Moroccan international Abdessamad Ezzalzouli delivered a decisive performance with a goal and an assist as Real Betis secured a 3-2 victory over Girona FC in La Liga on Tuesday.
The result, achieved during the 33rd round of the campaign, strengthens Betis’ hold on fifth place while ending a difficult run following their Europa League elimination.
It was a tightly contested encounter, eventually settled by Ezzalzouli’s influence in the final stages.
Betis found their goals through Marc Roca, Ezzalzouli and Rodrigo Riquelme, as Manuel Pellegrini’s side battled back to claim a valuable three points in the race for European qualification.
Girona, featuring Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, had hoped to build on recent positive results but were left to continue their fight for survival after falling short.
The home side made the brighter start and took the lead in the seventh minute through Viktor Tsygankov.
Betis, however, responded before the break, with Roca levelling in the 23rd minute thanks to a precise effort from the edge of the area.
After the restart, the match continued at a high tempo. Betis regained the advantage in the 63rd minute when Ezzalzouli finished off a move created by intense pressing.
Girona reacted quickly, restoring parity just five minutes later as Ounahi converted from the penalty spot.
With momentum shifting between both sides, the introduction of Isco proved decisive. In the 80th minute, he produced a well-timed through ball that Ezzalzouli seized upon before setting up Riquelme, who scored what would become the winning goal.
Girona thought they had found a late equaliser, but a third goal was ruled out for offside, confirming Betis’ victory.
The result marks an important step forward for Pellegrini’s team as they continue their push for a European place, while Girona are left needing further results to secure their position.
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