Monday 30 April 2018 23:51, UK
Fabian scored a worthy winner as Real Betis guaranteed at least Europa League football next season by coming from behind to beat relegated Malaga 2-1.
Fabian scored a worthy winner as Real Betis guaranteed at least Europa League football next season by coming from behind to beat relegated Malaga 2-1.
Three points ensured Quique Setien's side would be involved in continental competition next term for the first time in five seasons.
They had to come back to earn them, however, as La Liga's bottom club took the lead after 20 minutes when Yussef En-Nesyri breached the defensive line and fired home a powerful shot.
The shock lead lasted a paltry four minutes, with Malaga captain Roberto Rosales gifting Riza Durmisi the equaliser with a moment of madness in his own penalty area.
The sides could not be prised apart for more than 40 minutes after that, until Fabian seized his moment 17 minutes from full-time.
Collecting the ball 25 yards from goal, he took three touches, worked a gap between two defenders then rifled low into the bottom corner.
There is still a slim chance of Betis leapfrogging Valencia to claim the final Champions League place, but they need an eight-point swing in the last three matches of the season.
As such, a return to the Europa League for the first time since 2013/14, when they reached the round of 16 before being knocked out on penalties by city rivals and eventual winners Sevilla, looks more likely.
