Basement outfit Real Betis welcomed Osasuna to Seville on Sunday looking to record just their third La Liga win of the season.
Osasuna led at the interval courtesy of an early strike from Roberto Torres, while Betis had been reduced to 10 men in the first period after Nono picked up two yellow cards.
The away side had their second just before the hour mark when Jordi Figueras turned into his own net.
Betis had the chance to cut the deficit to 2-1 moments later when they were awarded a penalty after Andres Fernandez, who was sent off, brought down Ruben Castro, but his spot kick hit the crossbar.
Jorge Molina had one back for Betis late on, but Osasuna held on for all three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of our three back-to-back La Liga live commentaries comes from Seville as Real Betis welcome Osasuna in a bottom-of-the-table clash. It is perhaps too early in the season to be discussing must-wins and six-pointers, but this is a crucial match for both teams. Neither manager can afford to lose a match of this magnitude.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Betis have won two of the last five matches, with Osasuna winning once and the further two matches ending in draws. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a 2-1 home win, but the points were shared in a goalless draw in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
TEAMS:
BETIS: Andersen; Juanfran, Paulao, Amaya, Nacho; Nono, Lolo, Salva; Baptistao, Vadillo, Castro
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Damia, Lolo, Loties, Bertran, Arribas; Silva, De las Cuevas, Cejudo, Torres; Riera
So there we have it. Leo Baptistao makes his Betis debut this afternoon after joining on loan from Atletico Madrid. Ruben Castro also starts, but Jorge Molina is on the bench. Osasuna, meanwhile, have Oriol Riera as their lone forward. There are also starts for Roberto Torres and Cejudo in a defensive XI.
Despite their struggles in the league this season, Betis enter this match off the back of a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey. The victory during the week has handed them an advantage ahead of the second leg, which could earn them a spot in the quarter-finals. They have also enjoyed success in the Europa League this season, advancing into the knockout stages.
In La Liga, however, it has been a different story. They battled for a top-four spot for a large part of last season, but are now battling to remain in the league. They have won just two of their 18 league games this season, with a total of 11 points leaving them bottom of the table. It is getting to the stage where they need to start picking up some points.
Their home form has not been too disastrous in relation to the teams around them with two wins and three draws from their nine matches, but they have really struggled on the road – failing to win and losing seven times in the process. They have also conceded 36 times in the league, which is among the worst defensive records.
Osasuna, meanwhile, enter the match off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, but they performed admirably at the Bernabeu. They were victorious in their last league match, however, with a 1-0 win over Espanyol moving them clear of the drop zone. As it stands, they sit in 17th position, just two points from the relegation zone.
Osasuna’s away form has been fairly patchy with just two wins from their nine matches, losing seven times in the process. At home, they have managed three wins, two draws and four defeats. Goals have been the main problem for both of these sides this season, meanwhile, with just 15 in their 18 matches, which is the joint-worst record in the league.
PREDICTION: It is difficult to play down the importance of this match. It isn't just about the result, but more the confidence it would give the victor. Betis have improved in the last couple of weeks and I think they will just shade a tight affair in Seville this afternoon. My score prediction is 2-1 Betis.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let's hope for entertainment on this mild afternoon in Seville. The home side get the first 45 minutes underway.
It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. One thing Betis can count on is wonderful support. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in this type of match, with neither side full of goals thus far this season.
GOAL! Betis 0-1 Osasuna (Torres)
Oh my word! Disaster for Betis as Torres advances unmarked into the Betis box before converting a Bartra cross from close range. Osasuna lead inside two minutes.
Betis attempt to launch an immediate response as Juanfran clips a deep ball towards Leo, but the on-loan Atletico striker cannot collect under pressure from Lolo. Hardly time to take a breath in a pulsating five minutes of football in Seville.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with the challenges arriving from both sides. Plenty happening in the middle of the park, but neither has been allowed to settle on the ball thus far. Leo delivers a dangerous low cross into the Osasuna box moments later, but Lolo is on hand to clear the danger under pressure from Ruben Castro.
CHANCE! Betis come close to levelling as Leo meets a cross from Juanfran, but his powerful header is pushed over the crossbar by Andres Fernandez. Well, I didn't expect this match to be slow, but the tempo has been quite incredible in the opening 10 minutes. I have a feeling that this could be a real cracker.
The Betis supporters continue to create a stunning noise inside the stadium as the first period continues to gather pace. Salva Sevilla stands over a free kick outside the box, but his delivery is straight into the arms of Fernandez. It remains 1-0 with 12 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for Betis as Paulao meets a cross from Juanfran, but the Brazilian cannot make proper contact at the far post. Not too much in terms of attacking pressure from Osasuna in the last few moments, but they remain a threat with their pace and movement on the counter. Fascinating match in Seville.
Osasuna cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Betis continue to force the issue in the final third. Back-to-back corners prove threatening, but Lolo and Damia take it in turns to clear the danger. Leo has an effort from outside the box moments later, but his curling effort is collected by Fernandez.
Some nervy defending from Betis as Paulao can only turn Cejudo's cross into the path of Riera, but the home side manage to clear at the vital moment. De las Cuevas curls one from outside the box moments later, but Andersen is across to make a fine save. Still 1-0 with 19 minutes on the clock.
Betis want a penalty as Juanfran goes down inside the box, but the referee is not interested. Vadillo finds some space moments later, but his effort is straight into the arms of Fernandez. End-to-end football in Seville with neither side too interested in defending for long periods.
Betis continue to work the ball into wide positions before delivering into the box, but Osasuna have been aerially impressive thus far. Moments later Nono picks up a booking for fouling De las Cuevas inside the Betis half. It would not be a surprise if the referee was a busy man this afternoon.
As it stands, Osasuna would move into 12th position in the table, while Betis would remain bottom on 11 points. A couple of wins in La Liga are the difference between the top half and the relegation zone. However, I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals in this one. That said, clear chances have been at a premium in the last couple of minutes.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Osasuna to score their second as Loties drives down the left before finding De las Cuevas inside the box, but the midfielder can only curl his effort wide of the post. It would be difficult to see Betis recovering from 2-0 down at this stage of proceedings.
CHANCE! Leo looks the most likely for the home side as he finds some space outside the box before placing one towards the top corner, but Fernandez is on hand to save. The resulting corner is delivered into the six-yard box, but once more Fernandez takes charge.
Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Barcelona as Espanyol welcome Real Madrid - be sure to remain with us for that one. Los Blancos have the chance to move to within three points of the top. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining, with Osasuna leading by the single goal.
Betis call for another penalty as Juanfran's effort appears to strike a hand inside the box, but the referee is not interested. The home side's threat is coming in wide positions, while Leo has had a bright debut thus far. Down the other end, however, Reyes picks up a booking for fouling Riera.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Betis continue to force the issue with a series of aerial balls, but it just will not fall to a green and white shirt. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
RED CARD: Nono (Betis)
Betis are reduced to 10 men as Nono is handed a second booking for fouling Riera inside the Osasuna half. The home side's task has got that much harder.
You just get the feeling that Betis need to score the next goal in this match if they are to stand a chance of taking something. Osasuna have a goal and man advantage in the latter stages of the half. Leo attempts to dance his way into the Osasuna box, but Fernandez is out to claim at the vital moment.
Opportunity for Osasuna to threaten from a corner as Paulao is forced to deal with a deep cross from Torres. The resulting set piece is delivered by the latter, but Andersen manages to collect. Little over one minute of the first period remaining.
HALF TIME: Betis 0-1 Osasuna
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Osasuna leading Betis 1-0. Torres sent the away side into the lead after just two minutes, but it got worse for Betis in the latter stages of the half when Nono was sent from the field after collecting two bookings.
STATISTICS: The home side have dominated the possession with 56%, while they have had nine attempts - four of which have been on target - to Osasuna's five. However, the only statistic that matters sees the away side hold a one-goal lead at this stage of proceedings.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this afternoon in the shape of Joan Verdu, Chuli and Jorge Molina. Meanwhile, Osasuna have the likes of Jose Garcia, Acuna and Loe on a defensive-minded bench.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Espanyol against Real Madrid - be sure to remain with us for that. Right, the away side get the second 45 minutes underway.
Betis make two changes at the interval with Jorge Molina and Jordi Figueras replacing Sevilla and Juanfran. That is not too much of a surprise. No movement on the Osasuna bench, however, with their manager seemingly pleased with what he saw in the opening 45 minutes. Can the home side turn this one around?
Osasuna want a penalty as Riera goes down inside the box under a challenge from Figueras, but the referee is not interested. The referee had booked the Betis defender moments before. If he had awarded the penalty, he might have had to send him from the field. Betis can ill afford another sending off as they attempt to turn this match around.
CHANCE! Opportunity for the home side to level as Molina meets a deep cross from Nacho, but he can only lift his effort over the crossbar. Not too much from Osasuna in the early stages of the second half, with the home side forcing them to defend their own penalty box. The tempo remains high with 53 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! The chances continue to fall to the home side as Molina finds Leo inside the box with a driven cross, but Fernandez is once more on hand to make a point-blank save. The signs are positive for Betis, but Osasuna appear to have the luck with them at the moment.
Betis call for a back-pass as Lolo turns into the arms of his own goalkeeper, but the referee is not interested. Osasuna are just struggling to keep hold of the ball at the moment as the pressure continues from Betis. They have little more than 30 minutes to turn this one around. Another defeat this evening would be devastating for their survival hopes.
GOAL! Betis 0-2 Osasuna (Figueras OG)
Osasuna have their second of the match as Figueras turns into his own net following a low cross from De las Cuevas. Has that ended the home side's hopes?
Osasuna make their first change of the match as De las Cuevas is replaced by Acuna. The stadium has been silenced following that second goal for the away side. As it stands, Betis would remain bottom of the table having won just two of their 19 league games this season.
RED CARD: Fernandez (Osasuna)
PENALTY TO BETIS!
Wow! Betis are awarded a penalty as Fernandez brings down Castro inside the box, with the Osasuna goalkeeper gaining a red card. They are forced into a change as a result with striker Riera replaced by reserve stopper Riesgo.
CROSSBAR! Castro fires his penalty straight against the crossbar! When is their luck going to turn?!
What an incredible match this has been. Betis continue to force the issue with a series of long balls into the box, but Osasuna manage to repel the danger. Little over 25 minutes for the home side to turn this match around.
Stop-start period of the match in the last couple of moments with a number of players suffering with injuries. They will be glad of the rest. It has been non-stop in the second period thus far. Both sides have 10 men, but Osasuna lead 2-0 with 66 minutes on the clock.
Osasuna just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the pressure continues from Betis. The home side force two corners in quick succession, but Lolo and Damia take it in turns to clear the danger. Just a reminder that three points for Osasuna would move them into 12th position in the table, while Betis would remain bottom.
Acuna takes matters into his own hands for the home side as he drives to the edge of the box before attempting to slide a low pass towards Vadillo, but Loties is across to challenge at the vital moment. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match. Neither side is too interested in sitting back as we enter the final 20 minutes.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Molina comes close to collecting a through pass from Castro, but Riesgo is out to take control at the vital moment.
Both sides have 10 men, but Betis are the team in control of the possession. They have struggled to score goals this season, but need at least two in the final 15 minutes to take something from this match. The home supporters are staying with them, but time is running out. Not just this evening, but this season as well.
Nervy moment for Amaya as he turns just over his own crossbar following a low cross from Cejudo. Betis make another change moments later as Chuli replaces Leo, who has had a promising debut. Little over 10 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining. Just a reminder that we have Espanyol against Real Madrid up next.
Osasuna also make a change as Cejudo is replaced by Oier, who will provide defensive cover. Osasuna have started to enjoy more of the ball in the last couple of moments, but are not creating too much in the final third. Time is on their side.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Chuli to open Betis' tally for the evening as he meets a header from Molina, but his effort is straight into the arms of Riesgo, who has been busy since entering when Fernandez was dismissed. High-intensity match in Seville.
GOAL! Betis 1-2 Osasuna (Molina)
Betis cut the deficit to 2-1 as Molina combines with Chuli on the edge of the box before poking his effort into the bottom corner. Game on!
This really has been a terrific match in Seville. Amaya takes matters into his own hands for Betis as he strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a number of late challenges. The Betis supporters are in fine voice at the moment, which is filtering through to the players. Osasuna just cannot keep the ball with little under five minutes of normal time remaining.
Time is running out for Betis as Osasuna enjoy a period of possession in their own half. Just a reminder that both sides are currently down to 10 men, but Betis are the term forcing the issue. Torres has a half-chance for Osasuna as he curls one from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional five minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Can Betis force an equaliser? They need the ball first with Osasuna enjoying possession in their own half.
Silva has a half-chance for Osasuna as he strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the target. The constant pressure from Betis has just eased in the last five minutes or so and it appears that Osasuna are heading for all three points.
FULL TIME: Betis 1-2 Osasuna
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with Osasuna claiming all three points. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Espanyol against Real Madrid. Until then!
