Real Betis 2 - 0 Las Palmas: Victor Sanchez starts with a win as Real Betis boss

Posted Saturday, November 19, 2016 by PA

Victor Sanchez's reign as Real Betis manager got off to a winning start with a 2-0 victory at home to Las Palmas.

The former Olympiacos and Deportivo la Coruna boss replaced Gus Poyet, who was sacked during the international break after back-to-back defeats saw them drop to within two points of the relegation zone.

And the change was justified as goals from Bruno and Aissa Mandi brought only their second home win of the season.

Betis certainly seemed energised by their new coach with Mandi and Ruben Castro both having chances inside the opening four minutes.

Kevin Prince-Boateng produced a couple of responses for the visitors but it was Betis who continued to threaten with Castro again thwarted from just outside the area before the breakthrough finally arrived in the 27th minute.

Joaquin's cross following a corner was headed home from close range by Bruno

Las Palmas, who had lost just once in their previous six matches, responded with Sergio Araujo twice going close, his first effort saved by Antonio Adan and the other blocked on its path to goal.

But just as it seemed they would at least get to the interval on level terms they were undone in added time by yet another close-range header, this time Mandi capitalising on Joaquin's cross.

That appeared to be a telling blow as the visitors struggled to create chances after the break and had to wait until the 82nd minute for Vicente Gomez to force a save out of Adan, with substitute David Simon missing the target with their final effort.