A game of two halves and total clinical efficiency! On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Real Betis pulled off a spectacular second-half comeback to defeat Girona 3-2 at the
Estadi Montilivi. While Girona dominated the ball, they had no answer for the "Abde Show," as the Moroccan winger played a direct role in every single Betis goal.
The victory is a massive boost for Manuel Pellegrini’s side as they solidify their position in the European spots, while Girona will be left wondering how a 56% possession advantage resulted in zero points.
1. Match Highlights: The Abde Masterclass
Girona started with their usual intensity, but Betis’s ability to strike on the break turned the tide.
Early Intent (7’): The hosts were ahead early when Viktor Tsygankov picked up a loose ball on the right side of the box and drilled a low shot into the corner. Montilivi was rocking.
The Response (23’): Betis found their feet midway through the first half. Abde Ezzalzouli worked space on the right and found Marc Roca on the edge of the box, who leveled the score with a clinical finish.
The Lead Swings (63’): After a double change at the interval, Betis took control. Cedric Bakambu slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Abde, who finished coolly for 2-1.
The Penalty Twist (68’): Girona hit back immediately. Joel Roca won a penalty just minutes after coming on, and Azzedine Ounahi stepped up to calmly convert from the spot. 2-2.
The Decider (80’): The winner was pure quality. Abde turned provider once again, finding substitute Rodrigo Riquelme, who steered the ball home to seal the three points for the visitors.
2. Strategic Impact: Efficiency vs. Volume
Despite Girona leading almost every statistical category, Betis walked away with the result that matters.
Clinical Edge: Betis scored with every single shot they placed on target.
The "Abde" Factor: With a Sofascore rating of 8.1, Abde (1 goal, 2 assists) proved to be the difference-maker, thriving in the transitions that Girona failed to track.
The Table: Real Betis stay firmly in 5th place (49 points), keeping the pressure on the Champions League spots, while Girona remain in the mid-table pack in 11th.
3. Key Performers
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli: A world-class performance. He was the architect of everything good for Betis.
Viktor Tsygankov: The bright spark for Girona. His early goal and 7.9 rating showed he is still their primary attacking threat.
Rodrigo Riquelme: A "super-sub" performance against his former loan club, scoring the winner just 17 minutes after coming on.