Villarreal downs Betis to snap 6-game winless streak

Villarreal managed to notch a valuable 2-1 victory over Real Betis for their first home win this season, a game in which they also broke a six-game no-win streak and avoided relegation.

Betis on Sunday came to La Ceramica Stadium after defeating Barcelona 4-3 at Camp Nou on November 11, but this time around Quique Setien's squad could not get it together -- despite good ball movement -- to pull out a victory, reports Efe news.

Betis could not develop any good chances during the first half, and although Villarreal also moved the ball well before the break it could not manage to put together any really good opportunities either.

The home team, however, came out after the break determined to secure the win and Gerard Lopez blasted in a powerful header in the 52nd minute for the 1-0.

Then, just two minutes later, Villarreal made it 2-0 on a left-footer by Chukwueze.

Betis got into the game with some very good plays, but nothing seemed to gel on the scoreboard for them until the 90th minute, when Lo Celso, controlling the ball in the area, placed a nice shot past the home goaltender for the consolation score.

--IANS

gau/sed