornals threaded a pinpoint pass to Cedric Bakambu, who made no mistake in slotting home his fifth goal in just four Conference League games under manager Slawomir Abramowicz. The veteran striker is thriving in green and white.

Jagiellonia, clearly second best in possession, offered a rare glimpse of danger when Darko Churlinov forced a sharp save from Betis keeper Fran Vieites. But before the Poles could build on that spark, Betis doubled their lead.

When Bakambu's effort took a deflection, Rodríguez was quickest to react, and the 19-year-old made it count - coolly curling in his first European goal from close range just before the break. It was a fitting moment for the young winger, who's quickly becoming one to watch.

Jagiellonia thought they'd clawed one back right after halftime, but Leon Flach's close-range finish was ruled out for offside, extinguishing the visiting fans' brief celebration.

The second half turned into a frantic affair, with both sides going at it. Rodri­guez came within inches of a second, his low drive rattling the post, while Natan also struck the woodwork with a towering header from an Isco corner late in the game.

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