Real Betis Held to a 1-1 Draw by Girona in La-Liga Opener.
Real Betis Balompié were denied a winning start to their La-Liga campaign as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Girona at the Estadio Benito Villamarín. The result extended Betis’ unbeaten run against Girona at home to eight matches, but they will be left to rue missed opportunities in the first half.
Betis got off to a flying start, with Marc Bartra marking his return from a season-ending injury by heading in a Nabil Fekir corner in just the sixth minute. The hosts dominated the first half, creating several chances to extend their lead, but were unable to capitalise.
Girona, however, found their footing in the second half. Bryan Gil’s dangerous run into the Betis area signalled a shift in momentum, and the visitors nearly equalised through Abel Ruiz, who hit the post. Girona’s persistence paid off 20 minutes from time when substitute Gabriel Misehouy tapped in from close range following a cutback from Iker Almena.
Despite late efforts from both sides, the match ended in a draw, with Betis left to reflect on a game that could have yielded more had they been more clinical. Girona, meanwhile, will be encouraged by their second-half performance, though they remain winless in their last five La-Liga season openers.
