Real Betis made it two wins from two in La Liga after Pablo Garcia scored late to secure a narrow victory over Valencia on Tuesday.
The second-round meeting appeared to be heading towards a goalless draw after both teams failed to turn their attacking efforts into a goal. Valencia and Real Betis created forward momentum during the opening half, but neither side found the finish needed to break the deadlock.
The pattern continued after the interval. There was little increase in the quality or excitement of the football in the second half, and the longer the match remained without a goal, the more likely it seemed that the points would be shared.
That changed towards the end of the contest, when Real Betis increased the pressure and produced the decisive attacking move. Francisco Garcia supplied the pass, and Pablo Garcia converted to put the visitors in front.
Valencia attempted to respond during the remaining minutes, seeking an equaliser and a share of the points. Real Betis, however, held firm and protected their advantage until the final whistle.
The result gives Real Betis six points from their opening two matches. Valencia have one point after the same number of games.
For much of the evening, the two sides had been unable to separate themselves. Both attacked and looked for openings in the first half, but the efforts did not produce a breakthrough. The lack of goals continued into the second period, leaving the contest finely balanced.
Real Betis ultimately made the difference with a late burst of activity. Their successful attack, finished by Pablo Garcia after Francisco Garcia’s delivery, was enough to settle a match that had seemed destined to remain level.
Valencia were unable to find a response despite their late attempt to alter the outcome. Real Betis therefore departed with maximum points, while Valencia were left with only a single point from their first two fixtures.
