Both sides failed to win on the continent in midweek after leaving out some key players, likely due to this fixture’s importance regarding their respective European hopes for next season.
Perhaps proving the reasoning behind that, it was an even opening at the Estadio de la Ceramica, with both teams having positive passages of play without testing the opposition goalkeeper as Gerard Moreno headed wide.
While Los Verdiblancos took a greater hold on the game, goalmouth action remained rare with Raul Albiol doing a particularly good job of repelling their advances.
A horrible Pepe Reina mistake eventually led to the opener in the 38th minute, as the goalkeeper made a complete mess of what should have been a routine shot from Rodri, allowing Borja Iglesias to nip in ahead of Juan Foyth and poke home the striker’s 11th LaLiga goal of the season - equalling his best tally in a season for Betis.
Ramon Terrats then raced back brilliantly to clear Aitor Ruibal’s cross and ensure Dani Parejo’s poor play wasn’t punished before the break.
El Submarino Amarillo looked far brighter after the restart, and Moreno hit a strike that was deflected agonisingly over the crossbar.
Yeremy Pino then applied a lovely finish to Terrats’ cross and was adjudged to have been the right side of the offside trap following a lengthy VAR check.
Terrats continued to take up promising positions, slipping a ball through for Samuel Chukwueze that required a perfectly timed challenge from Rui Silva, then getting into the box before sending a wild shot off target.
Jose Luis Morales thought he’d scored a late winner to truly spark the hosts’ celebrations but had roamed offside before latching onto Moreno’s through ball, as Betis extended their unbeaten run in LaLiga to five matches, taking them three points behind fourth-placed Real Sociedad.
Meanwhile, Villarreal started a run of four league fixtures against sides currently in the top eight by going a third consecutive league game unbeaten.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ramon Terrats (Villarreal)