Real Valladolid 0 : 1 Real Betis - Late Castro header enough for Betis

Ruben Castro's late goal clinched all three points from a 1-0 victory for Real Betis after an evenly-matched game against Real Valladolid.

The experienced striker popped up a minute from time to settle a match which appeared to be heading for a goalless outcome.

The result nudges Betis ahead of their hosts into eighth place in the table on the same six-point tally, but having played three games to Valladolid's four.

Valladolid had the better of the early exchanges, Oscar volleying wide before Javi Guerra's header was saved by keeper Casto.

But Betis came back into the game, Salvador Agra flashing a 25-yard effort over the bar.

The same player was then guilty of a close-range miss, dragging a shot wide from six yards.

And Benat Etxebarria was denied from similar range by a block from defender Marc Valiente.

Ruben Perez shot wide from 12 yards and after Javi Guerra did likewise at the other end, the half ended goalless.

Oscar was again off target early in the second half before team-mate Victor Perez shot over from distance.

Alex Martinez failed to trouble Valladolid keeper Jaime but Casto was forced to parry Patrick Ebert's header from Omar Ramos' cross.

Castro drew a sharp save from Jaime before a frantic last five minutes brought chances for both teams.

Valladolid's Alberto Bueno volleyed over and Jonathan Pereira snatched at an effort for Betis.

But they grabbed the winner moments later when Castro seized possession in the penalty area and fired low past Jaime.

Ebert tried for a spectacular equaliser in stoppage time, but his long-range blast was wide of the target.