Estonian national team goalkeeper Karl Jakob Hein helped Real Valladolid to the club’s fourth win this season in the Spanish top flight, beating Real Betis 1-0 at home.
Valladolid had a good chance to take the lead already on the 22nd second, with Anuar shooting it wide after winning possession on Betis’ half. In the 8th minute, Mario Martin sent a header towards the back post, with it just missing the target.
At the end of a relatively quiet half, Valladolid forward Marcos Andre hit it just wide after a low cross from the left flank and Lo Celso shot from a free kick from 30 meters toward Hein, with it going over the goal. The Estonian did not have to make a save in the first half.
Hein’s first save came on the 54th minute, as he caught Ezzalzouli’s low and central effort. Four minutes later, Valladolid took the lead through Kike Perez. The home team seemed inspired from the goal and started searching for a second goal, but Marcos Andre‘s efforts were just wide from Betis’ goal.
Betis put on a lot of pressure, with hopes of finding an equalizer, with their most dangerous chance coming on the 9th minute of added time, as Valladolid captain Javi Sanchez blocked a shot, being a meter away from the goal line.
With that win, Valladolid rose to 19th place in the table, ahead of Valencia, who take on Sevilla. The final survival spot in 17th is a point away from Valladolid.
Henri Anier’s team, Lee Man (Thailand) lost their first game of the calendar year to Tai Po 1-0. Anier was in the starting lineup and recorded 79 minutes, with the only goal of the game coming on the 9th minute by Lucas Silva. Reigning champions Lee Man are currently fourth in the table, having two games in hand compared to league leaders Tai Po, who have 10 more points.
Kevor Palumets started in a training game for his new home club, FK Podbrezova Železiarne, who faced off againg Czech third tier leaders Kromeriži Hanacka Slavia. Palumets played for 60 minutes, as Podbrezova came out 3-1 winners.
Vladislav Kreida and Sigma also played in a friendly, against last place in Slovakia’s top flight, Skalica. The game finished in a 2-2 draw.
Sinjavski and Slovacko beat Slovakian team Trencinci 2-0 and Paskotši and Grasshoppers beat Austrian top flight leaders Sturm Graz 1-0.
Georgi Tunjov (Pescara) came on as a substitute for the final 15 minutes in a Serie C fixture against Rimini, with the game finishing 0-0. Pescara, who haven’t won in their last 5 fixtures, are currently 3rd in their regional table. Pescara’s next game will be against Pianese, who are winless in their last six fixtures.
Oliver Jürgens was an unused substitute for Ponferradina, as they lost to Sestao 1-2 at home. Ponerradina are currently fourth in the table, which would secure them play-offs for promotion to the Spanish second division.
Sources: https://soccernet.ee/artikkel/super-heina-nullimang-aitas-valladolidi-hooaja-neljanda-voiduni
https://soccernet.ee/artikkel/lee-man-ja-anier-alustasid-aastat-kaotusega-liidrile
https://soccernet.ee/artikkel/palumets-sai-uue-koduklubi-eest-esimesed-minutid-kirja
https://soccernet.ee/artikkel/lahtise-tulevikuga-tunjov-sai-pescara-viigimangus-minuteid