Rioja's Late Leveller Denies Betis in Rollercoaster Mestalla Thriller

Average Futmetrix Score: 42/100. When relegation-haunted Valencia looked destined to fold, a substitute's strike in the 82nd minute transformed a potential disaster into a lifeline—and cost Betis two points in their push for European football.

Intensity Runs Wild: 26 Shots Define a Chaotic Evening

This wasn't football for the faint-hearted. Twenty-six combined attempts flew toward goal in an evening where intensity never relented. Real Betis controlled possession with 57% and surgical passing (87% accuracy), yet Valencia bombarded the box with 12 shots inside the area—a desperate offensive barrage that raw xG (1.94 vs. 1.60) suggested they deserved more. The balance of power shifted constantly, keeping both defenses on edge.

Cucho Hernández Strikes First

In the 74th minute, Cucho Hernández broke the deadlock. The Betis forward (7.9 rating) converted A. Ezzalzouli's assist into gold, sending Betis toward what looked like a crucial three points in their Champions League chase. With five wins from twelve games, Betis sat fifth and seemed poised to extend their advantage over the chasing pack.

Enter the Super Sub: Luis Rioja's Eight-Minute Turnaround

Then came the twist. Luis Rioja, introduced in the 68th minute, became Mestalla's unlikely saviour. The Valencia winger (8.3 rating) struck without assistance in the 82nd, erasing Betis's lead and handing the hosts a lifeline they desperately needed. For a team languishing 17th with just 10 points and a -10 goal difference, this point felt like a reprieve.

Valles Keeps Betis in It

Álvaro Valles, Betis's goalkeeper, made three vital saves (7.7 rating) that kept his side competitive when Valencia's barrage threatened to overwhelm. Yet even his composure couldn't prevent the late sucker punch. Betis's form—DWLDW—suggested they should have closed this out, but Valencia's desperation proved contagious in the final minutes.