Real Betis 3-2 Porto: result and report

Report

Real Betis got the home win they were expected to produce, though they had to come from behind to get it. Isco's 84th-minute penalty settled a second half that produced all five goals. The wider numbers suggest Real Betis deserved the points rather than stealing them.

The first half was goalless, but the game opened up straight after the break. Abde Ezzalzouli put Real Betis ahead on 47 minutes from Fran García's pass. Porto's response was quick. Gabri Veiga equalised on 54 minutes, and Samu Aghehowa turned the game around seven minutes later, finishing Pepê's assist.

Cucho Hernández levelled on 74 minutes, set up by Antony. Ten minutes later Isco scored from the penalty spot, and Porto could not find another equaliser.

Real Betis: the better side across the game

Real Betis created more, so the result reflects the run of chances rather than flattering the winners. They finished with 1.97 xG to Porto's 1.08. They also had 15 shots to nine, seven on target to five, and 12 key passes to seven.

That volume came from more than one source, while Abde Ezzalzouli was named player of the match after opening the scoring. He finished with a 7.78 rating.

Porto: fewer chances, clearer ones

Porto's case is stronger than the overall numbers suggest, because they made the clearer openings. They created three big chances to Real Betis's two, but missed two of them. Each side also hit the woodwork once.

That is the part Porto will regret. They were still one finished chance away from taking something home.