Real Betis and Roma played out a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Benito Villamarin in matchday four of the UEFA Europa League Group C encounter, with the Italians having lost 2-1 in the return fixture a week ago.
Andrea Belotti canceled out Sergio Canales’ opener in the first half, handing a crucial point to the Giallorossi. However, the reigning UEFA Europa Conference League title holders are in danger of dropping out of Europe, sitting third in the group behind Ludogorets and leaders Betis.
Speaking in his post-match press conference (via Voce Giallorossa), Jose Mourinho said he believes his side deserved the draw, commending his team’s second half performance.
“Today was an important match. Arriving 1-0 after the first 45 minutes meant having a lot of pressure. We deserved the draw. Today we had to play with our heads and we controlled the last few minutes well. We have two games that we have to win, if we don’t win them we are out. Everything will depend on us.
Roma played second fiddle in the first period, and everything depended on whether the Giallorossi eleven can be marshaled to secure at least a point, which they eventually did.
“The first half was a disaster. In the second half, we came out with red ears because I had them fuming (with the team talk). Then the second half was fantastic, not just for the goal. Also for the solutions, for the choices we made.”
The capital club will need to muster wins against both HJK Helsinki and Ludogorets in order to carve a potential chance to qualify for the next round.