Achille Emana, Real Betis’ leading goal scorer now with 5 goals, converted a penalty kick in the 64th minute to tie the match up at 2-2. About ten minutes earlier, Juanma scored for Betis. It was his first goal of the La Liga season.
Three points were secured for Valencia once Rubén Barajaheaded home the winner in the 73rd minute. Play-makers David Villa (12 league goals) and Juan Mata (6 league goals) opened the scoring for Valencia.
Interestingly enough, Real Betis had 8 corner kicks to Valencia’s 5; Betisalso had 18 shots with5 on goal compared to Valencia’s 12 shots with 4 on goal.
The 35,000 supporters at Estadio Mestallawent home satisfied with the knowledge that Valencia now sits in third place in the La Liga table. The club is five points behind Barcelona. One behind Villarreal. And one point above Real Madrid. If Valencia continues this run of form, the club can pencil in a spot in next year’s UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds.
Real Betis returned to the bottom half of the table, but sit only four points behind Deportivo La Coruna.
Valencia’s Carlos Marchena was sent off in the 64th minute.
