RCD Espanyol and Real Betis Balompié played out a tense 1-1 draw at the RCDE Stadium on Monday night, a result that does little to alleviate Espanyol’s relegation fears and hampers Betis’s Champions League aspirations.

Betis took the lead in the 36th minute when Guido Rodríguez capitalized on a corner kick with a well-placed header, showcasing his aerial ability. Despite dominating possession, Betis struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Willian José being a constant threat but ultimately failing to score.

Espanyol, fighting to avoid relegation under interim manager Luis García, displayed resilience, particularly in the second half. Their efforts were rewarded in the 83rd minute when Javier Puado converted a penalty, awarded after VAR confirmed a handball in the Betis box. The home fans erupted as Espanyol pushed for a winner, but Betis’s experienced defense, led by Pezzella and Felipe, held firm.

The draw leaves Espanyol three points from safety with seven games remaining, making their survival increasingly difficult. For Betis, the result is a setback in their pursuit of a Champions League spot, potentially allowing rivals Atlético Madrid, Real Sociedad, and Villarreal to gain ground. Manager Manuel Pellegrini expressed frustration over his team’s inability to capitalize on opportunities.

Both teams made tactical adjustments, with García injecting more attacking impetus into Espanyol’s play, while Pellegrini sought to control the tempo through his midfielders. Key players Nabil Fekir for Betis and Sergi Darder for Espanyol influenced the game, but neither could change the scoreline beyond their team’s goals.

Espanyol faces a tough trip to Girona next, while Betis hosts Cádiz, with both matches presenting challenges in their quest to achieve their season objectives. The result highlights the competitive nature of La Liga and the immense pressure on Espanyol as they fight to maintain their top-flight status.