Mel: Betis deserved something

Pepe Mel conceded that Real Betis were second rate in the first half against Athletic Bilbao, but deserved something for their second half.

Los Beticos saw former midfielder Benat Etxebarria miss a penalty on the hour mark, before they soon took the lead through Jorge Molina.

However, goals in the final 20 minutes from Oscar de Marcos and Mikel San Jose saw the points remain in the Basque Country this Week 6.

“It would have been fair to have finished the first half a goal down to Athletic because they were the better team than us, but after we took the lead, I was convinced that we could win,” reflected Mel.

“The summery of the game is that Athletic should have taken the lead, but that at 0-1, we deserved a result.

“In the first half we had a gear less than Athletic, but after the break we did more, but in that final stretch is where we have lost.”

The game was Betis and Mel’s first visit to Athletic’s new San Mames.

“The essence of football remains the same as the previous ground. It’s amazing how the fans push for each corner and each attack.

“The ground is modern and when they complete it, it will be even nicer. I have to congratulate Athletic.”

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