Betis and Real Sociedad follow the rhythm of the Champions League

Joselu gives the first win at home to Espanyol

MADRID, 16 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Real Betis and Real Sociedad added the 19 points that Atlético de Madrid has as third to keep pace with the Champions League zone in the table, beating Almería (3-1) and RC Celta (1- 2), while Espanyol celebrated their first home win with a 1-0 win over Real Valladolid.

The current Copa del Rey champion does not get off the cloud in another promising campaign, with his five out of five in a Benito Villamarín that accompanies the good game of his team beautifully. Almería started well, with Ramazani's actions giving depth, but Betis struck first in the 20th minute with Carvalho.

The local midfielder pulled from the repertoire, as did a great Álex Moreno down the left wing, to start the play and reach the far post without making much noise (1-0). That's where one of those thunderous moments of the Betis began, forgiving more than one with Moreno's recital. Almería was saved and improved after the restart.

Akieme had a first warning and, after a bad local ball out, Rubi's team equalized through El Bilal Toure. Betis took the hit better and went on their own, with the entry of Juan Cruz and Joaquín, looking for the rival area. Borja Iglesias ended his drought with 2-1 and assisted Carvalho in the third, another party at Villamarín, the only stadium that does not fail, despite having Fekir and Junami injured, and a relegation zone for Almería.

In addition, in the morning session Real fulfilled those 19 points, its seventh victory in a row between the League and Europe. The Basque team left another serious performance competing in a demanding place like Balaídos, where the match was livened up after half an hour with a left-footed shot from Asier Illarramendi (0-1). Sorloth had the second shortly after.

Celta also went up, although a gift from Zubimendi to Aspas helped them a lot, which the local matador did not forgive (1-1). However, the second part was again 'txuri-urdin', in a stalking and strong pressure and presence in the opposite field. Zubeldia made it 1-2 that he commanded until the end, despite a good attempt by Carles Pérez for a Celta with a victory in five games.

In addition, Espanyol lifted a weight off their shoulders with their first victory in front of their fans, beating a Valladolid team that had little offensive production. It was not a meeting of chances, boring in fact until the final stretch, but the 'parrot' team had more intention of looking for them, gradually closing in on their rival.

Not even Pacheta's changes got Pucela out of the cave, while Espanyol tried Darder and, above all, Joselu. The local striker gave his team a chance to stretch their markers, until he sent his seventh goal in the League into the net, a great cross from Brian Oliván, in the 78th minute.

Puado had the sentence afterwards but it was not necessary, although until the end it was suffering for Diego Martínez's men due to the last goals conceded against Cádiz and Valencia.