Ruben Castro the match-winner on Real Betis return

Posted Tuesday, January 16, 2018 by PA

Ruben Castro came off the bench to mark his first match back at Real Betis with a late penalty winner after Leganes had battled back from two goals down.

The veteran forward, introduced in the 75th minute for his first appearance since returning from a loan spell in China with Guizhou Zhicheng, netted from the spot eight minutes later to earn Betis a 3-2 victory.

He sent his effort low into the bottom right corner as Betis followed up their 5-3 win at Sevilla with another high-scoring LaLiga victory.

Cristian Tello opened the scoring after 20 minutes, slotting home the rebound after Sergio Leon's shot was turned away by goalkeeper Pichu Cuellar.

Joaquin blasted home the second at Cuellar's near post five minutes before the break, but Gerard Gumbau halved the deficit four minutes later with a swerving long-range effort in off a post.

Eraso equalised in the 71st minute, poking home after keeper Adan had threatened to deny him when one on one.

But Betis were still not done and grabbed a winner from the spot thanks to their 36-year-old substitute to move up to seventh place in the table.