Deportivo and Real Betis draw 1-1 amid refereeing controversy

Deportivo de La Coruña and Real Betis played to a 1-1 draw in a LaLiga match at Abanca-Riazor. Cucho Hernández opened the scoring for Betis in the 42nd minute following a defensive error, but Deportivo captain Diego Villares secured the equalizer with a header in the 87th minute.

The match was marked by significant controversy when Betis striker Cucho Hernández made contact with the head of Ximo Navarro. Despite a VAR review, referee César Soto Grado declined to issue a red card, a decision that drew sharp criticism from Deportivo manager Antonio Hidalgo, who described the incident as a “clear red.” Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini defended the player, stating the contact was incidental.

Additionally, Deportivo faced injury concerns as midfielder Marc Casadó was forced to leave the pitch early due to a shoulder injury. The draw halts Betis's winning streak and leaves them with 16 points, while Deportivo managed to salvage a point despite being affected by a recent viral outbreak among the squad.