On the first day of the new La Liga season, Real Betis missed out on a euphoria-inducing home win: The Andalusians could not get past last year’s third-placed Girona in a 1-1 draw. It was a special evening for ex-Dortmund player Bartra
The new La Liga season is still looking for a winner. Athletic Bilbao’s 1-1 draw with Getafe was followed by a 1-1 draw between Betis and Girona. Thursday’s second game, however, had much more to offer.
Girona, who are allowed to compete in the Champions League thanks to their outstanding pre-season and third place, started bravely in the atmospheric Benito Villamarin. Shortly afterwards, however, the home fans were roused from their seats for the first time: Following Fekir’s perfect corner, Bartra, who had eluded Blind, powerfully headed the ball into the near corner – 1:0 (6th).
The former Dortmund player’s reaction to his opening goal was visibly emotional. Achilles tendon surgery had cost him a large part of the 2023/24 season, meaning he only made three meagre La Liga appearances. Things are set to improve in the new season. Bartra also knew who he wanted to thank. The 33-year-old central defender sprinted to the bench and gave team doctor José Manuel Alvarez Casado, who had stood by him during the difficult time, a big hug
Girona needed a moment to shake themselves. But then Bryan caught out Perraud and found Herrera in the middle, whose direct shot flew over the goal (17′). A little later, 2-0 was in the air at the other end, but Aitor Ruibal was unable to get his shot on target after a fine one-two (20′).
Girona shifted up a few gears after the break. However, top scorer Dovbyk, who had left for Roma, was missing at every turn. The coolness was missing. Even Ruiz, who only hit the post in the 60th minute – one of several unfortunate scenes from the Olympic champion
Chimy Avila only hits the post
Betis replied again, but Rodri’s chance product did not lead to the redemptive second goal (63′). On the contrary: two Girona jokers provided the long-awaited equalizer, with 20-year-old Almena providing the 19-year-old Misehouy with a perfect assist (72′).
Substitute Betis striker Chimy Avila had the best chance of the final quarter of an hour, but his artistic shot hit the left post (74′). In the end, however, it remained 1-1, another draw for the Andalusians, who had amassed 15 of them in pre-season – only RCD Mallorca surpassed this figure (16).
Both teams will be aiming for their first league win on August 25: Betis host Deportivo Alaves, Girona play Atletico Madrid.
