Semifinals | Lap
To play a Cup final 17 years later, the Verdiblanco team clings, among other factors, to the support of its fans and the 1-2 advantage achieved in Vallecas
Betis is playing this Thursday at Villamarín for the chance to play the fifth Cup final in its history, 17 years after the second it won in 2005. Rayo have never reached the title match, so, as recognizes Andoni Iraola, he is facing “a unique opportunity” and, although he has a clear disadvantage after Vallecas’ 1-2, he dreams of making a big difference. “We have more responsibility than Lightning. We won the first leg and now we play at home”, recalls Manuel Pellegrini, who asks his players to “control excessive motivation so as not to make mistakes”.
Betis is superior and clings not only to the support of its fans, but also to its experience, its good moment and, above all, to its victory in the first game, despite the fact that goals are no longer worth double in the event of a draw in the playoff. In the case of Rayo, he bases his illusion on the fact that, although they have not defeated Betis in the three previous games this season, they have always competed and have resulted in a draw and two defeats by the minimum. In the second leg of the semifinals, however, no other result will be worth it than victory, so they will have to take risks on Verdiblanco terrain, when Rayo is one of the worst teams in the League at home.
As if that were not enough, Betis will recover Canals and Fekir, their fourth top scorer after Juanmi, Borja Iglesias and Willian José, for such a transcendental duel, while Rayo, who played their last cup semi-final 40 years ago, will not be able to count on their main gunner, the injured Falcao. Another accolade for the Verdiblanco team when it has already taken an important step towards the final that it would face in Seville, in La Cartuja.
Last Sunday Betis lost at the Sánchez Pizjuán in the derby (2-1) after a great run of results and the Rayo coach warns that Pellegrini’s team “is performing at a very high level.” “We all know that it is very difficult and that something very complex has to be done,” admits Iraola, who wishes that his team “can’t regret anything when the referee blows the final whistle.” Pellegrini claims, however, “to maintain the football performance that has allowed Betis to reach this situation.” “That way things will be easier,” the Chilean coach ventures.
Likely lineups:
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Betis:
Claudio Bravo, Sabaly, Bartra, Edgar, Álex Moreno, Guido Rodríguez, Guardado, Canales or Aitor Ruibal, Fekir, Juanmi and Willian José. -
Vallecano Ray:
Luca Zidane, Balliu, Catena, Mario Suárez, Fran García, Óscar Valentín, Comesaña, Baby, Trejo, Álvaro García and Sergi Guardiola. -
Referee:
Martinez Munuera (Valencian). -
Stadium and hours:
Benito Villamarin. 9:00 p.m. (Telecinco and DAZN).
