Real Betis Preserve Unbeaten Streak Against Feyenoord

Isco strikes again as Pellegrini's Betis continue flawless European run

Real Betis edge Feyenoord 1-0 to stay in Europa League top eight, Isco scores winner from spot after Ahmedhodzic handball.

Isco spot-kick the difference as Real Betis continue perfect start against Feyenoord...

Real Betis maintained their perfect start to this season's UEFA Europa League campaign with a 1-0 home victory over Feyenoord, a result which also leaves the Verdiblancos with just one defeat from their last nine matches in all competitions.

Having been involved in a pair of rollercoaster results so far in Europe, the hosts looked for a more straightforward night and began on the front foot, almost taking the lead early on through Abde Ezzalzouli, but his effort from a promising position was aimed straight at Timon Wellenreuther.

The goalkeeper was then forced into urgent action just before the half-hour mark to keep the scores level, with a superb block to deny Giovani Lo Celso before saving Isco's shot from inside the box.

Those opportunities gave the Verdiblancos plenty of momentum, but they were thwarted once again by Wellenreuther later on in the first half, after he pulled off a magnificent stop to keep out Marc Bartra's stinging strike from distance.

While Real Betis certainly had the better of the opening 45 minutes, Feyenoord really should have broken the deadlock shortly before the interval through Ayase Ueda, but he somehow blazed the ball over the bar from only six yards out.

After a cagey opening to the second half, drama struck after 58 minutes when the hosts were awarded a penalty following a handball from Anel Ahmedhodzic. Isco took responsibility for the spot-kick and made no mistake, sending Wellenreuther the wrong way to edge Betis in front.

Robin van Persie's side played with more urgency and pressed higher up the pitch after falling behind, but struggled to create clear-cut chances and test Alvaro Valles in goal. Givairo Read's effort deflected harmlessly over the bar, before Wellenreuther kept his side in the game with a decent stop to deny Bartra.

Despite pushing hard in the closing stages, Feyenoord were unable to find a way through the Betis defence as Manuel Pellegrini's men stood firm to secure all three points.

The victory sees Betis bounce back from their first home defeat since April, keeping their perfect record intact inside the top eight. For Feyenoord, it is now back-to-back defeats in Spain that leave them stranded outside the top 24.

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