Fekir's Strike Push Betis Into Top 4 Contenders

Nabil Fekir scored a magnificent individual goal as Real Betis beat Levante 2-0 in La Liga on Friday to boost their European hopes.

Manuel Pellegrini's men sit nine points behind fourth-placed Sevilla in the race for the Champions League, but the fifth win in six league games was the perfect response to last weekend's Seville derby defeat.

Betis remain sixth, level on points with fifth-placed Real Sociedad who face Barcelona on Sunday.

READ ALSO: La Liga: Betis Coach, Manuel Pellegrini Slams VAR After Real Madrid Defeat

The home side were frustrated for long periods by Levante at the Estadio Benito Villamarin but were indebted to a moment of magic from midfielder Fekir with 20 minutes to play.

The French World Cup-winner collected the ball just inside the Levante half, spinning away from one challenge before beating three more opponents on a mazy 40-yard run, finishing through the legs of goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez.

It was Fekir's third league goal of the season and only his 10th in total for Betis since his move from Lyon in 2019.

Juanmi put the result beyond any doubt just five minutes later.

AFP