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Madrid, January 20
Real Betis prevailed over Girona 3-2 thanks to a last gasp penalty successfully converted by midfielder Sergio Canales to earn their first La Liga win in four matches.
Having ousted Atletico Madrid from the Spanish Cup Round of 16, Girona hoped their momentum would continue in La Liga where they have been unable to post a win in the last six matches.
Girona's hopes received a setback in the 11th minute when forward Cristian Tello got Real Betis on the scoreboard with a set piece. But Girona was not ready to quit without a fight; they struck twice over an eight-minute stretch. First, Aleix Garcia drew his team level in the 35th minute, when the Catalans took advantage of an error by right back Antonio Barragan and the midfielder put the ball home in the wide open goal.
With one minute to go before the first-half stoppage time, Ivorian forward Seydou Doumbia gave his team the lead for the first time, on a close range header, connecting a cross by attacking midfielder Cristian Portugues Manzanera, best known as Portu, who seized on an error from goalkeeper Pau Lopez.
After the intermission, Betis aggressively sought out the equaliser and they nearly got it as centre back Marc Bartra deflected home a shot by Mexican midfielder Andres Guardado but the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled it out for offside. Betis' efforts paid off eventually eight minutes into the second half as striker Loren Moron fired home off a pass by Canales to make the score 2-2.
It was in the fourth minute of the second half stoppage time when Canales delivered from the 12-yard spot. After the win, Betis have 29 points in the seventh spot in the La Liga table, while Girona fell into the tenth spot with 24 points.
Atletico beat Huesca
Huesca: Atletico Madrid eased the pain of their midweek Copa del Rey exit to Girona by strolling to a 3-0 win at basement club Huesca, moving to within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona. France defender Lucas Hernandez scored in his first league appearance for over a month to put Atletico ahead in thick fog at Huesca's El Alcoraz stadium in the 31st minute. — Agencies
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