La Liga: Athletic Bilbao edge Betis 2-1 on matchday 3 | OneFootball

The Athletic Bilbao defeated Betis 2-1 in a match corresponding to matchday 3 of La Liga.

After this resounding victory, "The Lions" of Bilbao took second place in the standings, with 9 points. One step below Real Madrid, who has the same number of points.

The two goals of the team led by coach Ernesto Valverde were scored by central defenders Marc Bartra (own goal) and Aitor Paredes. While the only goal of the team led by coach Manuel Pellegrini was scored by Cédric Bakambu.

During the first half of the match, the red-and-white team made a significant effort in the offensive aspect, but inaccuracies in the finishes were observed in the result at the end of the first half.

In the second half of the match, Valverde's team returned to the pitch with a different attitude that impacted the final result.

In the 15th minute, Athletic opened the scoring at La Cartuja stadium. Betis' central defender, Marc Bartra, tried to clear a pass to the center of the box, but sent the ball into his own net.

At 40 minutes, the Bilbao team extended their lead on the scoreboard and sealed their victory. Right winger Robert Navarro (just entered) made a precise cross that ended in a header by Aitor Paredes.

In the final moments, in the 45+7 minute, Betis scored their only goal in the match, but could not reverse the situation. Congolese forward Cédric Bakambu took advantage of a precise cross from Junior Firpo and sent the ball into the back of the net.

Barcelona F.C drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano and dropped to fourth place in the standings.

During the first 45 minutes of the match, the team led by German coach Hansi Flick deployed an offensive strategy that generated various clear goal opportunities.

In the 40th minute, the "Culé" opened the scoring. The team's young promise, Lamine Yamal, executed a precise shot from twelve yards and made it 1-0 on the scoreboard.

In the second half, Barcelona returned to the pitch confident and received a surprising blow.

At 22 minutes, Rayo tied the dispute. Right winger Fran Pérez Martínez took advantage of a distraction from Barcelona's defense and executed a powerful shot inside the small box.

On the other hand, Celta de Vigo drew 1-1 with Villarreal and RCD Espanyol beat Osasuna 1-0.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.