Abdessamad Ezzalzouli marked his return from injury with an influential display as Real Betis claimed a 2-1 victory at Villarreal on Monday night in La Liga’s fifth round. The Moroccan winger, sidelined recently by physical problems, started for Manuel Pellegrini and was instrumental in the equalizer that shifted the match’s momentum.
Villarreal broke the deadlock through Gerard Moreno in the 29th minute, but Ezzalzouli answered swiftly. Ten minutes later, he drove into the box from the left flank and struck a low shot that Péter Gulácsi parried. Cucho Hernández pounced on the loose ball to restore parity at 1-1 in the 39th minute. Before the interval, Natan completed Betis’s turnaround with a second goal in the 43rd minute, leaving the visitors with a commanding 2-1 lead that they defended throughout the second half.
Ezzalzouli’s standout contribution in attacking play
The 23-year-old winger dominated Betis’s offensive output during his 66 minutes on the pitch. He was consistently involved along the left, repeatedly targeted by teammates, and functioned as the team’s primary creative force before Antony replaced him. His pressing and directness generated numerous chances, with his work-rate and decision-making proving central to Betis’s ability to turn the tide after falling behind.
Local media reflected his impact: Muchodeporte awarded him the match’s highest individual rating of 9/10, underlining his decisive influence and describing him as Betis’s most dangerous attacking outlet. The praise signals immediate reintegration into Pellegrini’s plans following his recent absence.
Timing of Ezzalzouli’s comeback amid Betis’s campaign
Ezzalzouli’s immediate effectiveness addresses an early-season need. With injuries disrupting squad continuity, his return to fitness and immediate restoration to the starting XI suggests Pellegrini views him as non-negotiable to the team’s attacking shape. The winger’s ability to produce in a high-pressure away fixture demonstrates readiness to sustain this role as the campaign intensifies, reinforcing Betis’s depth on the flanks at a point when early-window momentum proves critical.
