Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Saturday, 21 February 2026, 20:22 / Updated on Saturday, 21 February 2026 20:22
Exciting first half between Betis Seville and Rayo Vallecano. It was 1-1 after the first 45 minutes. Away, right back Andrei Ratiu (27) started and had a significant impact at the end of the half. He did not register in the second act, and the two teams ended in a tie, 1-1.
It decisively passed to the Spaniard Isi Palazon (31 years old), who restored the tie.
PHOTO. Andrei Rațiu, goal assist in Betis – Vallecano
The game started as it couldn't have been worse for Vallecano. Veteran Cedric Bakambu (34 years old) opened the scoring in the 16th minute.
An extremely tough game followed, with “central” Juan Martinez having to take out the yellow card three times!
Betis scored on the first and only shot on goal after 45 minutes. Rayo Vallecano forced the equalizer and got it in the 42nd minute when the Romanian international stepped up.
He received a pass in the right lane, faked a cross and elegantly avoided an opponent, moved forward a bit and sent a textbook right-footed cross over the top.
Isi Palazon attacked the ball perfectly and completed a formality for 1-1, the score of the first half. In case of a draw, Rayo would move up to 14th place, with 26 points after 24 stages, and Betis would remain in 5th place, with 42.
Rațiu's achievement comes 6 days after the one he had in the match against Atletico Madrid, when he provided another decisive assist in the 3-0 victory. The Romanian is quoted by the specialized website Transfermarkt at 18 million euros.
After the game with Betis, Vallecano receives the visit of Athletic Bilbao on February 28.
Andrei Rațiu's numbers from the first half of the Betis – Vallecano match
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a touch in the opponent's box
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3/4 successful dribbles
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39 touches of the balloon
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26/29 successful passes
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6/8 final third passes successful
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2/2 successful crosses
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1/2 aerial duels won
The latest situation in La Liga
