Isco and Ayoze unleash Betis in the European battle of Mestalla

The atmosphere at Mestalla was filled with whistles as Isco stepped onto the field. This crowd knows better than anyone the potential of the player they once idolized during his youth. Isco, from Malaga, possesses incredible talent and magic, and all of Betis’ hopes and aspirations revolve around him. Paired with the lethal Ayoze, they rejuvenated the Andalusians’ fight for a spot in Europe, prevailing over a determined Valencia side that never gave up but ultimately paid the price for their lack of finishing ability. [Narrative and statistics]

Buoyed by the enthusiasm to secure a spot in Europe, Baraja’s youthful team started the match in a reactive manner, pushing the opposition into their own half and seeking to capitalize on the scoreboard with faith rather than tactical prowess. Mosquera delivered a cross and Cenk made an attempt to trouble the green and white team, but the path to harm their opponents was not clear. However, as soon as Isco started to exert his influence, Betis found their rhythm. They took the lead, playing with more intelligence and relying on the spark provided by the talented native of Malaga.

Isco became a specter that induced tremors among the Valencian fans. Guido found him on the left wing with a long pass, which he turned into a precise cross that Ayoze met with a well-placed shot, taking advantage of Mosquera’s slip. Mamardashvili was helpless against the goal. This strike left Baraja’s team stunned, feeling uneasy whenever Isco got possession of the ball. He accelerated and exploited spaces that no one could have imagined. He acts as the compass guiding the Sevillians, and the young Valencian defense was afraid, unable to anticipate the player who creates the most assists, dribbles, and scoring opportunities for the Andalusians. Isco, who also has five goals to his name, is knocking emphatically on Luis de la Fuente’s door on the eve of the Euro Cup.

Isco and Bakambu’s relentless pressure stifled Valencia’s attempts to play, relegating them to chase shadows and creating confusion whenever they tried to advance towards Rui Silva’s goal. Only in the dying moments of the first half did Valencia manage to take advantage of a chaotic play inside the box. After attempts by Almeida and Hugo Duro, Cenk had the chance to put Valencia in the lead, but he failed to convert.

Baraja sought to revitalize his team by bringing on Sergi Canós, but Betis continued to dominate proceedings, repeatedly forcing corners that tested Mamardashvili, with one particular save denying Pezzella’s header. However, Betis managed to regain their momentum. Sensing the need for change, Pellegrini looked to the bench and opted to protect Isco for the upcoming derby, introducing Fekir instead.

Unfortunately for Pellegrini, his fears were realized. After a shot from Fornals struck the post, Valencia grew in intensity. They pushed forward, earning two consecutive corners and ultimately being awarded a penalty that breathed life into their hopes. Miranda’s elbow made contact with Hugo Duro, prompting Busquets Ferrer to point to the spot, and Pepelu made sure not to miss, equalizing the score in the 65th minute. This penalty was the spark that ignited the fireworks.

Rui Silva had to come to Betis’ rescue once again, making a crucial save to deny Peter Federico’s shot from the right edge of the area, with Hugo Duro close to capitalizing on the rebound.

However, Betis quickly responded. Guido provided an assist to Ayoze, who calmly navigated his way towards the penalty area, evading challenges from Pepelu, Mosquera, and Cenk before unleashing a shot that grazed Jesús Vázquez’s heel, sending the ball past Mamardashvili. Once again, Betis seemed to have secured all three points, as Valencia struggled to mount a comeback, despite their efforts through Alberto Marí’s header and relentless pressure on Rui Silva.