GETAFE’S SORIA TIMELY INTERCEPTION SAVES DAY AS MATCH WITH BETIS ENDS GOALLESS DRAW.

Real Betis have now failed to win each of their last three La Liga games, as Getafe CF’s David Soria denied them the opportunity to go within one point of a UEFA Champions League place with an outstanding goalkeeping display.

Hot on the heels of clinching their third Copa del Rey trophy and guaranteeing a UEFA Europa League place in the process, ‘Los Verdiblancos’ still had the opportunity to snatch a Champions League berth right at the death. Knowing anything other than a victory against struggling Getafe would see their hopes diminish, the visitors made a positive start, and almost raced ahead in the 2nd minute when Germán Pezzella’s towering header was neatly saved by Soria.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side remained in firm control of the contest throughout the first half, and continued to hound the ‘Azulones’ goal. Soria was forced to pull off a smattering of inch-perfect saves to deny hopeful attempts from Youssouf Sabaly and Sergio Canales, as Betis pushed for the all-important breakthrough. Getafe, who were still looking perilously over their shoulder at the possibility of being dragged deep into a relegation fight, failed to get out of first gear, and almost fell behind again before the break when Nabil Fekir’s firecracker from the edge of the area was valiantly quashed by the ever-present Soria.

Quique Sánchez Flores’ men came out in the second half with the immediate intention of nabbing a goal from a set-piece, but the subsequent effort from Okay Yokuşlu was no sweat for Claudio Bravo. Getafe’s command over proceedings was short-lived, as Betis reaffirmed their dominance of the ball, though they struggled to turn their high percentage of possession into something more substantial. The hosts, still posing a threat on the break, found Sandro Ramírez clear through on goal late in the game, but the former Barcelona forward made a hash of the opportunity, as the ball went well wide of the target.

In the end, Real Betis were unable to find the crucial goal they needed to apply further pressure on Atlético Madrid directly above, yet remain just three points behind with two games left to play. In contrast, Getafe now go five points clear of the drop zone and can consider themselves virtually safe.