Athletic Club and Betis end level after crazy game
Athletic Club and Real Betis took a point apiece after a 1-1 draw in LaLiga, but it was host Athletic that would feel the more regret after missing a ton of chances in what was one of the most entertaining games of football seen anywhere this season.
After both teams paused for a minute's silence at San Mames for those affected by the floods in Valencia, it was end to end frantic fare, with the hosts creating the best chances but also failing to convert them.
A combination of the woodwork and an outstanding performance from Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva frustrated Athletic, which hit the frame of the goal three times before the break.
Oihan Sancet, Inaki Williams and Aitor Paredes all hit the woodwork in different ways, Inaki Williams arguably the most spectacular as his curling shot from the edge of the box thudded against Silva's crossbar.
Sancet should have scored from an Inaki William cross, and the winger himself was unlucky again when Silva blocked another effort at close-range, with the home crowd stunned the sides went to the break somehow level.
Shortly after half-time, the Lions paid the price for their wastefulness when Betis went ahead.
Assane Diao found former West Ham United star Pablo Fornals in the box, and he hit a crisp low drive past Julen Agirrezabala in the Athletic goal for the opener.
The hosts kept their heads up but also kept missing chances, Sancet firing wide after being played through by Inaki Wiliams. The hosts were lucky not to pay again as the ball broke, Agirrezabala producing an excellent save to prevent Iker Losada from doubling the lead from a swift counter-attack.
Athletic surely had to score, and in the 68th minute the goal finally came, Oscar de Marcos sending in a pinpoint cross for Alex Berenguer to head home.
Inaki Williams and Andoni Gorosabel had chances to win it, but Silva stood up the the test not for the first time, and as bodies tired from the wild nature of a match that had barely any stoppages, it all petered out to a draw that did nothing for either side's league position.
Athletic remains sixth with 19 points, level with Betis which is seventh on goal difference.
