This game was a bit odd to see in terms of expectations coming into this game. As a neutral/casual you would’ve expected to see Real Betis dominate the ball and take control of the game.
That is not what happened as Betis looked more to hit on the counter and Elche dominated possession having the ball for 68% of the game.
It was an interesting game to watch with a fair 1-1 result.
The Game
The game started strong for Betis as they kept creating chances against Elche who looked uncomfortable trying to defend.
In the 21st minute, Betis finally broke through on a beautiful counter attack which Aitor Rubial ended up converting.
After this goal, Elche really took control of the game looking way more comfortable with the ball and started playing the game deeper in Betis’s half.
Eventually, this possession was rewarded as they sliced through Betis’s defence with 1-2 touches and German Varela scores to make the game 1-1.
Conclusions
It’s the first match of the season for these teams so it’s difficult to come to conclusions from one game, but from a Betis point of view it seems like this season may be a struggle without Isco to start and they might need to find a deal with Antony.
It seems like Manuel Pellegrini feels like he needs to play a counter attacking style with the squad they currently have even against lower level competition.
As for Elche, this should encourage their fans that they are going to play exciting football and may manage to stay up if they play this style of football.
