Villares Late Equalizer Earns Deportivo La Coruna Hard-Fought Draw Against Betis

Deportivo La Coruna salvaged a dramatic 1-1 draw against Real Betis in Sunday's La Liga clash, with substitute Diego Villares delivering a stunning late equalizer just three minutes from time to deny the visitors all three points.

Betis Strike Before the Break

It was Real Betis who drew first blood in what proved to be an entertaining afternoon. Colombian striker Cucho Hernández broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, finishing smartly with an assist credited to Nelson Deossa, sending Betis into the half-time interval with a slender lead. The goal came just before the break, giving Manuel Pellegrini's side the perfect platform to defend heading into the second period. A VAR review was triggered in the 48th minute concerning Hernández, but officials ultimately cancelled any potential card upgrade, allowing the goal to stand uncontested.

Deportivo Push Hard, Villares Delivers

Antonio Hidalgo's Deportivo La Coruna came out with renewed intent in the second half, throwing bodies forward and testing Álvaro Vallés repeatedly in the Betis goal. The home side dominated possession and territory, piling on the pressure through wave after wave of attacks. Substitutions proved key for Deportivo, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traoré introduced to inject pace and creativity. It was, however, fellow substitute Diego Villares — who had come on as early as the 34th minute for the injured Marc Casadó — who had the final say. The midfielder coolly found the net in the 87th minute to send the home faithful into raptures and rescue a vital point for the Galician side.

Match Statistics

Deportivo La Coruna were dominant across most statistical categories, registering 7 shots on target and 8 off target compared to Betis's 4 on target and 3 off. The hosts earned an impressive 11 corners to Betis's 5, and committed 6 fouls to the visitors' 9. Discipline was tested on both sides, with Bright Ede picking up a yellow card for Deportivo in just the 3rd minute, while Real Betis's V. Gómez — who came on as an early substitute after Marc Bartra went off in the 12th minute — was booked in the 65th minute. Betis also had a VAR review during the match.

What This Result Means

For Deportivo La Coruna, this point will feel like a victory given the circumstances — coming from behind so late in the game demonstrates real character and fighting spirit from Hidalgo's squad. Real Betis, on the other hand, will be left to rue a missed opportunity to claim maximum points after controlling much of the contest. Both sides will need to regroup quickly as the La Liga season continues to intensify.