The World Today
MADRID, 18 (EUROPA PRESS)
Elche CF and Real Betis shared the points this Monday (1-1) in the first matchday of LaLiga EA Sports, a match in which Aitor Ruibal put the Verdiblancos ahead in a good first half by the Elche team, who were able to make up for it in the final minutes with a goal from Germán Valera that allowed the team to score on their return to the First Division.
Despite controlling possession in the first half, Eder Sarabia's team saw Ruibal put the Andalusian side ahead in the 21st minute, a team that had been steadily declining throughout the match. The Sevillians were unable to seal the victory after the break, and Elche, who never let their game go, equalized with less than ten minutes remaining through Valera.
In Martínez Valero's return to the First Division, the green-and-white team stood up to Manuel Pellegrini's men in the opening stretch, looking to cause damage down the flanks. However, it was Aitor Ruibal who was the first to test the opposing goalkeeper with a shot that Matías Dituro was quick to clear.
Just ten minutes later, the Sallent native took advantage of a great through ball from Roro Riquelme, after Sergi Altimira had recovered the ball in midfield, to dribble past the Argentine goalkeeper and open the scoring (min. 21). Eder Sarabia's team came close to equalizing before halftime with a shot from Léo Pétrot, followed by a free kick from Germán Valera, who was left alone to fire over the bar.
After the restart, Riquelme, from the edge of the box, and Ruibal tried to strengthen the Verdiblanca's lead, and Álvaro Rodríguez had a chance with a shot that flew over the crossbar. In the 63rd minute, Cucho Hernández missed a clear one-on-one with Dituro, who minutes later parried a shot from Giovani Lo Celso.
It wasn't until the second hydration break that the home side leveled the score thanks to a great team move. In a fine combination with Martim Neto, Germán Valera plucked the ball from the penalty spot and sent it into the back of the net (81st minute) to seal a draw, marking the team's return to the top flight.
