| First Division - Day 17 | |
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Betis 1 - Atlético Madrid 0 Betis: Doblas; Melli,
Juanito, Rivas, Tais (Varela 68'); Arzu, Marcos Assunçao; Joaquín
(Benjamín 84'), Edu, Fernando (Cañas 65'); Oliveira. 4-2-3-1.
Team changes: Betis: Arzu for Cañas / Atlético: Aguilera for Velasco. Goals: Betis bounced back from their derby defeat to beat Atlético Madrid 1-0 and move above their opponents up to sixth spot. All reports were that Joaquín was playing his last match for the Andalusians before a multi-million Euro move to Chelsea, and he delighted the crowd with what was to be the only goal, taking a pass from Edu to beat Leo Franco in the seventh minute. The Spanish international winger was the inspiration as his side dominated the rest of the first half, but the rest of the team were unable to take advantage of the chances he created for them. The visitors fought back after the break though and were unlucky not to score, Salva in particular hitting the post and seeing another effort cleared off the line by Juanito. Fernando Torres had a penalty appeal turned down, injuring himself into the bargain as he was brought down by Doblas, and Melli turned a header from Pablo onto the post. Betis were left with ten men for the last quarter of an hour or so when Juanito picked up a second booking, but they did create a chance after that, Leo Franco doing well to save from Benjamín, who had replaced the much applauded Joaquín a few minutes earlier. But Ibagaza could have equalised if he had not tried a shot himself with colleagues better placed, and Salva hit the woodwork again in the dying seconds. In the end though the hosts held on for a valuable win, and their euphoric club president Manuel Ruíz de Lopera said after the match that Joaquín was not for sale. There are however 43 million reasons why he could be persuaded to change his mind. |
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