MY ACCOUNT
Yunus Musah missed the only penalty as Real Betis beat Valencia 5-4 on spot-kicks following a 1-1 draw after extra time to win the Copa del Rey for a third time.
Betis entered the contest in their home city of Seville as favourites and led early on through a Borja Iglesias header, only for Hugo Duro to equalise from Valencia’s only shot of the first half.
Despite chances for both sides in a gripping and feisty final, the contest at Estadio de La Cartuja went all the way to penalties and it was Manuel Pellegrini’s side who prevailed.
Substitute Musah missed the only spot-kick, with Juan Miranda sending Giorgi Mamardashvili the wrong way to seal a famous victory for Betis.
Valencia trail Betis by 15 points in LaLiga and the gulf between the sides told early on as Borja Iglesias headed Hector Bellerin’s cross past Mamardashvili from six yards.
Jose Bordalas’ men showed characteristic resolve by responding 19 minutes later, however, thanks to Duro’s delightful dinked finish after being played in by Ilaix Moriba’s incisive pass.
Betis went close to restoring their lead when Sergio Canales’ deflected shot hit the woodwork but Valencia, who had a penalty shout for a shove on Duro turned down, held firm.
Moriba miscued a volley when spotted in a great position but Betis continued to create chances, with Juanmi denied by both Mamardashvili and then the post.
Nabil Fekir and Borja Iglesias were next to be frustrated by Mamardashvili, while Claudio Bravo was needed to keep out Carlos Soler in a gripping finale to normal time.
A quieter period of extra time followed, which was played at walking pace at times, paving the way for penalties to determine the winner of the 120th Copa del Rey final.
After the first six spot-kicks were converted, Musah skied his attempt and that set up Miranda to settle a tense final that went all the way.
What does it mean? Betis battle to victory
Four of the five Copa del Rey finals involving Real Betis have each gone to extra time, and they have now come out on top in three of those.
Pellegrini’s side have impressed domestically this term, sitting fifth in LaLiga and still in Champions League contention, and now have a trophy to show for their efforts.
Bordalas’ teams tend to make the opposition work, as reflected by the 44 fouls and nine yellow cards dished out across the 120 minutes, but Betis ultimately came out on top at the end.
Iglesias inspires Betis
Borja Iglesias was brought back into the side for this huge contest and maintained his impressive form in the competition by netting for a third Copa del Rey match running.
The Betis striker’s four shots were the most of any player on the pitch, as were his two attempts on target, and he now has a major honour to his name after this penalty triumph.
Musah the fall guy
In what was the first Copa del Rey final to go to penalties since Barcelona beat Real Mallorca in 1998, Betis showed ice-cool composure to tuck away all five of their attempts.
As ever with shoot-outs, there has to be a hero and a villain, and in this case it was a moment to forget for United States international Musah as he made a real mess of his effort from 12 yards.
What’s next?
Real Betis switch focus back to their LaLiga top-four quest on May 2 when they travel to Getafe, while Valencia host Levante in a week’s time.
