Villarreal 0 - 0 Real Betis: Villarreal miss chance to usurp Real Madrid as Betis secure goalless draw

Posted Sunday, January 17, 2016 by PA

Villarreal squandered the chance to go ahead of Real Madrid in the Primera Division as they were held to a goalless draw by rejuvenated Real Betis.

In Juan Merino's first league game since Pepe Mel was sacked, the interim coach helped Betis end a five-match losing streak in all competitions.

The 0-0 draw takes them up to 14th in the standings, while Villarreal stay fourth after their run of six consecutive league wins came to an end.

Despite their dismal form, Betis were the better side in the first half.

Ruben Castro was their main threat, hitting a deflected free-kick just wide of goal and blazing over the bar, while Foued Kadir failed to make the most of a rebound after Alvaro Cejudo's shot was blocked.

Although constrained by the visitors' energetic play, Villarreal had a couple of chances to score, with Roberto Soldado shooting wide in the first minute and then firing just over the bar on the stroke of half-time.

The match was more evenly matched after the break, but neither team could find a way through.

Villarreal's best moment came when Adrian Marin cut into the box and Antonio Adan saved with his legs, while at the other end Alfred N'Diaye volleyed just over the bar.