Without being flamboyant, Betis Sevilla qualified for the fifth Spanish Cup final in its history by snatching a draw (1-1) against Rayo Vallecano on Thursday in the semi-final return (the Andalusians had imposed 2-1 on the way). However, the visitors thought they would hold extra time (with the end of the away goal) after Bebe (80th) opened the scoring with a sublime direct free kick, but Borja Iglesias put an end to their hopes by equalizing in additional time (90th + 2).
The first period was dull, not to say boring. Without chances and without intention of play on both sides, Sevillians and Madrid logically left with a goalless draw at the break, not at the level of the boiling public of the Benito Villamarin stadium. A 0-0 which however qualified Betis.
After a first quarter of an hour of the same ilk in the second act, Betis finally woke up, multiplying the opportunities. But neither Juanmi (65th), nor Carvalho (58th, 70th), nor Canales (76th) managed to frame and worry Luca Zidane. And, when Fekir found the frame (73rd), his too soft shot was caught by the Franco-Spanish goalkeeper. Following Bebe’s opener (80th), Borja Iglesias delivered Betis at the very end of the match.
The Sevillians will try against Valencia on April 23 to seek a third title in the competition (after 1997 and 2005). A match that will be followed live on the L’Équipe channel.