AS Roma came from behind to earn a deserved 1-1 draw against Real Betis in Matchday 4 of the Europa League at the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Thursday.
Having trailed at the break, Jose Mourinho‘s side ended Betis‘ perfect record in the competition when Andrea Belotti equalised, but the draw put paid to their hopes of topping Group C.
Despite making a good start to the game, the Giallorossi found themselves behind midway through the first half when Sergio Canales‘ strike from outside the box clipped Roger Ibanez and wrongfooted goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
Belotti rescues Lupi
Chasing an equaliser before the interval, Roma looked to have found it as Belotti met a Leonardo Spinazzola cross with a diving header but the striker was ruled to be offside.
However, Belotti was not to be denied early in the second period, as the faintest of touches moved the ball into path of Mady Camara, and his cutback was turned in by the summer signing from Torino from close-range.
The Serie A side had other chances throughout the match, with captain Lorenzo Pellegrini almost scoring directly from a corner, and seeing a bouncing effort stopped by Claudio Bravo.
Betis, meanwhile, were not without chances of their own and Canales could not stretch far enough to meet a Joaquin cross when unmarked at the back post.
Ultimately, neither side could force a winner and whilst Betis secured their place in the knockout round, Roma remain in third behind Ludogorets with two games remaining.
