How Celta Vigo were the architects of their own downfall against Real Betis

Following their disappointing exit from the Europa League at the hands of Rennes, Real Betis manager Quique Setien has come under some scrutiny of late. The doubts were further compounded by a 2-1 loss to top-four rivals Getafe last weekend, a result which left them six points adrift of the Champions League places.

Their hosts on Sunday, Celta Vigo, have been battling against relegation this season. Following defeat to Eibar in their last outing, Miguel Cardoso became the second manager to lose his job at Abanca-Balaidos this term. Fran Escriba was appointed ahead of the visit of Betis, with just 12 games to drag the side out of trouble.

Any possible resurgence was put on hold on Sunday, however, with Betis running out comfortable 1-0 winners. This analysis will attempt to dissect where it went wrong for Celta.

Lineups

Still without talismanic former Liverpool forward Iago Aspas through injury, Escriba elected to set-up in a 4-4-2, pairing Maxi Gomez with Betis loanee Ryad Boudebouz up front. Talented Slovak Stanislav Lobotka was picked in the heart of midfield, while tricky wingers Sofiane Boufal and Brais Mendez occupied the wide berths.

Quique Setien once again lined up with three at the back, behind anchorman William Carvalho. The midfield and front line switched between a 3-2 and a 2-3 setup, with Giovani Lo Celso and Sergio Canales varying their play throughout. Jese Rodriguez lead the line, while the selections of Joaquin and Francis Guerrero as wing-backs signaled their attacking intent.

Betis access the 10 space with ease

Fran Escriba is a coach known to focus on defensive organisation and solidity, and so Betis were expected to enjoy large amounts of possession once again. They did just that, keeping the ball for 63% of the game.

When opponents are compact centrally, Betis usually look to circulate the ball along the first and second lines, shifting their opponents from side to side in the process. As soon as sufficient space opens up on either flank, they progress down the sides before either crossing to the box or making link-passes into the 10 space via the wing-backs.