Villarreal were minutes away from sealing all three points at Estadio de la Cerámica, but Real Betis had other plans, courtesy of a dramatic late strike from Antony that ensured both sides shared the spoils in a thrilling 2–2 draw.

The Yellow Submarine started brightly and took the lead just before halftime when Tajan Buchanan latched onto a precise pass from Alberto Moleiro in the 44th minute to make it 1–0. 

Betis, however, refused to fold. Both managers rang the changes, Lo Celso replaced Marc Roca for Betis, while Villarreal introduced Nicolas Pépé and Ayoze Pérez to steady the game. 

The first assist provider, Alberto Moleiro then turned scorer in the 64th minute, finishing calmly from a Santi Comesaña pass to double Villarreal’s advantage.

Moments after Alberto Moleiro’s goal, Antony pulled one back in the 66th minute, capitalizing on a clever Pablo Fornals assist to reignite hope for the visitors.

Both managers also introduced more players into the game. Aitor Ruibal for Real Betis and Sergi Cardona for Alberto Moleiro and Pape Gueye for Dani Parejo of Villarreal.

By the 90th minute, Villarreal’s Tajan Buchanan, who had opened the scoring, picked up a yellow card joined by Real Betis midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

In the 94th minute, Antony struck again, once again assisted by Fornals once more and silencing the home crowd after stealing a precious point for Betis.

Written by Pejuola Ransome