Real Betis climbed into LaLiga’s top five with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Valencia at Estadio de la Cartuja, ending a three-match winless run against the visitors in the process.

Betis started brightly, with Antony creating early chances, though his slick pass to Abde Ezzalzouli was inexplicably missed from close range. Valencia nearly punished the hosts soon after when they earned a penalty following a clumsy challenge by Aitor Ruibal—making his 200th appearance for Los Verdiblancos—on Arnaut Danjuma. Pepelu stepped up, but his spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Álvaro Vallés.

Despite the setback, Valencia struck first as Luis Rioja capitalised on a lay-off from Lucas Beltrán to fire a low strike past Vallés, giving Los Che the lead. Historically, Valencia had struggled to win after conceding first, and Betis responded almost immediately. Ruibal made amends for his earlier foul by winning a penalty after being fouled by José Copete, which Chimy Ávila converted emphatically, netting his first LaLiga goal since last November against the same opponents.

Valencia continued to threaten, with Dimitri Foulquier, Beltrán, Filip Ugrinic, and Copete all missing chances, but Betis held firm.

The winner came late as Nelson Deossa powered down the right wing and found Pablo Fornals, whose initial effort was blocked before he calmly slotted home the decisive goal.

The victory marked Betis’ third league win in eight matches, moving them above Espanyol, while Valencia remain just two points above the relegation zone, ending their three-match winning streak across all competitions.