Real Betis coach Maunuel Pellegrini insists ‘the team that played better won’ in the Europa League clash at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Spaniards certainly dominated the first half, even if Paulo Dybala’s penalty had opened the scoring for a blatant Aitor Ruibal handling offence and was cancelled out by the Guido Rodriguez scorcher.
While Nicolò Zaniolo hit the crossbar and Claudio Bravo made a remarkable save on Bryan Cristante from point-blank range, Betis snatched victory at the 88th minute with a towering Luiz Henrique header.
“We were superior to Roma in the first half, whereas the second half was more balanced,” Pellegrini told Sky Sport Italia and in his press conference.
“I think the team that played better won, as we too had lots of scoring opportunities and good possession against a strong opponent on their own turf.
“We never lost control of the match, although we knew that we were playing against a great side and struggled a little when they came back into the game.
“We’re pleased with the character shown by the team in front of 60,000 spectators. We had studied their defenders and knew that the shot from distance would be effective, as well as attacking them down the flanks.”
Betis have a 100 per cent record to top their Europa League group on nine points, followed by Ludogorets on four points, Roma three and HJK Helsinki one.
“We are not qualified for the next round yet, we still need to wait a while.”
There were reports in the build-up to the match that this was a bitter rivalry between Pellegrini and Jose Mourinho, but both coaches shrugged off these suggestions.
“We had many games together in Spain and England, we never had personal problems. Our rapport has never been an issue.”
Disappointed to lose this game.