December 21, (THEWILL) – Girona missed the opportunity to open up a five-point lead at the top of La Liga on Thursday evening after a stunning late strike from Real Betis’ German Pezzella earned the hosts a 1-1 draw.
The visitors had taken a first-half lead through Artem Dovbyk’s penalty and looked on course for a ninth win in 10 matches. However, Pezzella’s powerful drive into the top corner in the 89th minute ensured the points were shared.
Girona thought they had won it when Yan Couto crossed for Savio early on, but his effort was kept out by Betis ‘keeper Rui Silva. The hosts then spurned two great chances of their own, with Assane Diao guilty on both occasions.
Dovbyk’s spot-kick on 39 minutes ultimately separated the sides at the interval. However, despite Girona sitting on their lead, Betis’ pressure finally told when Pezzella unleashed an unstoppable rocket.
The draw means Girona move three points clear of third-placed Real Madrid ahead of their clash with Alaves. However, manager Michel will rue missed chances to open up a cushion at the summit.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
