Leganés vs Real Betis delivered a thrilling LaLiga encounter on March 16, 2025, at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque, where Real Betis staged a remarkable second-half comeback to overturn a 2-0 deficit and secure a crucial 3-2 victory. This dramatic win marked Betis’s first-ever triumph at Leganés’ home ground and kept their European qualification hopes alive.
First-Half Dominance by Leganés
The match started with Leganés dictating the tempo, pressing high up the pitch and causing problems for Betis’ defense. Their attacking intent paid off early, as midfielder Dani Raba opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box.
Betis struggled to respond, with their midfield failing to create clear opportunities. Meanwhile, Leganés continued to press forward, and their persistence was rewarded in the 37th minute when Raba doubled the lead. A well-worked team move saw him receive a perfect pass inside the box, and he calmly slotted the ball past Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva.
At halftime, Leganés led 2-0, looking in control and on course for a vital victory.
Betis’s Second-Half Resurgence
Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini made crucial tactical changes at the break, introducing Cédric Bakambu in attack to add pace and physicality. These adjustments immediately made an impact as Betis started dominating possession.
In the 55th minute, Betis was awarded a controversial penalty after VAR confirmed a foul on Isco inside the box. The former Real Madrid star stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
With momentum shifting, Betis continued to press, and their equalizer came in the 72nd minute. Bakambu capitalized on a goalkeeping mistake by Marko Dmitrović, who spilled a routine cross, allowing the striker to tap in and level the score at 2-2.
The comeback was completed in dramatic fashion in the 85th minute when Guido Rodríguez scored the winning goal. The Argentine midfielder latched onto a rebound inside the penalty area and fired the ball into the net, securing a stunning 3-2 victory for Real Betis.
Post-Match Reactions
Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini praised his team’s character, stating:
“We showed great mentality today. To come back from 2-0 down in an away game is never easy, but our players believed until the final whistle.”
Isco, who played a pivotal role in the comeback, said:
“We never lost faith. This win keeps us in the fight for Europe, and we need to keep this momentum going.”
On the other hand, Leganés manager Borja Jiménez expressed frustration:
“We controlled the first half but let the game slip in the second. We need to be more disciplined in defense and avoid costly mistakes.”
Impact on LaLiga Standings
This win extends Real Betis’s unbeaten streak to five matches and strengthens their push for a top-six finish, securing 47 points and moving closer to a Europa League qualification spot.
For Leganés, the loss is a severe blow to their survival hopes. They now drop into the relegation zone with 26 points, just one point behind the safety line.
Controversial Officiating Decisions
The match was not without controversy, as the penalty awarded to Betis sparked debates among pundits and fans. Leganés also had a potential third goal disallowed in the 65th minute due to an offside call, further fueling tensions.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
- Leganés will look to bounce back in their next fixture against Granada, a crucial relegation battle.
- Real Betis will face Villarreal in another key encounter that could determine their European qualification fate.
Final Thoughts
Leganés vs Real Betis was a game of two halves, with Leganés dominating the first but Betis showcasing their resilience and tactical brilliance in the second. This comeback win solidifies Betis’ position in the European race while leaving Leganés with a tough battle to avoid relegation.
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