Real Betis missed the opportunity to strengthen their push for a top-three finish in La Liga after playing out a goalless draw with Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side, who occupy fourth place, struggled to convert their chances at Celta Vigo, leaving them one point behind third-placed Real Madrid ahead of the latter’s El Clasico clash with Barcelona later on Sunday.
Betis came close to breaking the deadlock early in the second half when Nelson Deossa struck the crossbar.
However, the visitors failed to find the net, with striker Troy Parrott also missing a late opportunity after dragging his effort wide during stoppage time.
Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles acknowledged that his team had been unable to take their chances, telling DAZN that “the ball didn’t want to go in”. He also admitted that the result was fair.
The draw leaves Celta Vigo provisionally ninth in the standings, while Betis will rue their missed opportunity to put pressure on the teams above them.
Real Madrid entered Sunday’s Clasico trailing league leaders Barcelona by six points, while Atletico Madrid occupied second place, two points behind the Catalan side, following their 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.
