Betis and Athletic leave everything without a goal

Montilivi lived another intense comeback in the League in the 2-2 between Girona and Rayo

MADRID, 29 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Real Betis and Athletic Club signed a goalless draw this Thursday in the return of LaLiga Santander after the World Cup break, a direct duel for the 'Champions' zone that left desire and intensity but no goals, unlike in the 2 -2 between Girona and Rayo, although also with a cast despite the occasions.

Both Betis and Athletic returned with a version traced to the one they left before Qatar 2022 broke out. With the high stakes, the second half was more restrained and controlled, with fewer arrivals. The Basques remain ahead of the Andalusians although tied at 25 points, thanks in part to a good performance by Unai Simón at the Benito Villamarín.

The verdiblanco fiefdom encouraged with the accumulated desire but Athletic put more in the first half. The chances, yes, were for Luiz Henrique and Fekir, while Iñaki Williams had the best visitor. In the second act, Betis had more dominance, but no one gave away a hole. Luiz Henrique continued to be the most dangerous of the béticos and the game ended with tension and the expulsion of a Luiz Felipe acclaimed for a great game in defense.

In addition, in the previous duel, Girona and Rayo shared chances, goals and results in another entertaining return to the league, with a controversial ending for the locals due to a goal disallowed for offside and for the visitors due to two penalties against them. Montilivi left the exchange of blows between two teams wanting to attack, with the Vallecano hit after two minutes through Camello.

All in all, Girona was better at the start and Rayo lost their fang too soon, even conceding the tie (1-1) in the 34th minute on a penalty that Castellanos converted. The entrance of Unai López at the time of the meeting was what activated the people from Madrid, although it was immediately 1-2 for Isi.

A good kick that followed with another one and Unai also had it. Iraola's team got loose in attack but the 'Tigre' Falcao didn't bite either in a header. In the final stretch, Girona had their moment with Lejeune's penalty for a falling handball that Samu Saiz converted. Dimitrievski stopped Stuani and the referee annulled that last local goal for a mixed deal with Rayo at the gates of the European zone and Girona in the warmer part.