Real Betis defeated Osasuna in Pamplona this Saturday (1-2) in a toss-up match for Vitor Roque. The Brazilian opened the scoring in the 7th minute by pushing Aitor Ruibal's low cross into the goal, after passing into Fornals' space in a good collective action by the 'green and white' team. However, after half an hour of the match, he felt a puncture in the back of his left thigh that forced him to seek medical assistance.
Manuel Pellegrini sent Ezequiel Ávila to warm up and, when the Argentine striker seemed ready to enter, 'Tigrinho' returned to the field with gestures of pain, but was able to complete the first half, while Osasuna besieged the Betic area with several dangerous arrivals. After the break, the Chilean coach put 'Chimy' in place of the former FC Barcelona attacker, understanding that it was unnecessary to take risks with the '8'.
Manuel Pellegrini ruled out an injury to Vitor Roque
For Timóteo's man, Saturday's goal was his second goal of the season after having scored against Leganés on matchday 5. In addition, the 19-year-old forward started for the fourth time so far in 2024/25 and is winning more and more confidence under Pellegrini's orders. In the post-match press conference, the Betis coach was satisfied with the performance of the former Athlético Paranaense and also ruled out a muscle injury.
"Very happy with Vitor, who had opportunities and did not score. Then he felt contractures in both calves and we did not want to risk a tear. He could not continue running. I do not think he has an injury, it is a matter of fatigue," explained the Chilean, who He also valued obtaining the three points in a field that is always difficult for all Spanish teams. With the victory, the 'verdiblancos' momentarily rise to sixth place in the table with 15 points, the same as Osasuna.