Real Betis defeated Málaga CF 2-1 at Estadio de la Cartuja on Saturday, securing all three points in their La Liga encounter after scoring twice in the first half.
Marc Bartra and Pablo Fornals found the net before the break to give the hosts a comfortable advantage, but Adrián Niño pulled one back for Málaga in the second half to set up a tense finish.
Betis took the lead in the 38th minute when Isco delivered a cross from a set piece, which Bartra converted with a well-directed header.
The hosts doubled their advantage deep into first-half stoppage time, with Fornals scoring in the 45th minute plus two minutes following another set-piece opportunity.
Málaga responded with greater attacking intent after the restart and reduced the deficit in the 68th minute through Niño, who finished with his left foot to give the visitors hope of salvaging a point.
The visitors pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Betis held firm to secure victory.
Betis dominated much of the contest, enjoying 59 per cent possession and registering 23 shots against Málaga’s 10.
The hosts also won 10 corners compared to the visitors’ three.
Despite their attacking superiority, Betis were unable to extend their lead, missing two clear opportunities.
Málaga, meanwhile, improved after the interval and recorded two shots on target in the second half without finding another goal.
Fornals was instrumental in the victory, scoring the decisive goal and contributing significantly to Betis’ attacking play.
He completed 77 of his 84 passes, created three chances and registered six attempts on goal.
Bartra also impressed with his defensive contributions after opening the scoring, while Isco played an important role in creating the hosts’ first goal.
The victory handed Betis three valuable points after a performance built around effective set pieces and first-half dominance.
