Espanyol Hold Real Betis

Mane's tenure as Espanyol boss began with a draw that may have proved insufficient to drag them out of the dropzone, but that will still offer encouragement.

The Beticos, while probably the better side, were kept at bay by Carlos Kameni in particular, and although they were to take the lead Espanyol showed character to respond, while Paco Chaparro's side can only rue missed chances.

There was high drama as early as the seventh minute as Sergio Sanchez whipped in a cross from the right, only for Juanito to deflect it clear with his hand. Referee Mateu Lahoz, though, saw nothing.

Sixty seconds later Sergio Sanchez was once again involved with a great corner that swung in so violently that it smashed off Casto's post. However, no perico could take advantage.

Betis had a couple of chances of their own, only to be prevented by Carlos Kameni from opening the scoring, but it was the uncertain performance of Juanito at the other end that was providing most of the excitement.

Still, once again Betis took a grip on the game after a 25 minute settling-in period, and it was Achille Emana that was the most responsible. He and Mehmet Aurelio were running the show as the match headed towards the interval, and Kameni was to be called into action on several more occasions.

After the break, in fact, such pressure paid off when Emana opened the scoring. The Cameroonian slammed a low shot from the edge of the area after holding the ball up well following Sergio Garcia's pass in from the left.

Garcia himself should have been next on the scoresheet, but Espanyol - rejuvenated by the introductions of Coro and Roman Martinez for Francisco Rufete and Lola - managed to pull one back.

It was fantastic play from Nene that made this strike, the Brazilian striding up the left before firing in the sweetest of crosses for Coro. The Catalan still had it all to do, but he controlled the ball beautifully before fiting goalwards past the helpless Casto.

The game grew scrappier as the players tired, but there was no shortage of excitement from that, particualr from the corners. Indeed, Juanito came close to redeeming himself for his earlier mistakes with a fine header that only just missed the target ten minutes from time.

Still, the final ten minutes provided few chances, and a draw duly ensued.

Click here for stats and lineups from Real Betis 1-1 Espanyol.



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