Real Betis secured a significant 1-0 victory over UD Las Palmas on March 9, 2025, at the Benito Villamarín Stadium, enhancing their prospects for European competition next season. The game was pivotal for both teams, with Betis aiming to strengthen their standings and Las Palmas battling to escape relegation.
The winning goal came from defender Diego Llorente in the 64th minute, who capitalized on a loose ball following a corner, firing it past Las Palmas goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen. The match shifted dramatically when Las Palmas midfielder Dario Essugo received a second yellow card shortly before halftime, reducing his team to ten players and complicifying their efforts. Following his early exit due to the expulsion, Las Palmas struggled to maintain their composure.
Despite starting the match valiantly, Las Palmas stumbled under pressure from Betis’ aggressive tactics and numbers advantage. Throughout the match, Betis pressed forward but faced stiff resistance from Las Palmas, especially during the first half where they attempted to neutralize any scoring threats. Both Llorente and Jesús Rodríguez attempted to break the deadlock, but Cillessen was solid under pressure, making key saves to thwart their efforts.
Isco, the standout player for Betis, created multiple chances, showcasing his playmaking abilities with four shots, 106 interventions, 81 total passes, and 36 passes directed toward the final third. His performance was commendable even though he missed the opportunity to double the lead by failing to convert a penalty late in the game. Cillessen, the Dutch keeper for Las Palmas, displayed remarkable agility, saving Isco's shot to keep his team’s hopes alive.
The first half saw both teams share some tense moments, particularly with Betis dominating possession. Las Palmas, focusing on counter-attacking, struggled to find the rhythm necessary to challenge Betis’ defense, led by Natan, whose strong performance made him difficult for opposing players to bypass. Despite chances from the likes of Fabio Silva, who shot high, and Viti, whose effort was saved by Adrián, Las Palmas couldn’t find their footing.
When it came to the second half, the game transformed once Essugo was sent off. With the extra space available, Betis seized control, increasing pressure on Las Palmas’ backline. The frustration was palpable for the players as they fought valiantly to respond but fell short time and again. Their inability to capitalize on set pieces and counterattacks limited their chances to equalize, rendering the match increasingly frustrating.
“I saw the rebound and didn’t think twice about shooting. It went just to the right spot of the net,” said Llorente after the game, expressing satisfaction with his contribution and the team’s effort. His sentiments were echoed by coach Manuel Pellegrini, who highlighted the importance of the win and the team's defensive organization. “Defensively, we had no issues today. Our maturity was key. Despite being tough, winning three points today was important for us,” he stated.
Las Palmas’ situation turned grim as their defeat marked yet another setback, leaving them firmly entrenched at the bottom of the league table. Coach Diego Martínez lamented the loss but maintained faith, saying, “We have to improve and work harder to escape this current situation.” It has been tough going for Las Palmas, who have not collected points during their last eight matches with six losses and two draws.
After the game, attention quickly turned to upcoming matches. Betis will be traveling next Sunday to face Leganés, and with eyes set on the Champions League places, every point counts. Meanwhile, Las Palmas, under pressure, will have to regroup rapidly as they host Alavés next Friday, which could be viewed as a cup final with dire consequences for their survival hopes.
Match statistics reflected the intensity of the contest, with Betis claiming 41 points and inching closer to top-half positions, now just three points behind Villarreal. The game also saw multiple cards with several players, including Bajcetic and Viti, joining Essugo on the list of players cautioned. The match was overseen by referee Sánchez Martínez, who faced some scrutiny over his decisions but maintained control throughout the proceedings.
Looking back, this match reinforced Betis's ambitions this season, pushing them closer to their goal of European qualification. For Las Palmas, it underscored their struggles and the pressing need for improvement as they head steadily for what could be another challenging campaign.